Technical plastics are an indispensable part of modern industry. In custom machine construction in particular, they find a wide range of applications because they have a high degree of flexibility and formability. It is important to know what properties plastics must have in components and standard parts in custom machine construction. This article describes the most important applications for plastics in mechanical engineering.

Tolerances are an essential aspect for manufacturing mechanically moving parts, as they ensure the correct interaction of components. General tolerances and their tolerance classes are used to simplify drawings. The standard DIN ISO 2768 specifies tolerances. Many design engineers use general tolerances as a simplified variation of tolerances to facilitate the design process.

Reflective surfaces can cause malfunctions in certain applications and even influence the results, e.g. in quality control or dimensional inspections. This should be taken into account when selecting a surface. But how can reflections be minimized? This article presents various options for surface treatment and surface coating. Low Temperature Black Chrome Plating, LTBC or also black chrome process, is explained in particular.

Precise measurements of fitting threads are crucial for avoiding expensive leaks and system failures. In our blog, you will learn what measuring tools are truly important and which frequent errors you should absolutely avoid when measuring threads. Read more and get valuable tips for error-free joints in your industrial applications.

Dial gauges are essential tools in industrial manufacturing and quality control. But how do you get the most out of them? In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know in order to make the best use of your dial gauges: from the most important features, to reading and clamping correctly, to avoiding measurement errors. You will also receive valuable tips on maintenance, care and calibration, so that your dial gauges work accurately for the long-term.

Ball bearings are critical components in many machines and equipment and play a central role for low-friction movement of parts. Design-based protection of rolling bearings against overload and failure due to overheating, contamination and external influences is therefore one of the fundamental tasks of a design engineer. Ball bearings can for example be sealed or one can use roller bearings already sealed by the factory to achieve the longest possible service life. To minimize friction and wear, it is necessary to ensure that bearings are sufficiently lubricated. As part of maintenance, the ball bearings must therefore be checked and relubricated as needed. However, modern industrial technology increasingly uses self-lubricating or non-serviceable sealed rolling bearings, which are already equipped by the manufacturer with corresponding sealing elements and lubricant deposits.

Elastomer couplings are a type of shaft coupling. They transfer torque between two shafts and perform tasks such as power transmission, compensating alignment errors, but also damping of shocks and vibrations. Elastomer couplings ensure optimal power transmission by using various materials, and also based on their material properties and shape. The properties of the respective elastomer coupling simultaneously prevent vibrations of the drive shaft from being transmitted to the coupled shaft. The following article discusses which properties these are, how the hardness of elastomers is determined and what application examples there are.

Belt conveyors are versatile conveyor systems that play a critical role for optimizing industrial production processes. From its basic design to the various types of drives to the capacity of the conveyor, this blog highlights how to get the most out of your conveyor. We will also take a look at the different belt shapes used on belt conveyors and will show you what to look for when replacing the belts to ensure smooth operation in your industrial plant.

Gas compression springs support moving parts or compensate weight. They are used, for example, for doors, hatches or swivel arms. Especially in mechanical engineering and plant engineering, it can be useful for safety reasons to provide certain components and machines with hatches. Gas springs support opening and closing these, especially on heavy hatches and doors. This blog article explains how they work, what variants there are and where else they can be used.