You selected the right AGMA Class gearbox . You calculated the belt tension perfectly. But the moment you hit "Start," the belt snaps or the gearbox makes a terrifying clunk. The culprit is likely your Starting Method . In conveyor systems, the starting torque profile matters more than steady-state power. Note: We previously discussed VFDs as Energy Savers for pumps and fans. For conveyors, however, the goal is not lowering your electric bill—it is preventing your gearbox from exploding. Table of Contents 1. The Physics of Shock Loads 2. Why Soft Starters Stall Conveyors 3. The VFD Torque Advantage 4. Comparison: Cost vs. Protection 5. Final Verdict Advertisement 1. The Physics of Shock Loads When an AC induction motor starts Direct-On-Line (DOL), it draws 600% to 800% of its rated current (Inrush Current). More importantly, it produces a sudden spike known as Locked-Rotor Torqu...
Motion Simulation with Microsoft Excel Mechanical design usually deals with the movement of several parts. There are a lot of software packages that help simulate the movement of machine parts, such as NX (UG), Solid Edge, and SolidWorks. Advertisement But how do you make a simulation without those expensive software packages? I use Microsoft Excel to simulate my timing diagrams. As you can see in the video above, it provides a clear visual representation of the machine's cycle. How it Works Actually, it is nothing but motion simulation using the graphing method in Microsoft Excel. While it cannot simulate complex 3D collisions or physics like high-end CAD, it helps you get a feel for how your machine will behave according to your timing diagram. This technique uses VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to control the movements. Here is the general workflow: Prepare the Spreadsheet: Create a table defining the geometry (...