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...
Which software are you using in your mechanical design project? Advertisement I have been using Solid Edge 3D CAD software for 1-2 years for my mechanical design projects in the past. But now, according to the standardization in my design organization, I have to switch to use Unigraphics software instead, or we call it in short as "UG NX4" (the latest versions are simply called NX ). To be honest, at first, I still liked Solid Edge because I think I can make modeling and assembly in Solid Edge faster and easier than in UG. But one of the good things for UG is the Motion Simulation module that helps me simulate the movement of mechanical assemblies before releasing for manufacturing. I know that Solid Edge also has this kind of simulation module, but I didn't have a chance to use it (no license). So in this post, I would like to share how easy it is to set up motion simulation in UG NX4. Let's start with a very simple modeling. ...