Move and drive
Move a load in a straight line
Separate the parts that support the load from the parts that drive it. Define motion and force before comparing screw and pneumatic drives.
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Design guides: from purpose to calculation
Find original illustrated workflows for motion, support, fastening, fits, bearings and stopping. Filter by purpose and follow conditions, worked examples and result interpretation.
15 guides
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Fasten and fit
Fasten into aluminium
Before choosing torque or engagement from nominal diameter alone, identify the clamped parts and the path of force.
Follow the guide →Fasten and fit
Plan sheet-metal dimensions
Distinguish folded dimensions from the blank length. Start by agreeing exactly where each dimension is measured.
Follow the guide →Support and hold
Check shelf or tabletop deflection
A shelf can carry a load yet deflect too much for its purpose. Define the supports first, then check stress and deformation separately.
Follow the guide →Support and hold
Check tipping and sliding of a tall assembly
Resistance to tipping and resistance to sliding are different. Check which boundary is reached first under a lateral load.
Follow the guide →Move and drive
Rotate a load with a motor
Equal masses can need different torque because their axes and mass distributions differ. Separate steady resistance from the torque needed to change speed.
Follow the guide →Fasten and fit
Check a hole and shaft fit
A nominal 20 mm hole and shaft both have size ranges. Compare their tightest and loosest combinations to understand the fit.
Follow the guide →Support and hold
Lift a part with vacuum suction
Holding direction matters even with a large suction force. Distinguish force pulling away from the pad from force sliding along its surface.
Follow the guide →Move and drive
Push and pull with a pneumatic cylinder
One cylinder can have different pushing and pulling forces. Define the required force first, then check pressure and effective areas.
Follow the guide →Move and drive
Find force and power for moving a load
Horizontal movement and lifting need different forces. Separate the sources of resistance before calculating force and power.
Follow the guide →Fasten and fit
How much does a dimension change with temperature?
A fit at assembly temperature can change in operation. Check both the dimensional change and which locations can move.
Follow the guide →Support and hold
Check a pin joint beyond pin shear
A thick pin does not establish the strength of the whole joint. Separate pin shear from the loads carried by the surrounding plate.
Follow the guide →Move and drive
Transmit rotation with an open belt
Pulley sizes and centre distance determine speed ratio and geometric belt length. Start by distinguishing pitch diameter from outside diameter.
Follow the guide →Support and hold
Find bearing loads and interpret rating life
Two bearings do not necessarily split load equally. Start with the load position and bearing centres to find each reaction.
Follow the guide →Move and drive
Estimate stopping distance and mean force
A shorter stopping distance requires more force. An average stopping force does not determine the peak impact force.
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Reference information and illustrative calculations. This content does not guarantee suitability or safety of a design. Confirm the actual materials, component specifications and operating conditions.