Gearing up for change

Power transmission in transport — whether it's pedalling a bicycle or driving a train — is a familiar concept to most of us.

The energy generated by the engine (or pedals) has to be converted into power, often torque, at the business end, and that some mechanical system — maybe of couplings, chains, shafts and gears — gets the job done.

This also applies to many industrial scenarios. Direct drive motors are not always practical, due to spatial and environmental constraints among others, and what may appear to be rudimentary mechanical linkages are often the most practical option. Power is also transmitted via hydraulics and pneumatics in many applications, but those areas are for another article.

Like many other aspects of engineering, European manufacturers are facing stiff pricing pressure, both from Asian and eastern European manufacturers able to take advantage of cheaper labour and lower operating costs. A recent report on the European market for gearboxes and geared motors by Frost & Sullivan highlights these challenges.