Basic knowledge

Shafts are a critical component of the mechanical engineering industry, as they connect various components. There are several types of shafts used in mechanical engineering, including linear shafts, rotary shafts, and rods. When selecting a shaft for a specific application, you must consider various factors to find the best shaft. These include the type of application, the performance requirements, and the type of shaft best suited for the application. By making the right choice, you can be sure that the machine will operate efficiently and achieve the desired results.

Rigid, non-disengageable couplings are axially aligned, compact, and non-rotating, making them widely used. They create a non-rotating connection between two shafts, provided that both shafts are perfectly aligned. However, rigid couplings do not allow for flexibility, movement, or compensation. In this article, you can read about when it is worthwhile to use a rigid shaft coupling, what advantages they offer, and what different types are available.

As part of quality assurance and functional testing, testing technology plays a crucial role in the production environment. A variety of material testing methods are used—ranging from destructive tests, such as tensile testing, to non-destructive techniques, such as ultrasonic testing. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements for testing technology as well as various testing methods.

Reliable test methods are essential in electronics manufacturing. Spring contact pins serve as a precise interface for testing connections in electronic assemblies. But how exactly are spring contact pins used and which variants are available? In this article, you'll discover the many uses and different designs of these precise testing tools.

Corrosion is much more than just superficial rust. When incompatible metals are joined, their direct contact can cause profound damage due to galvanic corrosion. The process behind galvanic corrosion is based on electrochemical processes and preferentially occurs in wet, salty, or aggressive environments. Under these conditions, it leads to the inevitable degradation of the less noble metal. In this article, we show how contact corrosion works, which materials are particularly affected and which preventive measures are effective.

Steel is a versatile material in industry and is particularly popular for its robustness. However, this robustness is not a fundamental property of steel, but rather the result of purposeful hardening processes. In this article, we introduce the processes of steel hardening, provide an overview of hardening methods, and list common errors and problems.

Pneumatic cylinders are versatile drive elements that produce precise linear motion by using compressed air. Depending on the application, different technical properties are required. For example, vacuum valves with volumetric flow restrictors enable precise control of airflow, while integrated anti-rotation devices increase operational reliability. But how do I choose the right compressed air cylinder for my application? This article gives you a comprehensive overview of what is involved when selecting pneumatic cylinders or compressed air cylinders so that you can make informed decisions in the future and select the cylinder that best suits your needs.

From machining, to welding processes or along the conveyor: In modern manufacturing, precise cooling and reliable cleaning are essential for quality, process reliability and productivity. Air nozzles and spray nozzles offer flexible solutions - from precise blow-off to liquid surface wetting. In this blog, you will learn which nozzle types are suited for which applications, how jet shape and spray angle impact the effect and what really matters when selecting, designing and integrating into the system.

In industrial applications, inconspicuous details often determine operational reliability, maintenance and product service life – including screw locking devices. Whether in mechanical engineering, material handling or robotics, a loosened screw can have costly consequences. In this blog, we take a real-world look at locknuts and introduce alternative locking methods – from locknuts to adhesives to interlocking solutions – with an analysis of their efficacy and a clear classification according to locking principles.

When components are manufactured within tight tolerances, the precise handling of micrometers is very important. But correct reading has to be learned: What scales are there? What does the reference line show? And how is the measurand actually determined? In our current blog post, micrometers are explained in detail. We show you step by step how to read analog micrometers correctly – with hands-on examples, typical sources of error and tips from manufacturing engineering.

How much compressed air does a pneumatic cylinder really need? In this article, you'll learn how to calculate the air consumption of double-acting cylinders and which influencing factors are critical. In industrial applications of pneumatic systems, precise analysis of air demand is essential to conserve energy and increase plant efficiency. In practical terms, we show what matters in the calculation, including the formula, an example, and tips for optimization.

High-precision switches are used in mechanical engineering when the task at hand is determining exact positions, checking manufacturing tolerances, or for process monitoring. Depending on the application, there are different types of switches that this article presents in detail.

Temperature sensors and thermostats are technical components that provide precise temperature monitoring and control in industry, households, and automation. From thermocouples, RTDs, or bimetallic switches, each system has specific strengths and applications. This article provides an overview of the various components for accurate temperature measurement and temperature monitoring and shows differences and typical applications of the most important temperature sensors and thermostats. Find the right solution for your temperature measurement needs.

Many industries use machines or industrial robots. A stable power supply to these machines is essential to ensure trouble-free operation. Cable breakage and premature wear can lead to costly downtime. Energy chains provide reliable cable routing, increase the service life of the energy lines and improve operational reliability. But which energy chain is right for your application? This blog provides step-by-step guidance on how to best design your energy chains to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal maintenance.

Safety switches play an important role in mechanical engineering. They minimize accidents by reliably interrupting or preventing hazardous movements and processes in the event of an emergency. Depending on the application, different types of safety switches are used. This article provides an overview of various safety switches, their functions and their applications.

Synchronous belts or timing belts are installed as drive elements in a wide variety of applications. They are characterized by extremely precise synchronization and efficiency. This feature is used in applications where accurate timing is important, such as positioning tasks or a conveyor belt in the packaging, food or automotive industries. However, it is particularly important in these areas to detect and correct signs of timing belt wear early. In this article, you will learn about the typical signs of wear that occur with synchronous belts and what measures you can use to specifically extend their service life.

Conveyor design and configuration play an important role in material handling. Physical parameters such as the coefficient of friction between the belt and the transport material as well as the surface structure of the transport material determine the maximum inclination angle. This article explains the relevant physical relationships and presents field-proven optimization measures for long-lasting systems.

Precisely matched profile connectors are essential for the efficient construction of machine frames, guards and workstation systems. MISUMI’s webshop offers an extensive range of connecting elements that covers various mechanical requirements and profile geometries. What solutions are there and how can they be implemented? In this article, we provide a structured overview of the available variants and their engineering applications.

Plugs, connectors, and sensor cables affect the reliability and efficiency of systems in modern industrial automation. But what types of sensors are available and how do you choose the right sensor cable? How is the connection of sensor connectors optimally implemented to ensure secure data transmission? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different connector types, highlight commonly used connectors, and explain some variations of coding M12 sensor connectors – everything you need to know to choose the right connection for your applications.

Connectors are the invisible backbone of modern industrial equipment – they ensure reliable transmission of power, signals and data. Whether it’s high-performance power connectors, precise signal connections, or highly shielded data connectors, every industrial application has specific material, design, and protection requirements. In this article, we will highlight the different types of connectors, their uses, and what to look for when selecting the right connector.