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At SDP/SI, we’re more than just a manufacturer—we’re a hub for engineering insight. Our mission is to support innovation and build better engineers by providing accurate, well-informed educational content and technical guides.
Engineering and design careers are demanding. When challenges arise—especially those that require custom solutions—access to the right tools and knowledge becomes essential. That’s why we created an online library: a comprehensive resource center where engineers and designers can quickly find the information they need to solve problems, deliver high-quality results, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Whether you're troubleshooting a unique application or expanding your technical expertise, SDP/SI is here to help you succeed.
Download our complete catalog online in PDF format or request that a paper copy be sent to your address.
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Learn about precision metal ball bearings and plastic bearings for industrial and commercial applications. Start with an introduction and brief overview of bearing types, and read about selection factors to consider such as loads, bearing reactions, tolerances and clearances, etc.
Check out the design data we have on ball bearings, from lubrication and surface finishes to porous metal and plastic materials. Review these tables to consider which bearing will best fit the application it is intended for, as well as what lubrication is correct and available.
Lubrication and Surface Finishes
Our resources on timing belts provide an overview of belt designs along with installation guidelines and operations. GT®3 timing belts offer an improved construction and material compound for superior load bearing capacity. Belt tensioning force and minimum pulley diameter specifications are also listed in easy-to-follow tables. Belt drives are particularly useful in applications where layout flexibility is important. Belt drives enable the designer to place components in more advantageous locations.
Steps to Designing a Miniature Belt and Pulley Drive System
Timing Belts Overview - White Paper (PDF)
Timing Belt Design and Installation Guidelines and Suggestions: General Guide Lines
Timing Belt Design and Installation Guidelines and Suggestions: Operations
Several considerations are listed for more relevant technical data about synchronous drive operations, suggestions for timing belt design and installation, and more detailed information such as durability and tooth jump resistance.
Download: Belt and Pulley Technical Data
Designing a Miniature Belt Drive System
Rated Torque Tables: Power, Torque, Workload Requirements (PDF)
Review criteria for power transmission couplings, including types of flexible couplings and application considerations, like torque and HP, shaft misalignment, lateral and axial flexibility of coupling, and backlash.
Criteria For Power Transmission Couplings
Flexible Coupling Types & Application Considerations of Couplings
We know all about gears, from the history of their conception to modern applications and designs. Our resources and expertise on gears is extensive, including white papers on gear types and manufacturing, planetary gears, and even a case study on how we help customers create unique solutions.
Gear Types and Manufacturing (PDF)
Planetary Gears - White Paper (PDF)
Design of Plastic Gears and General Considerations of Plastic Gearing
Elements of Metric Gear Technology
How to Achieve Optimum Performance in a Miniature Gear Train
We are proud to offer the many products of Nidec Motion Control. Established as the world’s leading electric motor manufacturer, Nidec Motion Control provides comprehensive motion control solutions for a diverse range of industries and thousands of demanding applications. Highly recognized for their work in robotics, autonomous mobile robots, warehouse automation, material handling, food and beverage, medical and many other markets, they produce products that drive industry.
Our product offering features high-efficiency motors, gearmotors, gearheads, and controllers for industrial and commercial markets. From an individual motor to a complete package of bundled products we meet our customer’s needs for comprehensive drive systems.
We're here to help! Our different departments can guide you through any questions or situations that come up.
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Center Distance Designer
Coupling Selector
Video References
