Technical intelligence for plant operators, maintenance managers, and procurement officers — written by RBC Industrial's engineers.
RTechnical brief
Bearing Mounting and Fit: Shaft Tolerances, Interference Classes, and Installation
Why most bearings fail before their rated life — and what to check at installation
RTechnical brief
Jaw Couplings: Service Factors, Spider Ratings, and Sizing the Right Coupling
The no-lube flexible coupling that handles misalignment without the maintenance
RTechnical brief
Roller Chain and Sprockets: Pitch, Strands, and Tooth Count for Drive Reliability
How chain numbers, sprocket styles, and alignment determine drive life
RTechnical brief
Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: What the August Expansion Means for Your Bearing and PT Budget
407 new derivative HTS codes now face 50% duties. Here's what procurement should check before the next quote.
RTechnical brief
Bearing Lead Times in 2026: Why 5-7 Weeks Is the New Baseline and How to Plan Around It
Standard NA bearing lead times have normalized at 5-7 weeks. Custom and large-bore can run 12-16. Here's the planning framework.
RTechnical brief
V-Belt Drive Basics: Cross Sections, Sheave Nomenclature, and Tensioning
How to read a stock sheave part number and keep classic V-belt drives running
RTechnical brief
Reading a Motor Nameplate: Volts, Full-Load Amps, Service Factor, and Frame Size
The fields that matter most when replacing a failed motor
RTechnical brief
Idler Sprockets: Bronze-Bushed Types and How to Use Them for Chain Tensioning
Small part, big job — idler sprockets keep chain drives tensioned, tracked, and quiet.
RTechnical brief
Gear Rack and Pinion: Converting Rotary to Linear Motion with Stock Rack
Pressure angle, face width, and pinion selection — the basics of specifying gear rack for linear drives.
RTechnical brief
Engineering-Class Sprockets: When Standard Stock Won't Carry the Load
Made-to-order, split, and shear-pin sprocket options for heavy conveyor and elevating service.
RTechnical brief
Timing Pulleys 101: XL, L, H, and XH Pitches and How to Read the Catalog Number
Choosing the right stock timing pulley starts with pitch. Here's what the designations mean.
RTechnical brief
Miter Gears vs. Bevel Gears: Picking the Right Right-Angle Drive
Both transmit power between intersecting shafts at 90 degrees. The difference is in the ratio — and the mounting.