gearbox base plate design

[nnjunger]

I am looking for a software package to simulate loads on stresses on baseplates for gearboxes. Most of the applications I have are retrofitting equipment in an existing facility, but we have to design new bases to take the loads. Currently, we use past experience and common sense, but not a true engineering approach. Any assistance would be appreciated.

 

[unclesyd]

I have't seen a software program that applies to machine bases but here is an inexpensive book that thoroughly cover covers the design and is very inexpensive.

"The Design of Weldments by Omer Blodgett"

https://ssl.lincolnelectric.com/lincoln/spmount/store.asp?PID=16&cat=7

We quit making our bases and started having them built by people like the following. You can do a search on "machine bases" and find several people that supply them a very reasonable price.

http://www.americangrinding.com/divisions/brute/

 

[FredGarvin]

"Currently, we use past experience and common sense, but not a true engineering approach.

That is one of the funniest posts I have seen in a while. I needed that. I guess it's just my naturally negative slant on things that picked that up. I could have sworn you worked for my company.

 

[nnjunger]

Fred,

In retrospect, it probably was humurous. It just seems like facilities get in a fire fighting mode, and don't take the time to research solutions the best they can. As far as companies to work for, it seems like a lot of them have the same philosophy.

 

[unclesyd]

I didn't think it was funny as I've worked that way for last 20 years. Engineering tools consisted of soapstone for drawing on concrete, felt tip for paper board, an All Stabilo for glass and plastic, and a tape measure. The biggest part of engineering was learning how to measure with a tape and covert to three decimals for the shop.
I think we should have a TV show "Reality Engineering".


Back to bases again, here is another company we used with excellent results and service.

http://www.interlakesbases.com

 

[FredGarvin]

nnjunger,
I agree with you completely. It is the same way with my position as well. I also do wish that common sense was part of the engineering profession these days.

Sorry to go off topic.

 

[Tmoose]

Unclesyd - have you used bases designed by Interlakes for supporting rotating machinery? The few dozen I've seen from them were indeed nicely made and finished, but seemed to be aimed at holding things off the floor without much regard for resonant frequencies 40 - 200 Hz.

 

[unclesyd]

We did have some bases from Interlakes and American Grinding that do hold rotating machinery. At this time I don't recollect if all the bases used for rotating equipment had any input from our equipment design group or not. We do have quite a number bases that operate in the frequency range you mention but the forces are very low. The highest loads were by Burgmaster multi-spindle and gang drills with a maximum of 3 Hp. Three of the drills had our design air over oil feed systems installed. These machines required more rigidity in their bases and I think they had our design input in the design

We do have several specials that we designed and were built or finished by one of the companies. We were actually using their finishing capabilities, grinding.

As far as I know all bases by Interlakes have performed as advertised. The people that I had contact with were quite knowledgeable in understanding our requirements and offered good service and delivery.


An article on the demise of “Burgmaster” and is almost the same that is happening to my old company.

http://www.nex.net.au/users/reidgck/HOWASS.HTM