In Motion

Brooks also reports air-controlled brakes are providing strong cost and operation benefits, while electrically-controlled components' high technology aura is garnering attention.

AC motors are proving more cost-effective, while DC motors are showing higher maintenance needs in harsh environments, asserts Jon Radde, area manager for motors related to consumer products at Chicago-based Reliance Electric. DC motors are available with special cooling capabilities that can reverse airflow direction to protect against contaminants, he adds.