Difference Between a QD and QT Bushed Sheave

Here at MDS of Michigan, we understand that it can be difficult to choose between a QD and QT Bushed Sheave for your drive system. With thousands of parts online and a full inside and outside sales team to support, we are here to help. We are here to educate and support you; much like […]

What is a Sprocket?

Sprockets are a type of mechanical part that have been around for centuries and are still used in many engineering applications today. They are typically used to transmit rotational power from one shaft to another, and are used in a variety of ways, including in bicycles, automobiles, and, for our customer base here at MDS […]

Standard Keyway Size Chart

We at MDS carry a wide range of products with keyways, including bushings and roller chain sprockets. All of the measurements listed on the product pages in inches without the keyway width or depth. To help, we’ve put together the following keyway cheat sheet for the online products we carry, so you can be sure […]

Our Most Sold Power Transmission Products Online in 2022

With 2022 behind us, here is a list of our most sold power transmission products online in 2022. Before we get to far, we would like to thank each and everyone of you who have supported us this year. Our team at MDS of Michigan, can’t do what we do without each and everyone of […]

What’s the Difference Between a Taper-Lock and QD Bushing?

With so many different types of bushings, what are the main differences between a taper-lock and QD bushing? Let’s start with what a steal bushing actually is. Steal bushings are akin to thin tubes most commonly used for machinery with rotating or sliding shafts to improve efficiency and reduce vibration and noise. As we like […]

What’s the Difference Between Plummer Block Bearings and Pillow Block Bearings?

Plummer block bearings and pillow block bearings are very similar, but if you aren’t familiar with power transmission products, they can be confusing. There are so many different options to choose from, but when you are in a tight pinch, sometimes all you are looking for is a solution. The most confusing part is that […]

What is a Pillow Block Bearing?

A pillow block bearing is the housing for an antifriction bearing that provides support for a rotating shaft; not to be confused with a plummer block bearing which is similar but has a different application. Click Here to find out the difference between the two. Pillow block bearings are typically very simple and are made […]

Types of Conveyor Belts

  Conveyor belts can move just about anything, as long as they are the right conveyor belt for the product. A single manufacturing facility could have one of every major type of conveyor belt, reflecting all the changes that take place from raw materials to finished product. Let’s break down some of the different conveyor […]

What is an A Section Belt?

With so many different types of belts, what is an A section belt. To clarify, an A section belt is a size of V-belt. What is a V-belt then? V-belts take their name from the somewhat V-shaped cross section of the belt. Whereas a flat belt has a rectangular cross section, V-belts are wider at […]

V-Belt Metric Size Chart

  We at MDS carry a wide range of V-Belts, including 3VX, 5VX, A section, and B section. However, all of the measurements listed on the product pages are in inches rather than metric units. To help, we’ve put together the following V-belt size chart in MM for the belts we carry, so you can be […]