IFM Efector has introduced a pressure sensor which communicates data flexibly via switching outputs or IO-Link 1.1.
Process data and diagnostics information may be transmitted using a standard cable. The parameter setting of this PN7 type pressure sensor also uses the IO-Link communication technology.
An IO-Link master saves the parameters of the connected sensor and transmits them when the sensor is replaced by a device of the same type. This eliminates the need for a new parameter setting. If the IO-Link function is not used, then the pressure sensor operates—as before— with two switching outputs (SIO mode) or a switching output and a diagnostic output.
Additionally, the sensors feature high switch point accuracy. The overload-protected ceramic measuring cell even withstands more than 100 million switching cycles. Different versions with pressure ranges between -1 and 600 bar are available.
Maxon Motor has developed a 16mm spindle drive. Designed to be easily configurable, the drive system has integrated axial bearing for high loads. There is a version with a metric M6 spindle or Ø 5 mm ball screw.
According to the manufacturers, gearheads, motors, encoders and controllers from the company’s standard program have been selected to drive the spindles. The individual components of the spindle drives are matched to each other in order to deliver high-efficiency drive performance.
A central component is the axial bearing, which must withstand the high tractive and compressive forces of the spindle.
There are 14 different reduction ratios in the planetary gearhead available, from 4.4 up to 850:1. Depending on the reduction ratio and the type of spindle, this makes it possible to achieve feed forces between 35 and 370N and even up to 400N for short durations.
DC or brushless EC motors can be used to drive the system. In total, nine different motor types are available.
Contactron switching technology enables smooth switching and reversing of motors thereby and relieving the load on relay contacts. Hybrid motor starters last up to ten times longer than purely mechanical switching devices.
For motors of up to 4 kW on 22.5 mm, the hybrid motor starter brings together all of the functions of a classical reversing contactor circuit, including safety functions, into one device. Internal load and locking circuits minimise wiring costs by up to 75 percent.
The wiring design continues with the connection of the motor starter to the SmartWire DT communication system. This practically eliminates complex parallel cabling at the control and signal levels for larger systems with a high number of consumers.
Hybrid motor starters, as well as command and reporting devices, are easily and clearly connected with SmartWire DT and can also be integrated into fieldbus systems by means of a gateway.
Another new model is the hybrid motor starter with integrated fuses. These fuses fulfill Classification Type 2 according to IEC/EN 60947-3-4.
This means protection for people, machines, and systems, even in the event of a short circuit. To continue operations, just swap out the fuses and the hybrid motor starter is ready to go again.
Trimec Flow Products Multipulse positive displacement flowmeters utilise the oscillating piston design principle with modern engineering materials to provide a cost effective solution for a range of industrial flow measurement applications.
Its simple and robust design offers the advantage of only one moving part with both high resolution open collector and reed switch outputs as standard. As each piston rotation passes a known liquid volume, the inherent repeatability of the Multipulse positive displacement flowmeter makes it particularly suited to batching and dispensing duties.
Commonly metered liquids range from non-conductive low viscosity solvents through to extremely viscous lubricants, chemicals and food bases.
Application flexibility is further enhanced as meter performance is independent of flow profile eliminating the restrictive need for straight pipe runs required with most alternate metering technologies.
Multipulse has no stagnate chambers to harbour contaminants. There are no restrictions on mounting orientation and the flowmeter may be operated under vacuum flow, pumped flow or gravity flow conditions.
ABB has released the IRB120T, a variant of the IRB120. While retaining its compact and lightweight features, the new six-axis variant delivers an increase in the maximum speeds of axis 4, 5 and 6, resulting in cycle time improvements of up to 25 percent.
Commenting on the new IRB 120T variant, Olivier Coquerel, Head of Robotics at ABB in Australia says, “During the successful deployment of large volumes of our standard IRB 120 robots across the world we identified a need for a faster variant of the robot to be utilised in pick and place applications, particularly in the food and beverage and packaging industries. I also foresee benefits in assembly applications for electrical and electronics and automotive parts manufacturers".
The IRB 120T can reduce cycle times by up to 25 percent and features a repeatability of 0.01 mm. It can also be mounted at any angle, either in a cell, on top of a machine or close to other robots on the manufacturing line.
The robot comes with the ABB IRC5 Compact control. This includes advanced path motion, FlexPendant programming, RobotStudio offline programming, RAPID language and communication capabilities.
Dassault Systèmes has announced the latest release of its 3DEXPERIENCE platform. V6 Release 2013 brings new capabilities to industries such as aerospace and defence, transportation and mobility, marine and offshore, consumer goods and consumer packaged goods.
V6 Release 2013 of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform includes:
· new xCAD file converters for easier supply chain collaboration and reuse of parts without translation;
· newly published APIs in robotics, ergonomics and machining; and
· additional xPDM interfaces for enhanced flexibility, including several with SAP.
Dassault Systèmes also recently announced its ongoing commitment to openness, continuing its support of the next phases of the Codex of PLM Openness, an initiative driven by automotive OEMs, suppliers and the ProSTEP iViP association.
V6 Release 2013 brings enhancements to Dassault Systèmes’ Industry Solutions, such as:
Transportation and Mobility solutions: updated ENOVIA integrations with the industry-standard International Material Data System and CATIA Live Weight to dashboard an assembly’s weight, centre of gravity, and related tolerances. Additionally, creative designers now have a dedicated character line feature in Imagine & Shape, CATIA’s virtual clay modeler, to smooth and refine sharp edges in exterior body designs.
Marine and Offshore solutions: additional digital ship platform capability with the new Structure Detail Design product and its integration with CATIA’s Structure Functional Design. This data associativity means that later functional design changes propagate to the structural detailed design.
Consumer Goods and Consumer Packaged Goods Industry solutions: improved usability, visualisation and performance in 3DVIA Store, the 3D retailing and merchandising simulation solution, enhancements to Natural Sketch, CATIA’s 3D sketching solution, and improved interface to the product formula design and management capabilities from recently acquired Enginuity Solutions.
Finally, all industries will get value from Exalead CloudView’s new linear scalability and connectivity enhancements, extracting easy views from both structured or unstructured data, enterprise or Web-based. Exalead’s data model is now extended to immediately transform heterogeneous, multi-source Big Data into consistent intelligent information.
"The globalisation of our company requires integrated and standardised engineering processes, which also interface to production and to external suppliers," said Kai Wallasch, responsible for global CAD-PDM at CLAAS, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery.
"In addition, the use of virtual engineering features will reduce time-to-market of our products considerably and support the managing of increasing product complexity. The integrated combination of ENOVIA V6 and CATIA V6 is one of the key systems to deal with these future challenges."
“At each release of our 3DEXPERIENCE platform, our focus is to provide our customers with improved capabilities to create the right value for their own customers or consumers,” said Dominique Florack, senior executive vice president, Products, R&D, Dassault Systèmes.
“By thinking in terms of the final value that our customers need to bring to their ultimate consumers, we fundamentally impact the platform enhancements that need to be done. Many in the software industry frequently say they’re ‘customer-centric.’
"But our approach goes beyond simply delivering towards customer needs. It means aligning ourselves to the real business challenges they’re facing and designing the right platform enhancement ‘with their consumer’s needs in mind, beyond IT.”
The Atlas 10 chair is a large, tough and durable operator chair that can carry up to 165kg. With a high density moulded seat and back foam and multiple ergonomic adjustability, the Atlas 10 is also very comfortable.
Many executive style chairs do not offer optimum levels of ergonomic adjustability. Not so the Atlas 10. It can be adjusted so it’s just as good for watching TV as it is for spending the whole day entering spreadsheet data.
The Atlas 10 chair is particularly suitable for individuals that need a generously proportioned, rugged chair.
Ergonomic touch
The Atlas 10 chair has a three adjustment lever mechanism to position the chair perfectly and the adjustment of the backrest and seat pan can be made separately for an optimal position.
The chair has an industry leading 10 year warranty and level six AFRDI QA certification.
Our dedicated team is available for any question or request concerning this chair. Samples are available on request for corporate and government customers.
3M has released its series of Versaflo Respirator Systems, designed to protect workers operating in a range of hazardous environments for long periods.
The product range has three modules: an air delivery unit, a headtop and a breathing tube that can be combined into different configurations to deal with changing environments, hazards and comfort preferences.
The S-Series Headcovers and Hoods can be comfortably worn by more users due to new sizing and adjustment options. Users also benefit from comfortable, quiet airflow, reduced fogging and a wider field of view.
The M-Series Faceshields and Helmets provide integrated protection from multiple hazards. They are lightweight and compact.
3M Versaflo TR-300 Powered Air Respirator is a slimline air delivery unit for environments with particulate hazards.
National Instruments has announced the release of a new wireless gateway and two new measurement nodes that extend the capabilities of the NI wireless sensor network (WSN) platform.
The wireless gateway aggregates measurement data from distributed WSN nodes, making data available within deployed LabVIEW Real-Time applications running on CompactRIO.
It also adds to existing programmable and nonprogrammable WSN gateways to offer choices for cost and flexibility.
In addition, the company’s NI WSN-3230 and NI WSN-3231 Serial Nodes feature one serial port and two digital I/O channels for discrete inputs, event detection and programmatic control.
The nodes embed query and parse algorithms directly on WSN node with LabVIEW WSN Module to create autonomous programmable interface to a variety of serial-based instruments, sensors and control boards.
Bürkert has released a modular valve and block package designed to make systems quickly and easily. The INOX solution incorporates an all stainless steel pneumatically actuated valve, and standard block modules with eight standard port channels.
The ports are drilled open in accordance with block channel design, bolted together, and valves screwed in to complete the block system. Strainers, check valves, and sensors are easily included in block construction.
INOX block systems support media to 180°C, 16 bar and 600 mm2/s viscosity, and has high chemical resistance for process media including water, alcohols, oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, salt solutions, alkali solutions, organic solvents, steam, air and more.
System configuration eliminates the use of elbows and t-adapters, and reduces connections to a minimum, to avoid leaks and deliver high overall system performance relative to traditional block solutions.
Small footprint, flexible configuration, and fast assembly make INOX systems ideal for manufactured blocks including temperature systems for injection moulding or die-casting tools, chemical dispensing in water or mineral processing, steam sterilisation systems, and any solution where high system capability and environmental integrity is necessary.
Distributing, collecting and mixing systems with individual valve flow of up to 2.4m3/h are suited to INOX.
Individual INOX valves are built for maximum integrity, based on Bürkert’s proven valve record. The cast 316L stainless steel body has integrated, self-adjusting packing glands to ensure high media tightness over the complete service life.
The externally piloted valves have a compact design, and are available with threaded, external threaded and welding connection ports. Valves may be normally open or closed, with flow direction below the seat. INOX valves, block modules, bushing and other elements are cast 316L stainless steel, with PTFE valve seals and graphite gaskets.
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS presents a package of drive technology innovations for high hygiene applications. A new family of two-stage helical bevel gearboxes has been designed for easy and residue-free cleaning. The washdown gear units feature no indentations or dead spaces where dirt or liquids could accumulate.
Due to especially smooth surfaces, cleaning liquids can easily wash off in all installation positions. The systems withstand frequent intense, aggressive cleaning with acids and alkaline solutions. Manufactured from die-cast aluminum, they resist corrosion far better than steel models.
The family comprises five sizes with torques between 90 and 660 Nm. All models are available as an open, especially lightweight version or enclosed.
Additionally, NORD introduces NSD tupH, a sealed surface conversion system that makes aluminum drives as robust as their stainless steel counterparts and is a thousand times as durable as anti-corrosion paints.
Combined with stainless steel standard parts, stainless steel output shafts, and food grade lubricants, NSD tupH drives are the optimal solution for applications with stringent hygiene requirements.
Drawing on its extensive range of high-performance and efficient drive technology for the food industry, NORD realises a variety of solutions for pumping, mixing, cooling, transporting, and packaging food articles.
For a brewery application, for instance, industrial gear units were custom-manufactured. The product range includes hygienic, reliable wet cell versions of geared motors.
Special feature modifications available for the complete range include extended temperature operation, protective finishes and special lubricants. A highlight from the electronics division is the versatile line of SK 200E frequency inverters for distributed installation, which have proven themselves in many applications.
Four sizes from 0.25 to 22 kW are available. Functionally, the devices can adapt to a diverse range of requirements. Options include AS-Interface and the safety function “Safe Torque Off”. Special variants for pump operation feature two analog inputs that allow for variable speed adjustment and can actively and autonomously control process values.
The cost-efficient SK 200E inverter series also includes special variants suitable for conveyor applications. A microsite provides the food industry with a quick overview of the full range of services and sector-specific solutions from NORD.
Modular Cranes, one of Australia’s leading overhead crane suppliers, has now launched the New range of ZX and LX electric hoists, which come from Street Cranes of the UK.
[Image, right: Modular Cranes has installed six overhead cranes for new Glassworks facility in Dandenong. All cranes feature variable speed drive on all motions with Flex remote control.]
The ZX range of electric wire rope hoists covers capacities from 2 to 50 tonne and comes in two speed on all motions as standard, while variable speed is available as an option. The ZX single girder range goes up to 25 tonne while the double girder range goes up to 50 tonne capacity.
The LX range of electric chain hoist covers capacities from 125kg up to 5 tonne at class M5 and is available in eye suspension or with a manual or motor driven trolley.
W. L. Gore & Associates and CT Associates have published a white paper describing a new method for measuring sub-50 nm particles in ultra-pure water (UPW) used in semiconductor processing and removing particles as small as 12 nm through a combination of ultrafiltration and microfiltration.
Semiconductor manufacturers need to know that their UPW systems can produce water that is free of small particles that can cause yield issues. As they move to smaller line widths, this critical particle size can be as small as 10 nm or less. Current particle counting instrumentation does not have the ability to measure particles this small, and semiconductor manufacturers need to know that the filtration strategy used in their UPW system is capable of capturing such small particles.
A particle detection technique has been developed that enables filter manufacturers to measure retention efficiency for such small, critical particle sizes in the laboratory environment. This technique relies on an innovative method for creating a precise aerosol from the UPW and evaporating the water in the aerosol. This leaves the particles from the UPW in the gas phase, where they can be accurately sized and counted using conventional aerosol particle detection instrumentation.
This method has been employed to evaluate the filtration performance of ultrafiltration filters typically employed in most UPW systems today. The testing demonstrates that although these ultra filters have high retention efficiency, some of these very small particles can still pass through and create a risk for the semiconductor manufacturer.
This test method was further used to show that a very high retention micro filter is able to retain a large fraction of the small particles as well. Finally, it was validated that an overall filtration system using both an ultra filter and a high retention micro filter in series shows superior retention performance for particles as small as 12 nm.
The new white paper, “Removal of 12 nm particles from UPW by a combination of Ultrafiltration and Microfiltration”, by Donald C Grant and Dennis Chilcote, CT Associates, and Uwe Beuscher, W. L. Gore and Associates, is available online in the May/June issue of ULTRAPURE WATER Journal.
NOSHOK is introducing new valves and valve options such as 3-valve double block and bleed needle valves and meter manifolds.
Due to increased and streamlined manufacturing capabilities, the company has significantly reduced delivery times and enhanced inventory levels, while continuing to deliver products backed by 3-year warranties.
To ensure the performance, every valve is helium leak test to 1 X 10-4 ml/s before it leaves the factory. NOSHOK are also among the first in the industry to offer zinc-nickel plating as standard on our carbon steel valves.
Zinc nickel is an alloy which provides exceptional corrosion resistance and long-lasting durability. Other benefits of zinc-nickel plating include increased deposit hardness, extended wear resistance and longer service life. ZnNi plating is WEEE and RoHS compliant.
All NOSHOK valves are made in the US.
The new NOSHOK Valve Product Solutions catalogue is available for order.
The Radioline wireless system from Phoenix Contact is designed for wireless signal transmission at large facilities. I/O mapping distributes signals from up to 250 stations within the system without any software.
Here, input signals receive I/O addresses by means of thumb wheels, with these addresses being mapped to corresponding output modules. Because identical signals can also be outputted several times, it is possible to set up intelligent distribution and signal multiplication in the field.
Radioline and its integrated functions can be used universally for different applications, including I/O signals, serial data, or the implementation of I/O to Modbus. The stations can be arranged as needed in point-to-point, star, or mesh structures.
Each station can also be used as a wireless repeater for other stations. The devices use this feature on the license-free, 2.4 GHz frequency. They are based on further advances in Trusted Wireless Technology, which has been in use for over ten years in industrial applications.
The I/O stations can be expanded modularly. The modules also feature high-quality galvanised channel-to-channel isolation and can be switched out easily while the system is in operation. Additionally, the digital channels are also equipped with wide-range inputs and relay outputs for many possible applications up to 250 V.
Gain a competitive advantage by discovering the operational and production benefits of the new SY range.
Incorporating cutting edge valve technology, our new valves offer outstanding performance benefits and cost-effective solutions. This flexible manifold can integrate seamlessly into your machine’s automated control system regardless of whether you are using parallel wiring or field bus communication.
Communication modules are available for EtherNET/ IP, EtherCAT, PROFINET, Profibus DP, DeviceNet, AS-Interface, CANopen,ContolNet. Not only can you control your pneumatic valves but we can also provide comprehensive digital and analogue I/O options.
Our new range offers you:
An extremely compact design and high flow rates – same performance is achieved at a reduced cost
Reduced power consumption – lower operational costs and improved environmental performance
Outstanding reliability delivering extended lifetime performance – downtime is reduced
Manifold configuration software – quick and easy manifold design, configuration and specification
Weidmuller has manufactured plugs, connectors, cordsets, and distributor modules for integrating sensors and actuators into control systems for over 15 years.
Our reputation as a global supplier of quality products is second to none, ensuring a quality and robust connection the first time.
Our Sensor and Bus system cables come in PUR or PVC, with connectors available in plastic, stainless steel or Nickel plated providing advantages of flexibility with chemical and abrasion resistance to suit your requirements.
All sensor cables come with Marker sleeves as standard on either end ensuring a professional finish each time. Available from M5 connectors and distributors through to M12 distributors and M23 connectors, Weidmuller can fulfil all your Industrial connectivity requirements.
Distributors are available with pre-moulded cables, Self wiring hoods, multi-pole connectors providing fast disconnect/reconnect for transportable equipment, or for use with serial bus systems such as CANbus, DeviceNet, Profibus DP.
PIES Australia is now the exclusive Australasian agent for the PROflex premium quality range of timing belts.
PROflex belts are available in the following range: PROflex Classic, PROflex HTD and PROflex Poly-V. All PROflex belts are made from high quality neoprene rubber that ensures an excellent adhesion between the neoprene and both the tensile member and the nylon tooth facing.
The Nylon tooth facing is an essential precondition for smooth operation and a long service life. This is ensured by the application of a particularly abrasion-resistant nylon fabric with low friction coefficients on the belts teeth.
The tensile member for synchronous belt drives call for a high degree of length stability and tensile strength. These requirements are optimally met by low-elongation tensile members of fiberglass cord helically wound over the entire belt width.
Any longitudinal off-track running will be largely prevented by the use of tensile cords twined in reversed pairs (S/Z).
The PROflex Classic and PROflex HTD range of timing belts are available in open length up to 100mtr long. The open length range of timing belts are constructed of Polyurethane with steel tensile members.
Introducing EXP punch technology from Wilson Tool International, the first tooling in the industry to offer a standard holder with truly universal punches.
Another innovative product from the experts in punch press tooling, EXP punch technology for thick turret punch presses increases productivity, reduces manufacturing waste, saves storage space and delivers better performance, grind-life and durability than our ground-breaking HP punch press tooling at a lower cost.
Wilson Tool offers EXP punch holders designed to fit in all styles of A and B station thick turret assemblies. Simply replace your current punch with the EXP punch holder and you're ready to use the EXP punch. EXP punches can be ordered in a vast array of configurations, including rounds, shapes and specials to suit virtually any need.
Wilson Tool offers EXP punch holders designed to fit in all styles of A and B station thick turret assemblies. Simply replace your current punch with the EXP punch holder and you're ready to use the EXP punch. EXP punches can be ordered in a vast array of configurations, including rounds, shapes and specials to suit virtually any need.
Better Tool Steel for Longer Tool Life:
No other punch press tooling offers longer tool life than EXP punch technology. Every EXP punch is manufactured with Wilson Tool's exclusive Ultima premium tool steel to increase wear resistance. As a result, EXP punches have twice the tool life as most standard punches.
With a wider than ever range of frequency inverters, additional energy-saving motors, more new industrial gear units, and hygienically optimised systems as a development priority, NORD Drivesystems has entered 2012.
It is the stated goal of the company to consolidate its status as the number two full-scale drive technology supplier.
In a recent statement, Jutta Humbert and Mark Alexander from the management team of the North German drive manufacturer spoke about current innovations and outlined the group’s strategy.
The two directors provided comment on how they aim to score points in the drive market this year.
Jutta Humbert: For one thing, through strategic company planning and branding. We are continuously strengthening and expanding our global presence. And it is important to us to establish “Nord Drivesystms Group” as the consistent name for our global group. But obviously it will also be our technological innovations which will attract attention this year. You will find new products and improvements in all segments of the Nord portfolio.
Mark Alexander: One of our priorities in 2012 is the ongoing expansion of our electronics range. Both in the control cabinet inverter range and with distributed systems we are adding new, higher-performance models.
In addition to that, the increasing energy savings regulations for motors in all markets require adequate new solutions. For instance, we now supply IE4 systems with power ratings up to 7.5kW.
In the gearbox division we have recently announced smaller models from our successful line of industrial gear units: in addition to the 60,000 to 220,000 Nm models, there are now also units with output torques from 25,000 to 50,000 Nm.
What is the new name – “NORD Drivesystems” about?
Jutta Humbert: With NORD Drivesystems we establish an international umbrella brand for our group of companies. This communicates our key competence as a global full-range supplier consistently and more recognisably than was previously possible with the diverse names of our many German and international subsidiaries.
In parallel, the existing names of the local companies remain, for example “Getriebebau Nord GmbH & Co. KG” at our German headquarters. But the parent company as well as every one of our companies worldwide is a “Member of the NORD Drivesystems Group”, and they all use that label with their names. The name signifies how far we have come since the founding days as a gearbox manufacturer.
Today, we supply full-scale drive solutions. In this sector, we hold a secure second rank. We are very satisfied with the continuous growth of the NORD group. The period since the introduction of the euro must have been a success story for the entire German economy.
Has NORD's development been unique?
Jutta Humbert: We are among the leaders in terms of dynamism, owing in part to our anti-cyclical investment strategy.
Last year, our gross sales approximated 412 million euros, starting from 151 million in 2000. I would say that such figures are remarkable even in an environment as successful as that characterised by medium-sized German enterprises.
Our wide vertical range of manufacture remains extraordinary, even in comparison to the competition – from pinions to windings and circuit boards we manufacture everything in our own factories. And of course, looking at just the last decade, we have kept on setting technological milestones with innovations such as the latest generation of our aluminum NORDBLOC gears. And the momentum stays high. We expect to grow at the same rate in the present decade.
Let’s turn to product innovations. What are some recent developments in the electronics division?
Mark Alexander: One of the most recent additions to our frequency inverter program took place with the SK 200E family of distributed inverters which now boasts models with up to 22 kW output.
Furthermore, we now provide SK 500E cabinet inverter models up to size 10 for up to 132 kW. Another new model in this series is the top-of-the-line SK 540E inverter that supports the free programming of drive-related functions according to IEC 61131.
There are a few pilot applications which we will publicize throughout the year. All our inverters – from the basic models in each line to those with the most extensive functionality range – use the established, very fast ISD current control technology which ensures constant speed under changing loads and provides for very high torques during start-up.
Even with the low-price units, you can realize highly precise applications. If, however, your application requires servo-like performance, conventional three-phase technology also provides a solution: just select one of the advanced functions models from our inverter range and implement speed or position control with the respective encoder systems.
Energy-saving motors seem to be an important cue, since you already mentioned them before. Could you go into detail?
Mark Alexander: Currently, our most efficient new units are size 80 to 100 IE4 motors with a 0.55 to 7.5 kW output. In addition to that, we supply IE3 motors up to size 180, and for the same range – size 80 to 180 – we provide ATEX versions of our globally available IE2 motors.
Am I mistaken or has the original NORD mainstay, the gearbox segment, lost importance in the face of these innovations in the electronics and motor divisions?
Jutta Humbert: Oh no, you are very much mistaken! Of course, innovative gearboxes with the reliably high quality we have been known for for almost five decades remain our core competence. Mr Alexander has mentioned our line of industrial gear units – after all, we did not expand that line at random, but because it was so successful that we almost had no other choice.
There was an immense demand for additional models smaller than the performance range we initially launched. This year, we are well positioned to meet that demand with our expanded range of models.
Why are these industrial gearboxes in so much demand?
Jutta Humbert: Certainly because they provide a special combination of useful advantages. The standard unit can be upgraded with various options. For use in conveyor applications, for example, one can directly mount an auxiliary drive. In general, users can choose from a very adaptable modular system in order to quickly and comfortably configure their customized gearbox. For many users it is also very important that one standard enclosure per size covers the entire range of transmission ratios, and of course, short delivery times for customized versions anywhere in the world.
Mark Alexander: Moreover, we are continuously improving that line. We have increased the transmittable torque by about 15 percent and further improved the thermal power limit.
Finally, let’s address the “hygienic systems” for the food industry. What have you developed for this sector?
Mark Alexander: We looked for the “cleanest solution”, so to speak, and we found it with our washdown gear units, the new two-stage helical bevel gear units which complement our successful NORDBLOC.1 gearbox series.
Cleaning liquids can be easily washed off in all installation positions since all external surfaces have been designed with wide radii and the overall construction has no indentations or dead spaces. We supply these extremely robust gear units in five frame sizes with torques ranging from 90 to 660 Nm.
So much said about hygienic helical bevel gearboxes.
Are there any other gearbox innovations this year?
Mark Alexander: Yes, in fact we have also just revised our series of worm gear units, for example. The latest versions are now designated as SMI. Incidentally, this is still very close to the subject of “clean solutions”.
Once again we have improved the design of the casings and given the gearboxes very smooth surfaces, which enable optimal and particularly easy cleaning. By the way, when we deal with hygienically sensitive devices, the gear cases are not coated.
Instead, we give the aluminum gear casings a special treatment that endows them with characteristics comparable to stainless steel. We call this technology NSD tupH.
A catalytic process makes the surfaces of an aluminum gear case about seven times harder than before.
What are the advantages of choosing such a treated gearbox in preference to a stainless steel one or a model with special varnish?
Jutta Humbert: Because generally the stainless steel version is usually only available in the few types offered by your supplier.
In contrast, we offer the NSD tupH treatment for a very broad range of products. You have a practically free choice of gear units, as long as they are aluminum models. Also, this solution is much lighter because the basic material weighs significantly less than steel, which is a further advantage.
And if you consider a varnished gear unit or one with a protective coating as an alternative, you must be prepared that the surface, whether it be varnish, nickel, or a nickel-Teflon composite, could of course peel off.
When the coating has been damaged, at any rate, that danger can never be completely avoided. With NSD tupH gear units this is impossible. The treated surfaces are scratch-proof, very resistant, and do not corrode.
Image 1 (above): The new model in NORD’s cabinet inverter program.
Image 2 (below): NORD manufactures enhanced-efficiency motors complying with current energy-saving regulations.
