3rd Quarter 2012Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The SKF name has become synonymous with motorsport through sponsorship that involves products, technical advice and specialised service, and the company is now a proud sponsor of Toyota Motorsport. Team principal, Glyn Hall says, “We participate in off-road and rally races where conditions put vehicles under extreme pressure. Toyota Motorsport had a dream 2011/2012 Dakar in Argentina, Chile and Peru, with three locally developed Toyota Hilux vehicles finishing in the top 10. This is the longest, toughest and most gruelling motor race in the world. Dakar is the peak test of motor durability and puts unbelievable strain on components.”
Bearings have to have the right environment to function successfully and can fail as a result of an inferior seal that allows water, mud or dust ingress. Toyota Motorsport uses 30 or 40 SKF items on the vehicles, from differential, gearbox and suspension bearings down to the simplest gear shifter bearing. SKF also supplies lip seals with O-rings, grease and lubrication. “It takes a massive investment to compete, and failure of one cheap inferior part can put an end to a race and millions of rands down the drain,” Hall says. The SKF bearings lasted the entire race but Hall also points out that the quality and durability of a product is determined by correct installation, assembly and maintenance.
In conclusion Gary Czapski, SKF automotive division manager, says, “This is undoubtedly a mutually beneficial partnership and one that we plan to continue for the near future.”
New generation low power frequency inverters Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
New to BMG’s electromechanical range are energy-efficient Synergy PI150 series frequency inverters, which have been designed for efficient use in many applications.
Read more...Planar motor system for quality assurance Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.
Read more...SKF empowers employees SKF South Africa
News & events
The cornerstone to SKF’s success as a global leader in premium bearing products and rotating technology is an unwavering commitment to investing in its valued employees. Tsholofelo Choma, who now proudly holds the position of quality environmental health and safety (QEHS) officer, exemplifies SKF’s employee-centricity ethos.
Read more...Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation Siemens South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.
Read more...Turbomachinery controls: the call of duty Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
There’s a lot to be said about the unsung heroes of this world; those men, women and machines that deliver such important functions, often overlooked and recognised. One such machine is turbomachinery, and while the name does sound quite obvious to the layman, its rich history and daily functions are not.
Read more...More movement in the market
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech aims to revolutionise the market for precision motion and machine controls with an intuitive control platform.
Read more...Motion technology for all types of automation Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.
Read more...Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.
Read more...The world’s most powerful worm
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.