Using in-depth finite element analysis (FEA), Ringfeder has optimized the redesign of its TND Series, which now includes two coupling types: High Deflection (HD), which offers excellent shaft misalignment compensation, and High Torque (HT), which incorporates a higher power density.

Thanks to their high material quality, compact design, and tight tolerances, TND Series couplings achieve superior concentricity, maximum operational reliability, smooth operation, and low vibration levels — even in the presence of fast rotational speeds or irregular rotational forces. They also avoid wear, don’t require cleaning or lubrication, and offer a long service life when properly installed.

Other features of the updated TND Series include:

• Modular design for maximum flexibility
• Bore diameters from 25 to 215 millimeters
• Nominal torques up to 130,000 Newton-meters
• Compensation for axial, angular, and radial shaft misalignment
• Mountable via keyways (DIN 6885-1) or Shrink Discs
• Compliance with ATEX according to Product Directive 2014/34/EU and DIN EN ISO 80079-36:2016, if required

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“Every job site has its own set of challenges, but processing presents some of the most extreme environments and highest risks for workers — making it perfect for a Brokk machine. Through our customization process, processing facilities can add the options they need to stand up to the heat so they can complete routine tasks faster and safer than ever.”

said Lars Lindgren, president of Brokk Inc. 

Brokk has developed a number of heat-resistant options, including cylinder protection, steel tracks, and a forced draft cooling system. These features are available on most Brokk models, including the Brokk 800P, the manufacturer’s 11-ton, specialized processing machine, and can also be added to smaller units, such as the versatile, 1-ton Brokk 110 for hot applications in tight spaces. When combined with remote operation, heat-resistant features allow facilities to begin maintenance operations, such as ladle cleaning and refractory removal, while temperatures are still too high for workers to approach, increasing productivity and safety for these vital tasks.

The optional cylinder protection feature employs a metal shield to limit the impact and radiated heat from damaging vital components on Brokk’s three-part arm. This allows operators to get closer and work longer in high-heat applications while avoiding heat-related equipment breakdowns.

Customers can also opt for steel caterpillar tracks, which offer a higher temperature threshold than Brokk’s standard rubber tracks. This customization allows the machine to move across hot surfaces, such as those found in a kiln during refractory tear out.

A forced draft cooling option is also available for hydraulic systems and electrical cabinets to help increase the unit’s cooling capacity and minimize heat-related breakdowns. The forced draft cooling system is recommended for jobs where the ambient temperature exceeds 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius), such as cement or lime kilns. An upgraded forced draft cooling option is available for the breaker, as well, allowing for use in red-hot applications with ambient temperatures in excess of 392 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

Brokk also offers heat-resistant hoses, steel outrigger pads, and other specialized high-heat options for the processing industry.

The post Brokk offers customized options for high heat environments appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Pangborn‘s Vertical Descaling Machine (Model ES-1848) was integrated into Great Plains‘ existing production lines to improve its current assembly process, and address the long-term goal to proactively manage this process in the future.

Challenge

Great Plains Manufacturing is one of the foremost manufacturers of agricultural implements in the U.S., as well as a leading producer of dirt working, turf maintenance, material handling, and landscaping equipment in North America. The demand for its products is high, and they have an extensive range of steel products. Senior leaders at Great Plains recognized that its product assembly process could be more efficient, which would increase speed-to-market and result in additional value to its customers, dealers, and the bottom line.

To optimize the assembly process, one of the obstacles they needed to overcome was the rigorous, time-intensive cleaning, descaling, and preparation of the steel components of its products before painting and assembly. A cross-functional team of Great Plains’ engineers, supervisors, and management personnel were tasked with researching and identifying potential partners and solutions to address these challenges in its assembly process. The solution selected would be installed in two of its plants.

Solution

This was a company-wide initiative for Great Plains, and the selection committee spent approximately eighteen (18) months conducting research. Key decision criteria influencing Great Plains’ selection process were production rate, line speed, maintenance/ operating costs, and the service and support they could expect to receive – including readily available parts. The Great Plains team visited several of Pangborn’s customers. They were impressed by Pangborn’s high-performing equipment, the total cost of ownership, and the fact that Pangborn machines have a reputation of being easy to maintain and operate, are safe, reliable, and durable.

Pangborn’s sales and engineering teams conducted a thorough audit of Great Plains’ facilities, ensuring that they understood the customer’s current needs, as well as its future requirements. This was especially important because Great Plains was expanding its product line and its customers were requesting that any future equipment maintain or enhance the company’s high-quality paint finish which is resistant to weathering and corrosion typically found on materials, machines, and equipment being used outdoors. After evaluating the data and insights gained during the audit, Pangborn was confident that its Vertical Descaling Machine (Model ES-1848) could be easily integrated into Great Plains’ existing production lines, would improve its current assembly process, and it would address the long-term goal to proactively manage this process in the future.

Pangborn’s Vertical Descaling Machine would provide Great Plains with faster production time and maximum blast coverage for a continuous flow of work pieces. Designed for maximum flexibility, the ES-1848 would easily accommodate the extensive range of Great Plains’ steel products. The ES-1848 would also give Great Plains the proper surface for a high-quality paint finish and result in the clean, rust- and scale-free surface that is a fundamental requirement for anti-corrosion and weathering.

Pangborn’s ES-1848 was installed in its largest tillage plant located in Ellsworth, Kansas, in the first quarter of 2019. The second ES-1848 was installed during the fall of 2019 in Abilene, Kansas. The implementation process went as planned with minimal disruption to the manufacturing processes.

Benefits

The capital expenditure required for this project is significant. Pangborn’s Vertical Descaling Systems are already providing Great Plains with a cost-effective means of reducing its overall manufacturing expenses while improving the quality of its work. Additional benefits include:

• improving Great Plains time-to-market;
• a clean and safe process that meets current production needs and allows for future growth;
• the clean surface required for a high-quality paint finish; and,
• extending the life of Great Plains.

Source: Pangborn

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