From the searing heat of a blast furnace to the chilly climes of a frozen-food line, manufacturing is full of temperature extremes. When your next system must survive harsh environmental conditions, consider these new tools and expert tips: Think of it as dressing your designs for the weather.
Motor keeps its cool in harsh conditions
The WGM Water Jacket Cooled Motor is suitable for aggressive operating conditions, such as high temperatures, limited space, or dusty conditions, where high output power versus frame size ratio is required. The 400 to 3,750-hp motor is well suited for variable speed applications, as the thermal efficiency is optimized even at reduced speeds where space is a concern. Water circulates over the frame construction and endshields for effective thermal exchange between the motor and water. The system minimizes heat exchange with the environment, keeping bearings cool without requiring an independent cooling system.
WEG Electric Corp.
www.weg.net
(800) ASK-4WEG
Cam followers hold elasticity in sub-zero temps
Power-Core guide rollers and iCam Followers are made of a material with a crystalline structure that resists flow under static load and provides long-lasting, nonlubricated performance. They reduce both maintenance and downtime by retaining a strong bearing fit from -40° to 160° F, holding elasticity and absorbing shock and vibration in sub-zero temperatures. Cam followers can replace steel and stainless steel wheels in aerospace, refrigeration, and outdoor applications such as ski lifts. Load capacity ranges from 60 to 500 lb. These components do not wear out rails or absorb moisture and, when fitted with stainless steel bearings, are suitable for washdown and corrosive settings.
Intech Corp.
www.intechpower.com
(201) 767-8066
Cryogenic servomotors embrace extreme cold
Cryogenic Series brushless servomotors with resolver feedback suit motion control applications that require reliable operation in extremely cold conditions. Motors are field-tested for operation in temperatures as low as 20 K, and could operate as low as 0 K. Dry lubrication and exotic chromium-nickel steel alloy components offer compatible thermal expansion characteristics and reduced brittleness. Potential uses include superconductor research, observatory instrumentation, and research in physics and military applications. Motors are available in standard Size 23; call for additional sizes.
Empire Magnetics Inc.
www.empiremagnetics.com
(707) 584-2801
Bearing material handles high heat
Metcar Grade M-11 bearing material is a plain, unimpregnated, carbon-graphite substance featuring good self-lubricating qualities and wear resistance when running dry at temperatures to 650° F. The economical grade suits bearings that must run continuously at relatively light load and low speed. Metcar Grade M-11 is used for bearings in equipment such as high temperature conveyors. The material is available in all standard sleeve, flange, and thrust bearing sizes, as well as all standard, self-aligning pillow and flange block assemblies. Custom sizes are also available. Bearings made of Metcar are also non-galling, dimensionally stable, and have high compressive strength.
Metallized Carbon Corp.
www.metcar.com
(914) 941-3738
Encoders withstand temperature fluctuations
Sendix M3658 shaft encoders and M3678 hollow shaft encoders employ Sensor Protect and Safety-Lockplus technologies to withstand harsh environmental conditions common in CANopen and SAE J1939 applications. Encapsulated electronics and a separate mechanical bearing assembly provide IP69K-rated protection for both encoder housing and flange, plus high resistance to shock and vibration. The encoders provide resolution to 14 bits. With an operating range of -40° to 85° C and high humidity resistance, they also withstand outdoor applications with wide temperature fluctuations.
Kübler by TURCK Inc.
www.turck.us
(800) 544-7769