Semiconductor fabrication creates a number of waste gases, which can be corrosive, pyrophoric and potentially explosive. Often, diluting these gases with nitrogen (N2) is an early step in the abatement process to make sure the gases stay below the lower explosive limit (LEL) or reduce corrosive effects. However, the use of nitrogen can cause condensation and deposits, as well as leak out of the system. Here, Rob Johnston, director of the end user business segment at industrial electric heater manufacturer Watlow, explains how this can be prevented.

Abating hazardous gases

One way to abate hazardous gases in process exhaust streams is to dilute them using a less harmless gas. In semiconductor fabrication, nitrogen gas is often used because it is readily available and effective at diluting more hazardous gases prior to other abatement steps.

A good example of this solution can be seen with potentially explosive gases, such as hydrogenated gases. These gases have an explosive range, a specific range of gas concentrations where explosion is likely to occur. Gas concentrations must be kept below the lower explosive limit (LEL), which is the minimum concentration of gas needed to reach this explosive range. But mixing with nitrogen lowers the ratio, making the gas too lean to pose an explosion risk.

That said, when introducing a new gas into the exhaust stream, condensation can cause issues by creating deposits in the system. This eventually creates clogging, leading to unplanned downtime. The addition of nitrogen poses a dilemma, forcing plants to choose potential line shutdown in order to ensure safety — a trade-off no one wants to make.

An alternative solution

If adding room-temperature nitrogen into a waste stream causes condensation problems, heating the nitrogen can be a sufficient remedy. However, getting nitrogen to temperature has proven to be a tricky engineering problem.

One of the biggest issues is with nitrogen leaks. Introducing a heater into the system can potentially create another place where nitrogen can leak, meaning that not all the nitrogen gets into the waste stream for abatement. If the leak is severe enough, the hazardous gases will not be diluted enough to ensure safety. This means that a potentially explosive gas might still be well within its explosive range.

There is limited space that can be taken up within an existing an abatement system, which limits the number of components, controllers and wires that can be added to the system, especially in multi-chamber setups.

The no-leak last resort

To overcome these challenges, a compact, no-leak heater design can ensure the reliability of exhaust abatement systems in semiconductor fabrication. For instance, Watlow’s FLUENT® in-line heater is designed to allow movement of a fluid or gas over the heater surface without any loss of the fluid or gas through the outer shell.

A no-leak design not only includes a seamless stainless steel outer protection tube, but it also has the heating elements sitting outside of the fluid flow path. As a result, neither the elements nor the wiring penetrate the gas flow path, mitigating the need to weld components in place and thereby create areas where gas can escape. This design ensures that all nitrogen gas is passed along into the process, preventing any from escaping into the sub-fab.

With no leaks present, the correct mixture of gases can be assured, meaning that semiconductor manufacturers no longer need to trade-off between safety concerns and possible downtime caused by the need to flush clogged exhaust systems.

A first step in the abatement of waste gases in semiconductor fabrication should be dilution with nitrogen gas. However, engineers must consider the issues that can arise and consider opting for a solution that covers all potential issues associated with nitrogen heating. In this case, a design that is modelled around eliminating leakage can prevent clogging and downtime.

For more information about the FLUENT® heater, go to watlow.com

About Watlow:

Watlow is a global industrial technology company that uses its world-class engineering expertise, advanced thermal systems and manufacturing excellence to enrich everyday life. Many of the world’s leading companies leverage our technology in vital applications such as semiconductor processing, environmentally-friendly energy solutions and lifesaving medical and clinical equipment, to name a few. Founded in 1922, Watlow’s culture is driven by our purpose of “Enriching Lives Through Inspired Innovation,” enabling us to deliver high-impact solutions that improve our customers’ competitive advantage.

Leading brands of Altra Industrial Motion Corp. including Bauer Gear Motor, Stromag and Thomson Linear will be displaying innovative power transmission solutions at The World of Technology & Science (WOTS) 2022. Visitors will be able to meet brand experts in Hall 11, Stand 11B077 from 27^th – 30^th September at the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht.

WOTS showcases the latest technological advancements for industrial applications. Displaying in the ‘World of Motion & Drives’ area, leading Altra brands will focus on how complementary drive technology solutions can seamlessly combine to replace hydraulics with electrics. A large video wall on stand will demonstrate this interoperability of motors, limit switches and high load ball screws which can supersede hydraulics in many industrial applications.

Bauer Gear Motor

Bauer is a market-leader in geared motor technology, offering high efficiency and hygienic designs.

A market-leader in geared motor technology, Bauer will highlight its high efficiency and hygienic motor designs. The former will be represented by its range of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), which deliver exceptional efficiency and performance. Available in classes up to IE5, operators can expect overall efficiency improvements of over 10% and more than 30% under partial load compared to other motor technologies. For challenging applications in hygienic areas, like those in the food and beverage sector, Bauer will highlight its stainless-steel motor solutions such as its HiflexDRIVE. With a smooth exterior and high resistance to washdowns, its robust construction even preserves hygienic compliance in the event of mechanical impact.

Stromag

Stromag Series 51 Geared Cam Limit Switches are a trusted solution for limiting the movement of equipment.

A global brake, coupling and limit switch expert, Stromag will display two innovative products on stand. First, its Series 51 Geared Cam Limit Switch, a trusted solution for limiting the movement of cranes, hoists, stage equipment, bridges, dams, wind turbines and even telescopes. Its large cam disc and gear ratio of 146 provides operators with excellent accuracy of adjustment, delivering precision and versatility. Joining this will be the Periflex® N shaft coupling, a highly flexible rubber-fabric design that is ideal for shaft connections in electric drives. Its central ‘shaft tyre’ easily absorbs extremely large displacements in any direction. ATEX certified, the Periflex® N also offers a static torque capacity from 35 to 20,500 Nm.

Thomson Linear

High-load ball screws from Thomson provide a long service life.

A leading manufacturer of linear motion control solutions, Thomson Linear will focus on its wide range of advanced electric linear actuators, which offer a highly controllable and cost-effective alternative to hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. Its high-load ball screws will also take centre stage, providing the performance to reliably move twice the load of a standard ball screw with a significantly extended service life. Suitability across industrial applications is assured thanks to a wide range of sizes and a maximum dynamic load capacity of 1,440 kN. In fact, Thomson regularly provides motion solutions for off-highway, medical, packaging, food processing, material handling, automation, renewable and machine tool applications.

You can meet with experts from leading Altra Industrial Motion brands at WOTS 2022 in Hall 11, Stand 11B077 from the 27^th – 30^th September at the Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Sulzer Electro Mechanical Services (EMS), in partnership with GE Power Conversion, announced the supply of a custom-built synchronous motor for end-user Phoenix Cement Company, which operates under the Salt River Materials Group (SRMG). The motor, a 1,500 hp, 30-pole synchronous motor with collector rings, provides 20% greater power capacity than its predecessor – without causing unnecessary downtime for installation. The original motor was manufactured by GE in 1972 for the Clarkdale Plant in Arizona.

A leading electro-mechanical services company, Sulzer EMS has been a long-time partner of GE, together offering an expansive network of products and technology-driven solutions to help customers operate at maximum efficiency and minimize costly downtime.

End-user Phoenix Cement Company is a top US supplier of portland and masonry cement, fly ash and other pozzolans, aggregates, and natural gypsum products. The new GE motor, which is custom-built for the needs of this specific customer, is equipped with proprietary insulation and enables Phoenix Cement to meet the increasing demand for cement products in a rapidly growing construction market.

Nationwide, industrial plants feel seismic pressure to replace ageing machinery without eating into critical production hours. GE Power Conversion’s leading engineering design retrofit capabilities make this possible, empowering the full replacement of machines with zero unnecessary downtime.

Jim Mugford, Sulzer EMS President and Global Head of Electro Mechanical Services, said: “Sulzer EMS is proud to partner with GE Power Conversion and to provide our end-user with one of the most powerful machines on the market. We know our expertise is a value add to our customers and is instrumental in helping them gain a competitive foothold.”

“This is a monumental moment for GE Power Conversion and Sulzer EMS,” said Rodrigo Elias, GE Power Conversion North America General Manager, Industry and Motors. “Not only is this a testament to our machinery’s capabilities, but also to our combined team’s ability to meet the customers’ specific needs and deliver unparalleled service. We believe this machine will change the way our customer does business, and we’re honoured to have played a role in their continued growth.”

About Sulzer

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering. We specialize in pumping, agitation, mixing, separation and application technologies for fluids of all types. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality and from our responsive network of 180 world-class production facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2021, our 13’800 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.2 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN). www.sulzer.com.

The Flow Equipment division specializes in pumping solutions specifically engineered for the processes of our customers. We provide pumps, agitators, compressors, grinders, screens and filters developed through intensive research and development in fluid dynamics and advanced materials. We are a market leader in pumping solutions for water, oil and gas, power, chemicals and most industrial segments. www.sulzer.com

Through a network of over 100 service sites around the world, Sulzer provides cutting-edge parts as well as maintenance and repair solutions for pumps, turbines, compressors, motors and generators. We service our own original equipment, but also all associated third-party rotating equipment run by our customers, maximizing its sustainability and life cycle cost-effectiveness. Our technology-based solutions, fast execution and expertise in complex maintenance projects are available at our customers’ doorsteps. www.sulzer.com

RGB multi-colour or single-colour LED light with a wide signalling area and maximum visibility 

Pfannenberg, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of thermal management and signalling technologies, announces the re-launch of its industry-leading PYRA^® LED series – now featuring a new 360-degree colour-changing LED light. Used wherever warnings and information about machines and equipment, rooms, or areas need to be displayed, the new PYRA series features an RGB LED, with selectable, multiple colours available to provide an indication of several situations in one light. 

The updated PYRA LED series can now show three out of four available colours – red, yellow, green, and blue.  Offered as a single-colour LED, it can be field-selected to be steady on, blinking, or flashing to meet the needs of your facility. Selectable signalling modes mean users can choose the best mode to fit their needs, no matter which signalling mode is required. With or without an audible alarm, the new series offers high flexibility in controlling different warning levels. Selectable blink and flash frequencies are adaptable to a wide variety of applications, enabling users to select the best frequency for boosting perceptibility.

The updated version is now available in a medium size (PY L-M), featuring a larger cone or pyramid-shaped lens providing 360-degree visibility and ideal radiation characteristics that ensure all-around visibility. The medium-sized version offers a greater variety and flexibility of mount locations and options compared to the previously available smaller version that featured a flatter lens. The medium size also offers the ability to incorporate audible signalling into the same PYRA platform (PY L-MA). This enables separate control of visual and audible signalling for enhanced field customization.

For more information about the PYRA series, visit https://www.pfannenbergusa.com/product/signaling-technologies/visual-signals/multi-functional-led-lights/py-l-m-rgb/.

About Pfannenberg

Pfannenberg, Inc. is recognized as a leading global manufacturer of Thermal Management, Liquid Cooling Solutions and Signaling Technologies. In 1958 we invented the Filterfan®, which continues to be recognized worldwide as a leading product to help manage the temperature in electrical enclosures. Our business philosophy: Protecting People, Machines, and the Environment.

Vianode, a company owned by Elkem, Hydro and Altor, has decided to invest in its first industrial-scale plant for sustainable battery materials at Herøya in Norway.

The investment of around NOK 2 billion will create new industrial jobs and provide critical battery materials. The decision is an important step towards establishing a complete battery value chain in Norway for the European market.

The industrial plant at Herøya, Norway, will produce anode graphite for about 20,000 electric vehicles (EVs) per year by 2024. This investment is the first phase in a larger investment plan. The plant construction will be carried out in parallel with preparations for a second phase plant scaled to provide battery materials to 2 million EVs per year by 2030, covering a significant share of the global EV market.

“The investment decision marks a historic step for Vianode and its owners and is a recognition of the work put in by both our employees and partners. Based on strong support from owners Elkem, Hydro and Altor, Vianode now has a solid foundation to succeed with building industrial leadership in advanced battery materials with a green footprint,” says Asbjørn Søvik, Vianode’s interim CEO and executive chair of the board.

The graphite materials from Vianode are produced with up to 90 percent lower CO₂ emissions than today’s standard materials. The materials have unique performance characteristics and improve the properties in batteries, including faster charging, increased range and longer service life, as well as increased safety and recyclability.

“The global demand for batteries is growing rapidly, driven by the green transition, but there is not sufficient ramp-up of battery materials production. Europe is facing a significant shortfall of graphite materials towards 2030, which Vianode aims to address with our high-performance offerings. Automakers and authorities are also increasingly focused on a sustainable value chain, where Vianode has a unique offering with our low CO₂ footprint,” says Stian Madshus, general manager for Vianode.

Today, an EV contains on average up to 70 kg of graphite materials, representing a vital component of the battery. Vianode’s products are developed based on specialized know how in high-temperature processes, closed production systems, lower energy consumption and access to renewable energy. This makes Vianode an important contributor to the European supply of critical materials needed for the energy transition.

Vianode has operated an industrial pilot in Kristiansand, Norway since April 2021 and has ambitions to establish industrial leadership in advanced battery materials in Europe and for the global market.

Founded in 2021, Vianode has around 60 employees. Today’s investment decision means that the company will be recruiting approximately 100 new hires, bringing the total to around 160 by the end of 2023. With a potential investment decision for a second phase plant, this can double to 300 employees by the end of 2026. Including ripple effects, this means around 1000 jobs in total.

About Vianode
Vianode is built upon technological advancements and decades of industrial experience, backed by Elkem, Hydro and Altor. Following successful pilot production, the company is now scaling up towards full scale production in Norway. Vianode’s range of anode graphite products offer unique performance characteristics and are produced with up to 90 percent lower CO₂ emissions than today's standard materials – supporting the ambitions of leading battery cell and automotive manufacturers while accelerating the green transition. Our purpose: Driving responsible electrification. www.vianode.com

About Elkem
Elkem is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced material solutions shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,000 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2022, Elkem obtained a Platinum score from EcoVadis, which rated the company among the world's top 1% on sustainability transparency, and the company achieved an operating income of NOK 33.7 billion. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK). www.elkem.com

Marathon Gold Corporation has awarded Metso Outotec with orders for key processing equipment for the Valentine Gold Project in Canada. The combined order value of approximately EUR 15 million has been booked in Minerals’ third-quarter orders received.

“We chose Metso Outotec equipment because of their brand reputation, technology-oriented equipment, commitment to safety and environment, and their service footprint in Atlantic Canada,” says Paolo Toscano, Vice President, Projects, Marathon Gold Corporation.

Metso Outotec’s scope of delivery consists of a VF Series^TM grizzly feeder, a Nordberg® jaw crusher, Planet Positive Premier® SAG and ball mills, a Mill Reline Machine (MRM), vibrating screens and a high-rate tailings thickener with Reactorwell^TM feed system.

“We are excited to work on the Valentine Gold Project with Marathon. We were able to align with the project’s key value drivers at an early stage and provide to-the-point technical support. Marathon has selected leading class equipment for their gold production process, and they will also be able to benefit from our broad-based service organization,” says Andy Lingenfelter, Vice President, Minerals Sales in North and Central America.

Read more about Metso Outotec’s offering to the mining industry on our website.

Metso Outotec is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. By improving our customers’ energy and water efficiency, increasing their productivity, and reducing environmental risks with our product and process expertise, we are the partner for positive change. Metso Outotec is committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C with Science Based Targets.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Metso Outotec employs over 15,000 people in more than 50 countries and its sales for 2021 were about EUR 4.2 billion. The company is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. mogroup.com

Visit Booth #3629 to learn about proven, reliable pumps for the most demanding wastewater applications including chemical metering and sludge processing

NETZSCH Pumps USA will be showcasing its extensive line of advanced, field-proven equipment for demanding wastewater applications. Stop by booth 3629 to see the launch of NEW the PERIPRO™ Peristaltic Hose Pump product line, TORNADO® T1 Rotary Lobe Pump, the NEMO® Full Service-in-Place (FSIP®) Progressing Cavity Pump, and the N.Mac® Twin Shaft Grinder, and learn about NETZSCH’s full line of innovative and reliable solutions for the wastewater industry.

This year at WEFTEC, NETZSCH will be launching its newest product line, PERIPRO™ Peristaltic Pumps. These NETZSCH hose pumps feature a heavy duty construction for demanding applications, with large rollers for longer service life and lower energy consumption. These pumps are ideal for abrasive, corrosive, and viscous fluids. With superior multi-layered hose construction with precision ground diameters, the hoses are a technological leap. Ultimately, these products provide energy savings up to 30% and require 90% less lubricant when compared with shoe technology. Servicing is a breeze with full access from the front cover. No worries with a hose rupture, due to the lower lubrication level and failsafe drain, the enhanced leak detection is designed to preserve the pump components from attack.

The TORNADO® T1 Rotary Lobe Pump is an extremely versatile solution for wastewater treatment applications requiring high flow at low to medium pressures in a small compact package in just about any orientation and installation. The TORNADO® T1 pump can handle a wide range of viscosities, solids, temperature, abrasion, and corrosive/acidic process fluids and environments. Its robust design offers longevity, operational flexibility, and dry-run capabilities and allows the pump to operate and handle many upset process conditions without causing harm to the pump.

NEMO® Full Service-in-Place (FSIP®) Progressing Cavity Pumps provide continuous, pressure-stable, gentle and pulsation free conveyance of almost any substance, including thick sludge and harsh chemicals, without being affected by fluctuations in pressure and viscosity. NEMO® pumps are optimally configured for each installation, with many different connections (hopper and flanged), from the world’s smallest to the world’s largest pumps, low/high flow, low/high pressure, and have the widest range of engineered joints. NEMO® pumps have the lowest maintenance requirements in the industry.

The N.Mac® Twin Shaft Grinder is ideal for wastewater treatment, biogas and biomass plants, food, animal processing, and other waste and industrial applications. Featuring cartridge cutting knives for quick and simple replacement and servicing, the N.Mac® offers quenched lubricated mechanical seals for dry running capability. The mechanical seal cartridge design—a leak free combination of mechanical seal and bearing cartridges—enables quick and simple replacement and servicing. Available in both channel and inline (flanged) housing construction, the N.Mac® can be installed into effluent channels or upstream from a pump.

NETZSCH products are available with a wide range of flow and pressure capabilities, materials, and configurations. NETZSCH has the experience and products for today’s water and wastewater application demands. Contact NETZSCH today to see how we can help you.

About NETZSCH Pumps & Systems

NETZSCH Pumps & Systems has served markets worldwide for more than 60 years, providing customized, sophisticated solutions for applications in every industry type. Experts in complex fluid handling, NETZSCH supplies NEMO® progressing cavity pumps, TORNADO® rotary lobe pumps, and NOTOS® screw pumps, PERIPRO™ peristaltic pumps as well as N.Mac® twin shaft grinders, macerators, barrel emptying units, metering technology and accessories. With a workforce of more than 2,200, NETZSCH Pumps & Systems is the largest business unit in the NETZSCH Group, with annual sales of more than 380 million Euros.

AV Dawson, owner and operator of Port of Middlesbrough has acquired the dry bulk business, Cobra Middlesbrough, as part of its strategic investment and expansion plans.

The acquisition will see Port of Middlesbrough’s footprint grow by eight acres, unlocking further opportunities on what was previously a 100-acre site.

Cobra, based on North Road in Middlesbrough, operates a dry bulk handling terminal with processing and packing facilities. The company’s main area of focus and expertise is in the salt market, handling and distributing thousands of tonnes of salt every year.   

Much of the salt stored at the facility has been mined locally. Some of the salt is used in animal feeds, but the majority is distributed to councils across the country for gritting roads during the winter.

Cobra also provides a range of services for the farming industry. The business receives screens and bags polyhalite – which, like salt, is mined. This is then used as a fertiliser in the agriculture sector in the UK and overseas.  

Salt stocks at Cobra Middlesbrough, an 8-acre site recently acquired by AV Dawson

The Cobra site, which is directly adjacent to Port of Middlesbrough, boasts extensive rail infrastructure and has direct access to the East Coast Mainline – this provides additional rail capacity for the port to support existing and new customers.

Gary Dawson, AV Dawson managing director said: “We’re excited to acquire Cobra Middlesbrough. We have worked closely with the business for many years, handling the import and export of salt through our port facility and supporting their rail logistics. Bringing both ours and their operations together, within one business, enables us to provide job security to existing staff while delivering greater efficiencies for our customers.

“We recognise that the site requires some significant investment, but this actually fits perfectly with our strengths and our strategy to invest, develop and expand our site.   

“This acquisition is also strategically important for our wider business because of its excellent rail connectivity. We are working with more and more of our customers to help them identify opportunities to transition from road to rail, so we need to ensure we have the capacity to accommodate their requirements. This is particularly important as we look to put our net zero strategy into action with the ultimate aim to become carbon neutral – we see rail as a big opportunity to help us and our customers to achieve this.”  

This acquisition is not the first time AV Dawson has made a strategic investment to improve its rail infrastructure. In 2015, the business struck a deal with Network Rail to take full control of the seven-acre neighbouring Middlesbrough Goods Yard.

More than 120 of the world’s leading sheet metal pressworkers will be heading to Birmingham in October as part of a major global manufacturing event.

The 20^th ICOSPA (International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations) Congress will return to the UK for the first time in 18 years, with the emphasis firmly on ‘New Tech, New Skills and New Challenges.’

Held over two days (19^th-20^th October), delegates from China, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the US and the UK will meet to discuss some of the biggest topics facing their sector, including innovative technologies transforming metalforming, how to deliver sustainable performance, bridging the skills gap and remaining profitable in the face of economic struggles.

They will hear keynote addresses from Francisco J. Riberas (Executive Chairman of Gestamp), Ian Harnett (Chairman of Tevva Electrical Trucks), Antonio Costa, (CEO of Congress Diamond Sponsor Kaizen Institute) and Gianfranco Ruggiero, (Senior Product Manager of Congress Gold Sponsor AutoForm Group).

Insights will also be delivered by Dan Hurd (EY-Parthenon) on global supply chain issues for the future and from Jianguo Lin (Imperial College London) on vehicle light-weighting.

Stephen Morley, President of the Confederation of British Metalforming, is in his fourth and final year as President of ICOSPA.

“This is one of the biggest industrial events in the calendar and we are looking forward to welcoming more than a hundred delegates from across the world to the original birthplace of the industrial revolution.

“Despite the challenges, Birmingham and the UK still has a strong and prosperous sheet metal and presswork sector and there is an appetite to understand the new technologies that are developing and how we can make the most of them.

“Our congress is headlined by some of the world’s leading voices in the sector, including the man who shaped the creation of Gestamp and the Chairman of one of the UK’s pioneering manufacturers of electric trucks.”

He continued: “This is very much a global event and is set to attract sheet metal pressworkers, suppliers, academics and metallurgists all keen to share best practice, views and ‘hacks’ on how to move forward as an industry. There’s a limited number of spaces still available if people are interested.”

The International Council of Sheet Metal Presswork Associations is the main platform for the cross-national exchange of the sheet metal engineering industry.

Over the past 50 years, the six member associations have represented the voices of over 12,300 companies and 600,000 employees throughout the world.

This year’s congress, which is also sponsored by Dayton Progress and AutoForm, starts on Wednesday 19^th with two company visits to Brandauer in Birmingham and Gestamp’s new factory in Four Ashes, Wolverhampton.

The next day will see the National Metalforming Centre in West Bromwich host the main Congress, followed by the evening dinner at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham.

Stephen went on to add: “Our company visits are always a highlight of proceedings as delegates love getting out on the shopfloor and seeing how different firms operate.

“In Brandauer, we have one of the region’s most progressive and exciting SMEs and a manufacturer that is leading the way in the production of thin gauge laminations for electrification.

“Gestamp is a major tier 1 automotive supplier, and it will be great to see how its landmark new factory has come together to create a truly world class manufacturing environment.”

The presidency of ICOSPA will be passed to the Japan Metal Stamping Association during the two-day celebrations.

Other organisations present include the Precision Metalforming Association, The Confederation of Chinese Metalforming Industry, FIM Metaux en Feuilles and Industrieverband Blechumformung.

For further information or to book your space, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Baumüller is participating in EuroBLECH 2022 and is presenting itself as a complete partner for every phase of the life cycle

At EuroBLECH 2022, drive and automation specialist Baumüller will be presenting modern technology solutions for sheet metalworking machines in hall 27, stand C155. The Nuremberg-based company is taking part in the world's largest trade fair for the sheet metalworking industry, which will be held in Hanover from October 25 - 28, 2022. At the stand you will find out why, among other things, servo eccentric presses are a good alternative to conventional pressing methods, what advantages the use of modern simulation technology in the engineering of sheet metalworking machines can offer and how Baumüller SmartValue can reduce the production CO2 footprint permanently.

Complete drive system for more flexibility

The stand focuses on the overall Baumüller package for the automation of servo eccentric presses. Compared to conventional presses, these presses have the edge in terms of productivity, product quality and flexibility. With high-performance direct drives and the compatible control unit, the processes can be optimized with regard to cycle time, tool wear and tear, energy use, and environmental compatibility.

Baumüller has many years of experience in equipping servo eccentric presses and, as a full-range supplier, is at your side from the planning to the engineering to commissioning, and service.

Particular highlight: Baumüller will be demonstrating its complete drive system live at the trade fair stand using a fully-functional miniature servo eccentric press. The solution impresses with its space-saving structure and clearly illustrates Baumüller’s system competence. The press profiles can be created easily and quickly with the user-friendly user interface.

Baumüller offers a complete system for servo eccentric presses consisting of the engineering, hardware, and software

Drive design with ProSimulation

The simulation model of the servo eccentric press in ProSimulation enables efficient drive design and minimum connected system load of the machineThe digital twin offers many advantages, especially during the engineering phase: The development time is shortened and the machine can therefore be placed on the market as quickly as possible and functionally reliable. With ProSimulation, Baumüller offers simulation models of its drive components. In addition, Baumüller carries out the complete design of the design technology for its drive technology.

This offers numerous advantages, above all for complex applications such as servo eccentric presses: It enables the selection of an efficient and resource-saving drive package. For example, the whole drive topology can be mapped in the software. This consists of the nonlinear transfer ratio of the eccentric mechanics, gearing, high-torque motors, servo drive technology and energy store in conjunction with dynamic movement and force profiles. The simulation creates transparency in the power and energy profiles and describes loading and unloading processes in detail. This enables efficient dimensioning of the energy store and therefore the connected system load can be reduced. This saves resources, relieves the power system considerably and reduces the machine’s footprint.

Powerful hardware for more power and energy efficiency

Baumüller has many years of experience in equipping servo eccentric presses and is at hand to assist potential customers as a full-range supplierApplications for sheet metalworking pose major challenges for power, speed and compactness. Baumüller offers a scalable portfolio specially for these requirements. Our DST2-series high-torque motors achieve very high maximum torques, in order to provide the necessary power for the pressing process. The motors can be perfectly adapted to the press’s requirements thanks to different shaft and flange options.

In addition, Baumüller will be presenting the converter family b maXX 5000 for high performance classes. The servo drives impress with their compact installation dimensions and offer a broad and scalable selection of optional safety functions. The devices also have the option of energy recovery. The connected system load can be reduced by intelligent energy management and the use of capacitors as energy stores, which in turn saves energy and costs.

On the control level, with the powerful Box-PC b maXX PCC-04, Baumüller offers a scalable platform with diverse possible uses. This offers a large number of interfaces, is expandable and thus allows for a flexible machine architecture. With the b maXX PLC mc control platform, Baumüller combines the properties of industrial PCs and PLC controls and thus covers the area between these two existing solutions optimally. The system has convincingly handy dimensions of 110 x 90 x 35 mm and is therefore extremely compact. Baumüller offers suitable HMI panels with touch display for user-friendly machine operation.

Baumüller has many years of experience in equipping servo eccentric presses and is at hand to assist potential customers as a full-range supplier

Charming solution: retrofitting a conventional press

The drive system of a conventional eccentric press consists of an asynchronous motor, flywheel and coupling-brake combination. This system can often be replaced by a servo drive system, in order to continue to use an existing machine and to benefit from the advantages of a servo solution. With a retrofit, a large part of the mechanism is retained and only the drive system is renewed. This solution increases the flexibility, productivity and product quality of the press. Another positive aspect: A retrofit is a sustainable solution, which extends the life of the machine and saves resources.

Life-cycle management worldwide

n addition to the development and manufacture of automation components, Baumüller as a group of companies provides numerous services for mechanical and plant engineering and for machine operators. From project planning, design and engineering through assembly and commissioning to maintenance, retrofitting and relocation, Baumüller offers support over the entire life cycle of machines and systems. Baumüller attaches particular importance to the sustainable and resource-saving production of intelligent drive and automation solutions.

Euroblech, October 25 to 28, 2022
Hall 27, stand C155 – Hanover (Germany)