DRIVES, CONTROLS & MOTORS


FEATURE


Driving automation Developments


Industrial systems all around the world are dependent on drives and motors. Marcus Schneck, CEO of norelem, looks into the importance of specifying the right drive solution for your application


T


he requirement for efficient and effective drive technology is growing as automation becomes more prominent. Drives are


responsible for harnessing and managing the electrical energy provided to a motor at its most basic level. Drive technologies provide process control and efficiency for systems such as fans, compressors, pumps, and conveyors found in industrial contexts all over the world by controlling torque and speed. While capable of providing lower operational expenses and lower energy usage by optimising power transmission processes, this depends on the right solution being specified. So how should you go about specifying the right drive system?


consideraTions


In order to specify the right drive systems for the application, it is important to consider the key advantages that each technology provides: Chain Drives – A chain drive is comprised of


sprockets, sprocket disks and a roller chain, with some applications supplemented with tensioners and deflectors. This is the toughest and most durable system, and norelem’s chain drives are manufactured to the DIN / ISO 606 standard. The teeth are milled and hardened, exactly


aligning the groove with the tooth tip. This choice will greatly benefit engineers looking to implement a drive system featuring considerable power transmission over a short distance with low maintenance requirements. The alternative addition of stainless-steel chain wheels also makes this a common choice within the food industry. Toothed Belt Drives – Featuring a toothed belt


alongside two or more belt pulleys, there are multiple advantages to a toothed belt system. Toothed belts can run large forces with high acceleration while also ensuring exact positioning and guarantees constant speed. When the system is correctly installed


and tailored with the necessary components for its given purpose, toothed belts can be energy efficient, quiet and precise – allowing for high acceleration values if required. Due to this, the system lends itself well in mechanical engineering industries such as automotive and aerospace. Gears, Racks and Bevel Gears – Gear drives


are also common in mechanical engineering applications, allowing for customisable torques to be transmitted from one shaft to another all within a compact and simple design. Engineers can simply adjust torque or speed by exchanging individual gears, allowing for


greater flexibility when required. Similar to chain drives, gears are also low


maintenance and can deliver high forces across short distances all within a slip-free, form-fitting design. Worm Gears / Worm Gear Sets –


The aptly named ‘worm’ refers to a shaft with one or more screw threads which is then connected to a worm wheel (helical toothed), forming the worm gear. The axis of the system is offset by 90°, allowing for large ratios to be translated into slow speeds. With norelem’s worm gear sets capable


of continuous operation at high speeds and torques, the system is naturally resilient due to its construction. However, it’s worth noting that because the drive is powered by both a rolling and sliding movement, the gear is not as efficient as the other drive options also available.


The benefiTs


Each system offers capabilities tailored to specific applications. As an example, while the service life and low maintenance of chain and gear drives will better serve mechanical engineering industries, toothed belt drives will better suit applications demanding precision process control and high production rates. Equally, the choice of stainless-steel


components will better serve applications where hygiene is a higher priority, such as the medical or food manufacturing industries. By selecting the correct system, engineers can choose a drive that’s fit for purpose and aids production efficiency. Integrating the correct system into the


process, manufacturers will benefit from optimal power transmission, decreased wear and maintenance, increased system longevity and constant gear ratios. In the long term, a finely tuned drive


system will not only provide optimal efficiency performance but also reduce the energy needed to power the system. As a result, this will help to lower operational costs and even help companies reduce their carbon footprint.


inTegraTing fuTure Technologies


Demand is expected to continue rising, and with higher rates of production required from manufacturers, automating processes will prove to be critical in the years to come. Drive technology is no longer just a purely mechanical process – norelem’s drive systems


can be easily integrated alongside digital interfaces. With


successful implementation, digital interfaces can provide added insight into performance, troubleshooting and bespoke efficiency solutions for each specific application. This, in turn, opens up a variety of


possibilities to further improve drive technology systems. With sensors to detect early potential faults within the production line, companies can avoid unforeseen production stops due to preventable faults or errors. Less unscheduled downtime means deviations and emerging risks can be dealt with promptly without hindering manufacturing outputs. While drive components are built to withstand


extended usage, automated maintenance flags to ensure the system is regularly inspected will go a long way in increasing the system’s longevity. Adding to this, by utilising and capturing


data during production, manufacturers can better optimise their system to improve efficiency even further. This can be achieved by analysing key areas of inefficiency, such as modification, quality control and maintenance periods to better improve a drive system’s capabilities using data-led analysis. Drive technology will continue to play an


integral role in the years to come and engineers must ensure the system is fit for purpose. With an entire portfolio of drive system offerings, norelem is able to offer advice and guidance that will ensure the right system is specified for the application. To view norelem’s range of drive components, engineers can find all relevant parts in the catalogue, THE BIG GREEN BOOK.


norelem www.norelem.co.uk


OCTOBER 2021 DESIGN SOLUTIONS 39


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