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Tag: conveyors

Ferag provides intralogistics solution to fashion group

Posted on by David Priestman

Fashion group s.Oliver is taking another major step in its growth strategy by opening a logistics centre in Dettelbach in 2024 with a hub function for the whole of Europe. As general contractor, Ferag AG is responsible for the overall coordination of intralogistics and the automated handling of the ordering and returns processes.

A European hub for around 60 million goods per year in online retail is being built in Dettelbach in Lower Franconia, Bavaria. The German fashion company s.Oliver plans to locate the entire logistics processing of its B2C business at this site. The reorder process and the supply of self-managed areas for the B2B sector are also to be integrated, according to a group release. The new logistics centre is a consistent next step in s.Oliver’s growth strategy and a reaction to the significantly increased demands on automated processes in e-commerce retailing.

Maximum process reliability

A key project with significant dimensions has begun for Ferag AG with the start at the beginning of January 2022. Several teams will work exclusively on this project for almost two years. More than 16km of conveyor systems will be supplied. They will run on three levels, connect several halls and ensure seamless process handling.

Ferag’s proven pouch sorter system Skyfall is loaded with 125,000 pouches and ensures all steps in the ordering and returns processes: receiving goods from the hanging garment warehouse; fully automated pouch loading with prepared returns; dynamic buffering for efficient material flow and on-time availability of goods; automatic pouch emptying and distribution of picked and sorted goods to packing stations; delivery of goods for shipping.

In addition to the impressive technological solution, Ferag also convinced those responsible at s.Oliver with its proactive input of its own flexible approaches and their feasible implementation in the existing concept.

“In addition, Ferag recognised and understood the importance and scope of the project for our company,” stated Dennis Prandl, Director Global Logistics Service Centre at s.Oliver, explaining why Ferag was awarded the contract. Ensuring a high degree of automation is a key requirement. Another is unrestricted flexibility. The concept must be able to react quickly to the demands of the market. Finally, s.Oliver wants to guarantee its customers maximum delivery capability and raise its service level so that goods ordered by 3 p.m. are shipped the same day.

Perfect coordination

To ensure a successful project, the coordination of all parties involved becomes a key task. Ferag assumes responsibility as integrator and organises cooperation with supplier companies, including major ones such as Heber Fördertechnik GmbH & Co. KG (container conveyor technology, outgoing goods sortation), MHart Srl (overhead conveyor technology) and Westernacher Business Management Consulting GmbH (SAP system).

Asked about the major challenges, Ferag project manager Fabian Schulz names the exact assembly planning and the on-time provision of all components. The final phase of the project then involves integrating all the mechanical and digital components, including some new developments, into a functioning overall system.

Ferag has started the project in Dettelbach with enthusiasm and a huge quantity of expertise. The fashion group’s logistics centre is scheduled to open in February 2024.

 

Leuze sensor offers measuring and switching

Posted on by David Priestman

The innovative ODT 3C sensor from Leuze can handle both measuring and switching tasks. The new 2-in-1 solution is thus suitable for a wide range of automated industrial applications.

Is there an object on the conveyor belt? If yes: What is its position or distance to the machine? These are typical issues that need to be addressed in a wide range of industrial applications and processes. In the past, to solve this problem required the use of multiple sensors. With the new ODT 3C from Leuze, only a single device is needed: The innovative sensor can transmit both switching and measuring information to the machine control system, which makes it an efficient and economical 2-in-1 solution.

Flexibility with a single sensor

The ODT 3C transmits measurement values and extensive diagnostic data via IO-Link. The data includes temperature values, warnings, and signal quality. It features impressive black-and-white behaviour (< ±3mm at 150mm). The operating range can be easily adjusted via the teach button, remote signal or IO-Link.

The new Leuze sensor also offers impressive functional reliability: Active ambient light suppression prevents faulty switching, even when exposed to direct light from LED building lighting systems. LEDs that are easily visible from all sides allow you to quickly read the status of the ODT 3C. Two independent switching outputs and sensor models with warning output or a small light spot (pinpoint) round of the sensor’s functions. This enables plant operators to use the ODT 3C flexibly in a wide range of applications.

Application example from food industry

A machine is rolling off dough for baked goods. The ODT 3C sensor is pointing down onto the dough. It sends a distance value to the parent control. The goal is to regulate the dough within an optimal distance range of 100–120mm.

If the sensor detects a measurement value outside the target range, the conveyor belt motors adjust the speed of the conveyor accordingly. The measurement value is evaluated in the process data via IO-Link. In addition, diagnostic data is transmitted to the controller via IO-Link for Industry 4.0 purposes.

 

TGW presents new digital services at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

The TGW Logistics Group is equipped with modern technology for the digital age. The systems integrator will be presenting the full spectrum of its digital services at the LogiMAT intralogistics trade fair (31 May to 2 June) in Stuttgart. Those services cover the entire lifecycle of a system, including everything from planning to implementation to live operation. The spotlight will be on innovations that help companies boost their competitiveness.

“TGW can look back on more than 50 years of experience in the development of mechatronic modules and has successfully implemented hundreds of projects worldwide as a systems integrator. Thanks to our ever-expanding range of digital services, our customers are in an excellent position to face the demands of tomorrow,” emphasises Matthias Stötzner, Director Sales at TGW Systems Integration. “TGW combines expertise in software and systems to offer customised, state-of-the-art end-to-end solutions.”

The TGW booth at LogiMAT applies an open communication concept. In addition to modules, systems and solutions, reference projects for notable customers such as Coop, PUMA, Fource and Engelbert Strauss will also be highlighted.

The TGW Digital Lifecycle’s services and products cover the three phases of planning, realisation and Lifetime Services. More than 600 IT specialists look after over 500 systems around the globe. They develop new applications, implement tools and maintain logistics centres during live operation.

The topics of efficiency, transparency and a short return on investment take centre stage in this context. An integration project’s lifecycle takes place digitally, from the first data analysis all the way to final acceptance. Digital services also ensure optimum performance during live operation. Thus, TGW offers maximum availability and reliability, in keeping with the motto “We keep your business running”.

To that end, TGW uses a variety of both well-established and newly-developed resources. Examples of digital tools for system design include 3D layouts, simulations and intelligent data analyses. In the realisation phase, TGW employs agile implementation, emulation and performance checks. In regard to operation, customers profit from virtual testing environments, remote services, proactive monitoring and more. The multi-award-winning picking robot Rovolution boasts a digital twin: a complete digital representation that grows alongside the physical installation and is connected to it in real time.

Companies that put their trust in TGW also have the advantage of receiving everything from a single source. Unlike software providers, the systems integrator plans and implements systems, produces the mechatronic components and also handles the complex software integration. This enables TGW to gather data from all applications, products and solutions and evaluate, visualise and optimise them in a uniform system.

The use of modern technology such as artificial intelligence is becoming more and more important in this context. Future scenarios can be modelled with the help of self-learning algorithms. “Interconnected intra-logistics systems that are capable of learning and self-optimisation will play a huge role in the very near future. Our customers profit greatly from these advantages,” affirms Johann Steinkellner, CEO Central Europe at TGW.

Multi-client shuttle system put into operation at Harsewinkel

Posted on by David Priestman

Arvato Supply Chain Solutions is expanding Harsewinkel, Germany into its leading healthcare location in Europe. To this end, a new multi-client-capable shuttle warehouse with picking system has now been put into operation at the North Rhine-Westphalia site, which in the future will enable the products of a total of 25 customers from the pharmaceutical and medical technology industry to be shipped even more efficiently and quickly to hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, laboratories, patients and wholesalers. At the same time, Arvato is using the new shuttle solution to drive forward the automation strategy for its global sites.

“The healthcare market is currently being shaped by the trend toward more and more direct deliveries from pharmaceutical and medical technology manufacturers to their customers. This makes automation useful in healthcare logistics as well,” says Dr. Thorsten Winkelmann, Managing Director Healthcare at Arvato Supply Chain Solutions.

“It allows us to respond more flexibly and efficiently to changing market needs, ensure optimal patient care and grow together with our customers.”

The appropriate automation solution was determined after a detailed analysis of inventory and delivery volumes and the structure of the products. For this purpose, Arvato has its own Logistics Engineering department, whose experts have clustered different automation technologies independently of manufacturers according to application standards as in a modular system. From this, the modules for each project are then put together individually on the basis of the respective requirements.

“In addition, since the space conditions in Harsewinkel were predefined and could not be expanded at will, we opted for a state-of-the-art shuttle system with stacked bins from our service provider KNAPP,” explains Fabian Generotzky, Vice President Operations Healthcare at Arvato in Harsewinkel.

With the increased storage density in the shuttle in this way, around 4,300 sq m of additional storage space have been gained, which is now available for growth with existing and new customers.

For the implementation, the Healthcare division was able to draw on the experience and expertise of other successful automations by Arvato Supply Chain Solutions. Generotzky adds: “The implementation in an existing facility during ongoing operations was nevertheless one of the most complex projects in the history of Arvato Healthcare.”

A challenge that was mastered with great commitment from everyone involved. The shuttle warehouse, which extends over three floors in Harsewinkel, has a total capacity of 55,000 storage locations for 44,000 totes and 11,000 shipping cartons. 84 shuttles move in the system in five aisles and can switch between the individual levels via six elevators.

For efficient order processing, pharmaceutical and medical products are conveyed directly to six picking stations using the goods-to-person principle. Additional work areas for order picking and goods issue are connected to the system via high-performance conveyor and sorter technology. During packing, semi- and fully-automatic carton erecting machines support the dispatch processes.

“The output per aisle is 400 to 650 movements per hour,” says Generotzky. “With each movement, the robotic vehicle both stores and retrieves goods – so there are no empty runs. This improves throughput by up to 10%, so it’s ideal for processing high volumes and boosts efficiency throughout the value-added process of warehouse logistics.”

The customer structure at the site also spoke in favour of using a shuttle. “In Harsewinkel in particular, we look after very different clients, so it is not possible to foresee a pronounced ABC distribution of products,” adds Generotzky. “With the shuttle, you quickly have direct access to the products and, compared to other automation solutions, you don’t need any lead time to get the items out of the system.”

With the new shuttle system in Harsewinkel, Arvato Supply Chain Solutions is well equipped for further growth. Generotzky concludes: “We have built generously and planned for capacity expansions in order to be able to react quickly to the increasing demand on the market, but also from existing customers.”

 

New Smart Pallet Mover promises performance boost

Posted on by David Priestman

It is not the performance of modern production machines but their material supply that promises the greatest potential for further productivity increases in industrial companies today. With the new Smart Pallet Mover (SPM), Interroll has launched an awarded solution that can be adapted as a flexible and modular pallet management system to meet a wide range of application requirements in industrial manufacturing.

The customer and user benefits of the Smart Pallet Mover are impressive: Those who use it can now finally automate work processes in front of the machine production to avoid manual activities in safety-critical areas and manage the pallet work flow by buffering, sorting, sequencing and carrying at the right time to deliver significant improvement of the machine down time optimising the return on investment (ROI) of the machine production cells.

This not only eliminates costly production interruptions for material supply to machines, but also the risk of accidents during operation. In this way, productivity increases of up to 30% are possible compared to manual operation.

The Smart Pallet Mover is a pallet management solution for automating pallet transport in the vicinity of manufacturing machines and for production-related picking and sequencing processes, which can also be used in Industry 4.0 environments. The SPM is designed to transport, sort and buffer boxes or pallets weighing up to 1,000kg.

It represents a mobile and autonomously acting material flow system that can be used, for example, as a cost-efficient supplement or substitute for forklifts or automated guided vehicles (AGVs).

The Smart Pallet Mover solution consists of various modules. The centre of the solution is a mobile unit (SM1000 Mover) that runs underneath non-driven conveyor sections and moves pallets lying on them. A transfer car (SM2000 Transfer Car) which moves on a rail can transport pallets between parallel conveyor sections.

“With this platform solution, which is unparalleled on the world market, we are tapping into the great productivity potential offered by production-related pallet management automation for our customers and users,” explains Jens Strüwing, Executive Vice President Products & Technology at Interroll. “A user-friendly 3D online tool, the SPM Layout Configurator & Pallet Flow Simulator, makes it possible to configure a system quickly and easily as well as simulate planned operation on the computer.”

The flexibility of this innovative solution, the use of proven technologies and a very short payback period ensure that users can significantly strengthen their competitiveness. As with all Interroll products, the Smart Pallet Mover is extremely easy to install, operate and maintain. The modular plug-and-play solution can therefore be put into operation without lengthy interruptions to production, even during modernisation projects.

Networking capabilities based on global data standards such as REST API and JSON ensure maximum compatibility and ease of use. The conveyor modules can be reconfigured very easily if required, and height-adjustable supports allow the system to be installed even on uneven floors.

Before the official market launch, the new solution had already won two internationally renowned awards. For example, the Smart Pallet Mover won the Red Dot Award, Product Design 2021, for its exceptional design quality and degree of innovation. At the same time, the solution was chosen by the independent experts of the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year Award (IFOY AWARD) in March 2021 as a finalist of this globally renowned intralogistics award.

With this new offering, Interroll is taking into account the fact that production managers are increasingly focusing on material handling, as shown, for example, by the survey “Production Logistics in Medium-Sized Businesses,” which Interroll published last year: The average degree of automation of internal material transport at the companies surveyed was only 53%. Almost every tenth company (9%) had a degree of automation of less than 25%.

CLICK HERE to view a video of the new solution.

Randex launches new version of vertical storage system

Posted on by David Priestman

Leading vertical storage lift company Randex is launching a new version of its ‘Compact’ system, built using its industry-benchmark automated vertical storage technology.

New features of this latest system include a modern, updated HMI (human-machine interface) touchscreen that is highly intuitive and user friendly according to early feedback from Randex users. The touchscreen offers varying levels of user access, and can be seamlessly integrated into company operations, early users report.

In response to market demand Randex has also introduced a new four-metre-wide, modular tray option: this can be used to increase storage more flexibly, says Randex, which expects it to be popular with manufacturing and logistics companies.

The new system will be launched publicly on the Randex stands at the March 2022 ‘IntraLogisteX’ and April 2022 ‘MACH’ shows.

Compact vertical storage lifts save up to 90% of floor space compared to standard shelving and pallet racking say Randex. They can manage loads of up to 100 tonnes and allow warehouse operatives to complete up to four times more picks than in a conventional warehouse environment, with goods automatically presented to the picker.

Compact vertical storage lifts can now be integrated with over 20 leading enterprise systems including IBM Maximo, SAP, JDA, Red Prairie and Blue Yonder.

Randex Ltd is the sole UK distributor for Compact Vertical Storage Lifts, manufactured in Sweden by Weland Solutions, a member of the privately-owned global group Weland AB. Randex customers include Bombardier, DHL, Fujifilm, Howdens, Hutchison Ports, Jaguar Land Rover, Ministry of Defence, P&G, Pfizer, Rolls Royce and Specsavers.

Compact Vertical Storage Lifts are suitable for many types of organisation and can support a wide variety of inventory management and stock handling processes.

Key to its best-in-class functionality, Compact Lift is driven by cog wheels that run in homogeneous gear racks (rack and pinion) – this provides very stable movement and precise positioning of the loaded trays.

The Compact Twin is the equivalent to the standard Compact Vertical Lift carousel, but with double the loading capacity. It saves time by handling two load trays in one sequence, keeping one tray in a picking position and the other in a waiting position. This doubles the picking rate of a single vertical carousel system.

The Compact Double features double load trays, providing even greater storage abilities per square metre. This makes it ideal for smaller warehouses, where space is limited.

Mobile control: Compact Vertical Storage lifts can be controlled via mobile devices, with a personalised interface for the operator, rather than by a computer. The warehouse operative launches the order directly from their mobile phone or tablet and sees only their order on screen. This approach saves a great deal of aisle walking time and also reduces picking errors.

The Compact Heavy solution stores heavy components with the same efficiency as a regular vertical storage lift. It has been developed to handle a load of 1.5 tonnes – the heaviest capacity in its class. It is part of Randex’ effort to develop solutions that allow a greater percentage of industrial companies’ inventory to be managed using vertical storage lift technology.

 

ABM Greiffenberger to display wide-ranging portfolio

Posted on by David Priestman

Visitors to LogiMAT 2022 in Stuttgart can find out about the powerful ABM Greiffenberger drives in Hall 3 at Booth B15. ABM Greiffenberger has suitable drives for all mobile and stationary applications in logistics centres. In close partnership with customers, the one-stop provider for intralogistics delivers both optimised modular system solutions and individual solutions with maximum added value for users.

Many things are moved in and around a logistics centre – and wherever this happens, drives are required. It starts, for example, with mobile applications such as electric buses that drive employees to their place of work or lorries that transport goods to the receiving point – drives for auxiliary units such as hydraulic pumps, compressors and fans are needed here. When the lorries drive up to the dock, rolling doors open and close so that the employees can load or unload.

By means of pallet trucks, forklifts or automated guided vehicles (AGVs), the goods are moved to container and pallet conveyors, which bring them to the high-bay storage area. Other devices and machines, such as ergonomic lift assists for handling the goods and machines for cleaning the floors in the building, are also deployed. ABM Greiffenberger offers suitable motors, gearboxes, brakes and inverters for all these applications – for either mains or battery power supply.

These drive solutions include the Sinochron motor series, which visitors can find out about at the trade fair booth. The permanently excited synchronous motors are perfect for operation with sensorless control thanks to their special design. The advantages offered by synchronous motors are a high power density and a compact size. With efficiencies of more than 90%, these motors score points in intralogistics applications in which drives are only operated at part load as well as in auxiliary units in lorries and buses.

ABM Greiffenberger has added compact and powerful liquid-cooled motors to its efficient drive technology offering. The motors possess a high thermal stability and offer exceptional protection with ratings of up to IP6K9K. They can be controlled via inverters and can be attached to all ABM helical, parallel shaft and angular gearboxes with little effort. They are ideal in areas such as mobile drive technology, where they are used, for example, as aggregate and traction drives in electric vehicles and construction machines.

Reduced complexity

ABM offers suitable inverters that are optimally matched to the respective drive systems for all applications. They meet controllability, networking, digitalisation and connection technology as well as other requirements.

ABM will present another innovation with the wheel hub drive with electric steering for AGVs and forklifts. It has a drive torque of 360Nm; the integrated electric steering brings a torque of up to 300Nm to the wheel. Users benefit from a precisely controllable and efficient AC motor technology. They receive complete solutions from a single source and only have to take care of the interface for the drive technology.

The powerful chain hoists will also be presented at LogiMAT. They are modularly designed and provide reliable overload protection thanks to the friction couplings. The integrated electronic control is new. Via plug and play technology, the operator can easily extend the basic version to include the travel function. The new solution from ABM Greiffenberger is particularly long-lasting – wear of switching contacts does not occur. The corrosion-resistant and robust chain hoists also operate reliably in harsh environments. High-quality helical gearing enables quiet running and lowers noise emissions.

ABM Greiffenberger is a systems supplier for all applications in intralogistics and develops customised, installation-optimised solutions that are optimally tailored to the respective applications. With this, ABM maintains its goal of delivering high-quality, reliable drive solutions and supporting its customers in the capacity of a partner with engineering and manufacturing expertise.

 

Wachendorff launches new variant of rotary encoder

Posted on by David Priestman

Wachendorff Automation, the encoder and measurement systems manufacturer, has launched a new variant of its well-proven industrial grade rotary encoders that feature a freely definable pulse count.

The new WDGP series, available in the UK from Variohm EuroSensor, offers any number of output pulses from 1 to 16,384 PPR as TTL or HTL quadrature A and B channels, plus a freely configurable zero pulse (N). Utilising IP67 protection class stainless-steel housings in a choice of 36mm and 58mm diameters with industry-standard mounting options, these high accuracy incremental encoders are based on a patented magnetic sensor technology that offers durability and extremely high resistance to shock, vibration and undesirable shaft loading.

With its freely definable pulse count, Wachendorff’s new WDGP series encoder offers users a convenient alternative against standard output options that may lead to more complex control electronics or software calculation. Application flexibility is also aided with an input power requirement from 4.75-32V DC, which is reverse polarity and short circuit protected. The maximum pulse frequency is 600kHz for the HTL version whilst the TTL option offers 1MHz. The HTL variant also offers inverted output signals.

The 36mm diameter model is available with a choice of servo flange, round flange, and screw flange mountings – a special servo flange version includes IP67 + IP69K protection rating for use in high pressure washdown/steam cleaning applications. A version with an elevated radial and axial shaft loading to 300N is also offered. The 58mm diameter model is currently available with servo flange or clamping flange options. Both sizes offer a choice of shaft diameters; a custom design service can be made available for OEM applications.

The new WDGP encoder is based on the same robust and durable mechanical design used across Wachendorff’s wide range of rotary encoders. Generous axial and radial shaft loading and a wide operating temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C combine for durability, high reliability, and long life for the most extreme rotary position feedback tasks in heavy engineering, off road vehicles, agricultural machinery and more.

Variohm EuroSensor is a longstanding UK distribution partner for Wachendorff, providing complete sales and service across the German manufacturer’s comprehensive range of rotary encoders, position measurement and counting systems.

Ferag on show at UK exhibition

Posted on by David Priestman

Ferag, a global leader in advanced conveying and sortation solutions, is to display its Swiss engineered overhead pouch and sorter systems at one of the UKs most important retail technology events, Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 2022, 2nd – 3rd March, ExCel, London (Stand SC2460).

Visitors to the Ferag stand will be able to see technology developed for some of the most testing of handling applications, the international print industry, where high-speed overhead conveyors are required to offer ultra-reliable performance on daily newspaper production runs in the millions. The same materials, technology and design expertise has been successfully applied by Ferag across the intralogistics sector, bringing reliable, high-performance conveying at speeds of up to 12,000 units per hour to retail, ecommerce, automotive and general merchandise businesses.

Darcy de Thierry, Managing Director, Ferag UK Ltd, says: “Ecommerce fulfilment is a time-critical operation demanding ultra-reliable, high-performance automation. Downtime or mechanical failure can cause huge disruption, with delays to customer orders resulting in disappointment and refunds. But more importantly, these service failures can bring significant brand damage and the loss of repeat sales. We’re here in the UK to deliver ultra-reliable performance across our extensive range of sorters and conveyors – technology that we are keen to show to UK retailers.”

Principle products in Ferag’s extensive range of innovative sorters and conveyors include:

  • Skyfall, an overhead pouch system that combines conveying, buffering, sorting and consolidating, suited to a wide variety of goods weighing up to 20kg. The solution makes efficient use of available overhead space;
  • Denisort, a tilt-tray sorter that provides order picking, conveying and sorting in one seamless and scalable solution;
  • Denisort Compact, a modular vertical sorter designed for items weighing up to 12kg;
  • Deniway, a plate chain conveyor with low-friction rollers for long conveying distances, offering smooth transfers with the minimum number of drive units;
  • Easychain, a largely maintenance-free continuous and seamless conveying system with an ultra-narrow curve radii, making it well suited to complex, 3D layouts.

Ferag has installed intelligent conveyor and sortation systems for some of the world’s largest brands, such as: DHL, Auchan, Nestle, Zeiss, Cewe, Zalando, Mayoral, Viapost, Peerless Clothing International, Dumoulin, AstraZeneca, Stage, VW, Shoebox, along with many more.

Kyburz turns to ABM for performance technology

Posted on by David Priestman

KYBURZ Switzerland AG, a manufacturer of urban delivery vehicles, relies on the know-how and drive technology of ABM Greiffenberger for its electric vehicles

KYBURZ is an international leader for high-quality mobility and transport solutions used e.g. by postal operators for delivery of letters and parcels. When it comes to drive technology, the provider relies on the comprehensive support of ABM Greiffenberger, from concept to series production. ABM supplies everything from a single source.

Martin Kyburz founded KYBURZ Switzerland AG in 1991. Today, with 150 employees the company is one of the leading manufactures for urban delivery vehicles, which thanks to automatic parking brake and reverse gear arrive at their destination safely and quickly even in wintry conditions. This includes the KYBURZ DXP.

The E-Mobile fleet combines the efficiency of a two-wheeler with the safety and stability of a three-wheel vehicle. DXP is used by postal operators in various countries such as Germany, Finland or Austria, as well numerous cities such as Winterthur or Montreux.

However, postal and logistics companies are not the only ones relying on this environmentally friendly vehicles, the electric sport cars for leisure sector are also extremely popular and ensure lots of driving pleasure. That is why, among others, the Swiss have developed the eRod (pictured), an electrically powered racing car approved for the road.

“We offer a comprehensive service package,” says Daniel Weber, Head of Development at KYBURZ. “We develop, produce vehicles and take care of the after sale service. We also take them back after being used, process them or take care of their recycling.”

Currently, over 23,000 of these electric vehicles are on the roads worldwide. Apart from the USA, the company is active in all markets worldwide.

High Performance and Efficient Drives

Users have high expectations. Especially postal services, which have to deliver their shipments quickly and reliably, require vehicles that are efficient, environmentally friendly, reliable and inexpensive to maintain. This places particularly high demands on the drives. Because the postman must be able to manage steep streets with his fully loaded vehicle and be able to accelerate at all times. Since these vehicles are used on daily basis, both acceleration and range play a major role. This requires motor performance and efficiency.

KYBURZ Switzerland AG turned to ABM Greiffenberger to manage this balancing act, this was in October 2011. As a full-service provider, the drive specialist with registered office in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia develops and manufactures systems for stationary and mobile applications which are installed e.g., in logistics in conveyors, hoists or forklifts. In addition to modular system solutions, ABM Greiffenberger also impresses with customer and application specific drive solutions that ensure customers measurable added value.

ABM works closely and in partnership with the customer. “Even before the turn of the millennium we had started to transfer our know-how from battery-powered applications to E-Mobility. Even back then we were able to implement the first customer-specific projects,” reports Jürgen Schliermann, Head of Mobile Drive Technology Development at ABM.

“We recognise new trends early on – this is important, especially in a future-oriented industry such as the electric mobility. We take this into account thanks to our comprehensive development and production capabilities.”

High Acceleration from Standstill

“We were looking for a reliable partner for our ever increasing quantities and for the growing demands of the users”, explains Daniel Weber from KYBURZ. “We were familiar with the high level of expertise of ABM and the good reputation of the supplier.”

The drive specialist supplied the AC end shield motors for the DXP series delivery vehicles. Weighing only around 22kg, these powerful three-phase asynchronous motors are quiet, environmental friendly and optimised for the stressful stop-and-go operation. They impress with their high acceleration capacity even from the standstill position, just the right one for these applications.

“The weight-optimised AC end shield motors are also robust, durable and with their special design without housing they are suitable for applications with high load peaks and high dynamics,” explains ABM expert Schliermann. Heat generation is a major issue with high torques and low speeds. This challenge can be managed with the ABM drive.

It was also important for KYBURZ to have a drive which requires little or no maintenance. In addition, the motor draws the energy from maintenance-free lithium iron phosphate batteries. External drive controllers assume the power supply and speed/torque control. Thanks to the optimised interaction with the controller the system is very well regulated, ensuring high level of power density.

“We can deliver a light, efficient and compact drive that optimally accelerates, provides a good driving dynamic and therefore also achieves a long range,” says Schliermann.

Emotions Instead of Emissions

Thanks to the good cooperation and reliable products ABM drives are also installed in eRod. The 600kg vehicle achieves a top speed of 120km/h and a range of around 180km. Thanks to the powerful electric drive the sports car provides the passionate driver with maximum driving pleasure.

“We had already developed our ring rib motor, and only had to adapt it to the electrical properties,” reports Schliermann. In contrast to the end shield motors, the compact and only about 43kg AC drive has a housing. There is also the ring-shaped design of the ribs. Both protect the motor against dirt and ensure a good heat dissipation. It is installed on the differential axle transversely to the driving direction.

“Thanks to this installation position we have adapted the ribs of the drive in such a way that an optimal air cooling is ensured”, explains Schliermann. This solution is suitable for journeys with high load peaks and high continuous performance.”

In other words, perfect for a vehicle which is not only emission-free but with which the driver can also be quickly on his way. The dynamic drive accelerates very quickly even from a standstill position. Voltage supply and speed/torque control are performed by an external control. The ring cooling fin motor is also optionally available with higher protection class (IP6K9K). In addition to a cost-effective solution the performance values were particularly decisive for KYBURZ.

Benefit Across the Board

“With ABM drive solutions we have achieved optimal performance across all our applications,” gladly mentions Weber. “This also includes higher temperature resistance, allowing vehicle operation at performance limits for longer periods.”

KYBURZ is very satisfied with both drive solutions: Because postal vehicles are in use daily, the eRod usually only occasionally: ABM drives are suitable for short, dynamic stretches as well as for the continuous operation in postal services.

A cooperative relationship has developed out of the project. “We are always get quick, competent support. Should modifications be required, together we always quickly find the suitable solution,” describes Weber. “It is thanks to this cooperative partnership that we always find a perfect system solution. Thanks to our extensive experience with this drive technology our development cost is usually held within limits,” adds Schliermann.

For its part, ABM opted for a sustainable delivery vehicle of DXP series for its energy efficiency and zero emission. “We use the vehicles for journeys between our two plants in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia. Our employees are also excited,” happily reports Schliermann.

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