There is much going on in the world of fluid power and motion control from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. To keep our readers as informed as possible, the Power & Motion team has collected some of the latest news which could be pertinent to their work.
Keep an eye out for a new edition each week to ensure you stay up to date on what's happening in the world of fluid power and motion control.
Motion Names New Vice President
Motion Industries Inc. has promoted Jon Tart to the position of vice president of the company's Southeast Group. Most recently he served as Baltimore Division vice president.
Tart began working at the company in 1996 as a customer service representative, and has since served in various roles with increasing responsibility.
"Jon’s impressive background and his ability to leverage his vast experience and competitive nature will ensure success in the years ahead," said Kevin Storer, executive vice president, Branch Operations, in Motion's press release announcing Tart's promotion. "I look forward to seeing him successfully lead the Southeast Group to new heights."
Tuson Acquires ISPT
Tuson Corp. recently announced it has acquired 100% of the assets of ISPT, LLC, a manufacturer of precision machined components as well as assemblies and systems made from those components. The division will now be known as Tuson Manufacturing Company (TMC).
The addition of TMC will expand Tuson's operations to five facilities on two continents. Operating locations now include:
- Vernon Hills, IL,
- Story City, IA,
- Jiaxing, China,
- Dongguan, China, and
- Hsinchu, Taiwan (R.O.C.).
Tuson and TMC serve a number of markets including fluid power and heavy equipment. Adding TMC will help increase the amount of manufacturing space and capabilities Tuson can offer to companies in these applications.
"We are extremely pleased with this acquisition," stated Roger Tu, Tuson’s President, in the company's press release announcing the acquisition. "Our acquisition of TMC provides Tuson with full manufacturing capabilities on two continents. This will better fulfill the needs of our customers.
"In addition, TMC’s business competencies and customer base very much augment and complement Tuson’s. This addition will be an important and strategic advantage for us moving forward. We are also very excited about TMC’s staff joining the Tuson team. TMC possesses some truly great people. We know they will enhance and strengthen our overall capabilities for, and service to, our customers."
Danfoss Powers Hybrid Passenger Ferries, Renames Walterscheid Tube-fitting Series
Danfoss Power Solutions recently made two announcements in the world of fluid power and electrification.
On March 10, the company announced it will rebrand the Walterscheid series of tube fittings which it acquired as part of the acquisition of Eaton's hydraulics business. Danfoss says it will continue investing in these products, now known as Waltech.
The company feels the rebranding better reflects the three connection systems included in the series—Walpro, Walring and Walform. These products are used in a variety of hydrauic and fluid conveyance applications and feature a leak-free design, high bending as well as impulse resistance.
Danfoss' Editron division is providing motors, inverters, high-voltage DC distribution and a control system for use in hybrid passenger ferries. Two 230-passenger capacity hybrid ferries will join the Uber Boat by Thaems Clippers' fleet in the fall of 2022.
Utilizing hybrid power for the high-speed ferries will help London with its emissions reduction efforts; the city is targeting zero-carbon emissions by 2030. According to Danfoss' press release announcing the project, the ferries will operate on zero-emission electric propulsion when used in central London and switch to biofuel once outside the central zone.
Excess power from the ferries' engines feeds onboard AC supply and charges the vessels' batteries which Danfoss explains removes the need for separate diesel-driven auxiliary generator sets for onboard AC supply. A power take-in mode enables energy stored in the batteries to be put back into the main propulsion line, allowing the ferries to sail on electric propulsion only. The can also be powered by combining battery energy with the main driveline which helps to reduce fuel consumption and operating noise for a more comfortable ride.
Nexteer Automotive Launches eDrive Product Line
Nexteer Automotive, a developer of motion control technologies, has introduced its new eDrive product line starting with the 48V Integrated Belt-Driven Starter Generator (iBSG). The iBSG is designed to hybridize internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to help OEMs and their customers meet both fuel efficiency and emissions reduction goals.
To develop the iBSG, Nexteer says it leveraged its expertise in motors, controls, software and electromechanical systems integration.
"This innovative, cost-efficient approach to eDrive leverages Nexteer's expertise in power electronics, advanced software and controls for Electric Power Steering systems, plus Nexteer's innovations and experience from more than 60 years in developing Driveline solutions," said Jun Li, president of Nexteer's Asia Pacific Division and Global Vice President of the eDrive Product Line, in the company's press release announcing the launch of the eDrive product line. "By leveraging our know-how in our existing technologies, we have developed an integrated, cost-effective eDrive solution for OEMs around the globe."
Nexteer describes the iBSG as a highly integrated electromechanical propulsion system. It connects to the engine crankshaft through a belt and provides additional power to help hybridize ICE vehicles. The iBSG is comprised of a high-efficiency electric motor, power electronics and advanced control software.
Use of an electric motor helps to increase efficiency of the ICE vehicle and improve fuel economy. The iBSG is able to recoup kinetic energy during deceleration, store it and reuse it during acceleration for an additional boost of power and further efficiency gains.
Nexteer has already secured a contract to integrate its 48V iBSG into a leading Chinese OEM's vehicle; production is expected in the first half of 2022. More eDrive applications are planned for the future.
HAWE Acquires Business Units of Fritz Schur
HAWE Holding GmbH has signed an agreement to acquire the business units Fritz Schur Energy (FSE) and Fritz Schur Teknik (FST) from Fritz Schur Technical Group A/S which are based in Denmark. HAWE Hydraulik will gain 112 new employees and expand its product portfolio for wind turbines. The acquisition will also provide the company with a direct presence in Denmark.
The company says it has had steady growth in its Renewable Energies business over the past 20 years. The acquisition of the Fritz Schur brands will help to strengthen its market position further and enable it to provide the necessary hydraulic drives and mechatronic controls for generating energy from wind, sun and water, says HAWE in its press release announcing the acquisition.
