This Week in Power & Motion: Helios Technologies Acquires Hydraulic Component Manufacturer Taimi
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.
This week saw two major transportation events during which many component suppliers in the fluid power and motion control industries were present, WasteExpo and the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. During the latter, a wide range of electric and other alternatively powered technologies were unveiled including a new battery-electric Freightliner Class 8 truck and new electric drive components from ZF.
READ MORE: ACT Expo 2022 Highlights Advancements in Electric Vehicle Technology
The continued growth of electric vehicles will have a large impact on many industries, including fluid power and electronics manufacturers, making it vital to stay up to date on what is happening in this field.
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.
Danfoss Names New North America President
Danfoss Power Solutions has appointed Rick Sporrer, currently VP Sales Americas, as the next President of Danfoss North America effective July 1. He will succeed John Galyen who is retiring later in the summer. The two will work closely together to ensure a smooth transition.
Sporrer has over 30 years of experience he will bring to the role, including those in previous leadership roles with the company. According to Danfoss' press release announcing his appointment as president, Sporrer's strong leadership of the sales workstream activities proved invaluable in preparing for Danfoss’ merger with Eaton Hydraulics.
"The past 21 years at Danfoss have been the most rewarding of my career," said Galyen. "I’m proud of the strides we have made in growing our business and footprint in North America, which is now Danfoss’ largest region, and I’m especially proud of the industry leadership position we’ve taken – together with our customers – to meet the changing market requirements. Rick is well-positioned to help Danfoss North America continue its growth journey and innovation in sustainable solutions."
Helios Technologies Acquiring Taimi
Motion and electronic controls manufacturer Helios Technologies has entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Taimi R&D Inc., a manufacturer of hydraulic components. Taimi's ball-less design swivel products have helped it grow into a worldwide company which will benefit further growth of Helios Technologies, as well.
Taimi has worked with Helios Technologies' Faster brand since 2020 on a collaborative distribution arrangement.
"Bolting Taimi onto our pure play Hydraulics platform is a clear demonstration of the continued progress we are making with our flywheel acquisition strategy," said Josef Matosevic, Helios’ President and Chief Executive Officer, in the company's press release announcing the acquisition. "Taimi produces high quality, uniquely designed components that when integrated with our existing technologies form hydraulic solutions that offer higher reliability, greater durability, and safety and environmental benefits. We are excited to expand our Hydraulics solutions and enhance our technical expertise with Taimi’s innovative team. Their team brings not only technology but also strong engineering expertise. Importantly, we continue to execute on our augmented strategy to drive value for our customers with our integrated innovation teams across Helios. We believe this approach helps us maintain a market leading position and ultimately delivers for all of our stakeholders."
Delta-Q Technologies Ships 4 Millionth Battery Charger
Battery charging solutions provider Delta-Q Technologies has announced the shipment of its four millionth battery charger. Reaching this milestone shows how much the desire for electrification solutions has grown in recent years.
The company has also recently received a $300,000 grant from The CleanBC Go Electric Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) Program. With this funding Delta-Q will be able to develop a family of high-power and high-voltage on-board battery chargers for commercial and industrial electric vehicles the company says in its press release announcing the shipment of its four millionth charger.
"We are excited to contribute to BC’s leadership in clean technology and the transition to a low-carbon economy," said Sarah MacKinnon, co-CEO and CFO, Delta-Q Technologies in the company's press release. "Shipping four million chargers not only signifies our company’s solid growth and more jobs created in BC, but it also means that we are helping combat the global energy crisis in a tangible way as industrial electric vehicles replace fossil fuel-based vehicles."
New Amsted Automotive E-Axle Disconnect System Uses Electric Actuation in Place of Hydraulics
Technology company Amsted Automotive Group has developed the Dynamic Controllable Clutch (DCC), an electromechanical disconnect system for electric axles (e-axles). The DCC aids torque management for electric vehicles by enabling seamless shifting which helps to extend battery life by minimizing the amount of power required during shifting.
Per Amsted's press release announcing the launch of the DCC, it enables the driveline system to efficiently engage and disengage rear electric drivetrains from their drive axles while conserving energy and maintaining on- and off-road capabilities.
Because the DCC uses electric actuation, the need for hydraulic systems was eliminated. This helped to create packaging and system efficiencies the company says in its press release.
The DCC works by magnetically latching in each state which reduces energy use while keeping the systems for all-wheel and four-wheel drive engaged. Use of mechatronics allows shifting in less than 20 milliseconds. Amsted says range can also be extended by 10-20% depending on the application.
Timken Acquires Spinea
The Timken Co. has agreed to acquire Spinea, s.r.o., a European manufacturer of cycloidal reduction gears and actuators. Spinea's products are used in severe high-precision automation and robotics applications in factory automation states Timken in its press release announcing the acquisition.
The acquisition of Spinea will help grow Timken's business further in the automation space which the company says was its second-largest market in 2021.
"Spinea's well-established position in highly demanding robotics applications will increase our presence in the growing automation space," said Richard G. Kyle, Timken president and chief executive officer, in the company's press release. "Spinea brings an exciting new product line with differentiated technology and state-of-the-art manufacturing to Timken. We plan to leverage our global capabilities to scale the business and introduce Spinea's next-generation solutions to customers around the world."
Volvo Trucks Partnering with DHL on Electric Trucks
Volvo Trucks is collaborating with Deutsche Post DHL Group to accelerate DHL's use of zero-emissions electric vehicles. DHL plans to put 44 Volvo electric trucks into its operations along routes in Europe.
The order will include 40 Volvo FE and FL electric trucks for use in urban transports. For longer haul transport, DHL will deploy four Volvo FM Electric trucks in the UK for regional haul applications.
According to Volvo, the first eight trucks which have been ordered will save close to 600 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year as well as almost 225,000 L of diesel fuel.
DHL first began testing Volvo's electric trucks in 2020 and reports having a good experience which lead to the company increasing its order for the trucks. This will also help the company achieve its emissions reduction targets; its goal is to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Through this new agreement, DHL will not only get more electric trucks but also work together with Volvo on development of technologies for electrification.
