This Week in Power & Motion: Volvo Begins Production of Electric Trucks with Fossil-Free Steel
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. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the industries in which they work.
Thermal Transfer Products Partners with CADENAS PARTsolutions on 3D Configuration Tool
To help provide customers with better access to CAD models, Thermal Transfer Products (TTP) recently partnered with CADENAS PARTsolutions to launch a 3D configuration tool for its industrial heat exchangers.
The 3D configurator is available online and provides engineers with quick and easy access to product configuration, CAD models and PDF datasheets. CAD models are available in over 150 native and neutral formats to aid with a variety of design needs.
Within the configurator, customers can build the heat exchanger model required for their application with any options which are available. The configurator displays the model with base dimensions once all aspects are determined; the model can then be downloaded or have a PDF datasheet created showing a 2D drawing and basic data as well as a rotatable 3D model.
"Engineers would call or email our engineering department to get a CAD model for their application, usually with a 24-hour turnaround," said Ron Szarzynski, Product Manager at TTP, in a press release announcing the configuration tool's launch. "The process could take longer if the customer needed data for a legacy product, which would need to be redrawn into a modern 3D format. Our new configuration tool replaces that process. The end user can build the exact product for their application online by selecting the features they need. When they're happy with the configuration, they can download it instantly in the format of their choice."
Ansys Partners with AWS to Ease Software Access
Software developer Ansys has launched Ansys Gateway powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). This will enable customers to access Ansys products from a single source in the cloud.
On-demand access to Ansys applications and high-performance computing (HPC) resources will be possible with Ansys Gateway the company said in its press release announcing the launch. The company said in its release that customers will be able to manage and control computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided engineering (CAE) cloud consumption and costs on AWS while taking advantage of the scalable hardware and compute capacity.
READ MORE - From Drafter to Innovator: The Evolution of the Design Engineer
Ansys' goal with this new offering is to help make simulation software more affordable and easily accessible. Customers will be able to pay for the cloud resources only when used, helping to reduce costs. They will also be able to manage user access, permissions, data and security.
"We were surprised by how easy and seamless it is to switch from our internal cluster to the cloud with Ansys Gateway powered by AWS," said Steve Collie, aerodynamics coordinator at Emirates Team New Zealand, in Ansys' press release. "We can quickly set up a workstation or cluster and select the best hardware. We can replace our hardware every day if we want, instead of replacing physical resources every four years. It's fast and intuitive to switch back and forth from cluster to cloud as our needs change."
"Our goal at Ansys has always been to make simulation accessible to as many startups, students and businesses – large and small – as possible. Providing easy, affordable access to Ansys' solutions makes greater innovation and efficiency possible for all of our customers," said Shane Emswiler, senior vice president of products at Ansys, in the company's release.
STLE Hosts Conference on Lubricants for Electric Vehicles
The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) will host its Second Annual Tribology & Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference November 30-December 2, 2022. Over 30 speakers will present on the changing requirements for lubricants and technology for electric vehicles during the 3-day event.
A keynote “The Need of Novel Lubricating Oils for Electrical Driveline Applications – Technical Demands and New Test Methods,” will be presented by Ing Jörg Fahl, Ph.D., technical director, Lubricants & Tribology, Volkswagen AG, the morning of November 30.
While the in-person option being held at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in San Antonio, TX, is currently sold out, there is a virtual attendance option. Registration for the event is still available at the event's website. Both virtual and in-person attendees will have access to many of the presentation recordings and presentation slides after the event.
READ MORE: New STLE White Paper Outlines EV Advancements and Future Outlook
Danfoss Names New President of Fluid Conveyance Division
Danfoss Power Solutions has named Ines E. Sira as the new president of the company's Fluid Conveyance division. Sira will be based at Danfoss' Eden Prairie, MN, facility; she will be a member of the company's leadership team and report directly to Eric Alström, President of Danfoss Power Solutions.
Sira has joined Danfoss from Wesco Distribution Inc. where she was vice president and general manager, Global Safety Business. Prior to that she worked for nearly 20 years at 3M, holding various leadership roles. She brings years of business strategy development and operational execution experience, as well as expertise in merger and acquisition integrations.
“I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to lead the Fluid Conveyance division, particularly at this stage of its integration into Danfoss Power Solutions,” Sira said in Danfoss' press release announcing her appointment. “I look forward to accelerating our strategy and proving that our people and our products, backed by the power of Danfoss, truly are stronger than ever.”
Epiroc Acquires Mining Automation Technology Developer
Mining equipment manufacturer Epiroc plans to acquire Remote Control Technologies (RCT), an Australia-based developer of automation and remote-control solutions for mining applications.
Automation is an area in which Epiroc has focused development efforts over the years. The acquisition will enable the OEM to now provide automation technologies for surface and underground rock drilling as well as underground loading and haulage.
RCT's technology can be used on a single machine or for a mixed fleet of vehicles from various manufacturers. The company also provides data and information systems, fleet and machine management systems, and machine protection systems.
"Automation is increasingly important for the mining industry to strengthen safety and productivity, and RCT’s advanced solutions complement Epiroc’s existing automation offering well. Together we will provide complete automation and remote-control solutions to support our customers on their journey towards optimal operations," said Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, in the company's press release announcing the acquisition.
Volvo Delivers First Electric Trucks Made with Fossil-Free Steel
Volvo Trucks continues its deployment of electric powered vehicles with the start of production for its heavy-duty electric, 44 tonne trucks. Some of the trucks will be built using fossil-free steel from SSAB, further aiding sustainability initiatives set out by Volvo.
The company is looking to not only develop low- to zero-emissions vehicles but also produce them in a more sustainable manner. To do so, it is working to replace materials it utilizes with alternatives such as fossil-free steel and recycled options.
SSAB initiated its efforts to produce fossil-free steel in 2017 and began production in 2020 using a combination of fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. Through this process fewer emissions are released, helping to make production of steel more sustainable. In 2021, SSAB and Volvo announced they would work together to utilize the steel in Volvo products.
Volvo plans to initially use the fossil-free steel for the frame rails of its electric trucks. Additional parts will be made from the steel as well as its availability increases. According to Volvo, 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck are made from recycled materials and up to 90% of the vehicle can be recycled at the end of its life.
