This Week in Power & Motion: Ewellix Applies SmartX Digital Linear Motion Technology to Medical Applications
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.
anyseals Appoints New Company Leaders
Wholesale sealing supplier anyseals Inc. is expanding its leadership team with the appointment of Scott Rassett as CEO. Rassett will lead the company's U.S. operations, focusing on enhancing anyseals' sales organization, customer base, and management team.
Rassett joins the company from Hercules OEM where he lead the company's sales team serving OEM customers. During his tenure at Hercules OEM he aided with the company's sales and business growth.
anyseals has also appointed Tony Rose to the role of COO. In this position he will help to lead company operations and supply chain functions.
"We are convinced that together Scott and Toby will help us achieve our ambitious goals for anyseals in the U.S.," said Gerry Robberecht, CEO anyseals Group, in the company's press release announcing the new leadership positions.
READ MORE from anyseals: Demand for O-Rings to Remain Strong
Helios Technologies Reports Strong Year for Hydraulics, Overall Business
Helios Technologies Inc. has reported positive financial results for 2022. In the company's press release announcing its results, President and CEO Josef Matosevic said it was a pivotal year for Helios due to its product innovation efforts and business initiatives, such as the establishment of its new centers of excellence.
"Our teams executed well on our augmented strategy, navigating a complex operating environment, and protected the business ending the full year with industry-leading margins. We thought and acted globally as we diversified our markets and revenue base. Most importantly, we continue to build and develop the amazing talent that makes up our dedicated global workforce," said Matosevic.
"In 2023...There is a high probability that global macroeconomic uncertainties and currency fluctuations will continue. We will remain focused on what we can control around product innovation, top-tier lead times, and our customer-centric, ‘in the region for the region’ approach to manufacturing and operational excellence," he noted.
Additionally, he mentioned recent acquisitions made by the company will benefit the business in the coming year.
Helios also noted the strength of its hydraulics business during 2022 which included not only positive financial results but also several product expansions. Both the Sun Hydraulics and Faster brands added numerous products, such as Sun's ENERGEN™ valve which converts hydraulic flow into electric energy.
READ MORE: The Intersection of Hydraulics and Electrification
"We are making great progress on becoming an integrated operating company building robust solutions. The outlook is bright as our Hydraulics segment outpaces market growth and maintains a leading market presence," said Matosevic.
Ewellix SmartX Digital Technology Aids X-Ray Machines
Ewellix is applying its recently introduced SmartX digital platform for linear motion devices to a package of modular lifting column platforms for medical applications which include use with:
- patient tables,
- ceiling stands and wall/floor units in X-ray suites and
- other medical imaging modalities.
The products include sophisticate control units and are designed to create a more ergonomic working environment for medical professionals. Ewellix explains its system incorporates an intelligent five-stage lifting column fitted with servo motors and a force sensing unit which are controlled by the SmartX digital platform. This enables equipment like X-ray heads to be moved as needed but with a light touch from workers; normally these can be heavy and cumbersome to move.
The speed and strength of force applied by the user is automatically detected by the force sensing unit and then converted into a linear motion under precise control from the SmartX software explained Ewellix in its press release announcing the new technology package. The company further explained that use of individual force sensing units and position detection sensors for each lifting column and the SmartX digital controller constantly cross-reference the sensor outputs, ensuring that the movement of the X-ray tube and detector is precisely and safely regulated.
Exro Signs MOU with Global Automotive Supplier
Exro Technologies Inc., a developer of power control electronics for electric motors and batteries, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a strategic partnership with a supplier to the global automotive industry.
Exro will work with the partner company to integrate its Coil Driver technology into the partner's electric motor. Coil Driver provides the ability to control an electric motor at the individual coil level through the power electronics, enabling two separate speed-torque profiles. It enables increased powertrain performance, efficiency as well as other benefits that will aid with the ongoing transition to electrification in various mobile industries.
The companies will work together to develop advanced powertrain solutions for electric commercial vehicles and off-highway equipment in Europe and North America. Several months of partnership to date has demonstrated the ability of the companies' combined technologies to serve the electric and bus markets as well as mining equipment and other off-highway machinery applications.
The companies' initial goal is to integrate and test their combined technologies for prototype samples by Q3 2023, followed by market entry of the finalized product.
"What we can disclose...is that our new partner has a strong reputation as a leading technology provider to the automotive industry as well as major off-highway applications, marking a tremendous validation of our technology and its potential to scale across multiple platforms. With both companies' core values directly aligned in a commitment to sustainability, we look forward to revealing our new partner in the near future and building a successful relationship that translates into significant value for our customers and our shareholders," said Sue Ozdemir, CEO of Exro in the company's press release announcing the MOU.
