This Week in Power & Motion: TCCI Breaks Ground on Electric Vehicle Innovation Hub
There is much going on in the world of hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics motion systems, 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 fluid power and motion control sectors as well as the industries they serve.
Hydraulex Acquired by BBB Industries
Hydraulex announces it has been acquired by BBB Industries which the company says will help it provide even greater abilities to serve its customers.
BBB brings with it engineering, manufacturing and logistics expertise that will aid with future growth opportunities. BBB is focused on providing sustainably manufactured solutions, and Hydraulex's expertise in repairing and remanufacturing hydraulic components will fit well with this offering. It will also help to further expand BBB's presence in industrial markets.
Hydraulex components are used in infrastructure, industrial, construction, agriculture, mining, on-highway and marine equipment markets.
"This acquisition opens opportunities to provide our customers with additional product and service options. Our goal is to continue to spread the power of sustainable manufacturing at scale to deliver even greater value to our customers, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead," said Duncan Gillis, CEO of BBB in the company's press release announcing the acquisition.
READ MORE: Manufacturers Researching More Sustainable Component Production Process
MSOE Mechanical Engineering Department Welcomes New Chairperson
Dr. Sudhir Kaul is the new department chairperson for the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). He brings with him several years in the academic field, most recently as a professor in the School of Engineering and Technology and program director for the engineering program at Western Carolina University in North Carolina.
In his new role, kaul will oversee the strategic direction and academic development of the department by working closely with faculty members to enhance the curriculum, strengthen industry partnerships, and promote collaborative research initiatives. He has a commitment to practical, hands-on learning which fits with MSOE's core mission.
Kaul received much of his education and early work experience in the Milwaukee area. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and worked at local companies including Hero, Briggs & Stratton Corp. and Harley Davidson Motor Co. His industry experiences include development of vibration isolation systems, motorcycle powertrains, and hydraulic systems.
BorgWarner Secures eHeater Business
Technology company BorgWarner will deliver additional high voltage coolant heaters (HVCH) to a European OEM for use in its mid-size electric vehicle platform. This follows an initial order from the OEM for the heater and its use in a smaller electric vehicle.
BorgWarner's 800V 3kW HVCH is a single-plate device which ensures optimal battery temperature for electric vehicles. Batteries and other electronics are known to generate a lot of heat, requiring proper thermal management to ensure optimized performance in terms of energy output and power density. When the battery performs well, so do the other vehicle systems it powers such as the hydraulics.
The HVCH is compact in size and utilizes thick film heating elements on stainless steel to provide optimal thermal management.
LEARN MORE: Higher Voltages Call for Increased Cooling Capacity
igus Providing Faster Delivery of Injection-Molded Bearings
igus' new FastLine service helps customers get injection-molded polymer plain bearings within 7 days. Typically, it can up to 6 weeks, but with this new service and the company's iglide designer, that time can be greatly sped up.
Customers can configure and order their desired bearing product within the online tool iglide designer. Once the order is placed, the appropriate files are sent to the igus in-house tool shop for production of the injection molded part. Information sending, CNC programming and production is done in a quick and efficient manner by a special dedicated team at igus which enables faster delivery of these parts.
"This interaction of online configuration, machine networking, and process automation is a novelty in toolmaking," said Stefan Loockmann-Rittich, iglide Business Unit Manager at igus, in the company's press release announcing the new service. "As a result, the FastLine service allows us to reduce the production time of injection molds for cylindrical bushings, flanged bushings, and washers in special dimensions suitable for series production from 6 weeks to 7 days."
TCCI Breaks Ground on Electric Vehicle Innovation Hub
Compressor technology company TCCI recently broke ground on its new electric vehicle Innovation Hub in Decatur, IL. The hub will house manufacturing space for TCCI's electric compressors as well as a Climatic Center for Innovation and Research and an EV + Energy Workforce Training Academy.
The new manufacturing line will be comprised of state-of-the-art technology to aid production of compressors for electric vehicles (EV), creating local sourcing and job opportunities.
Per TCCI, the EV + Energy Workforce Training Academy will develop a skilled workforce in the electrified transportation industry and clean energy sector. Students from the local community college will have the chance to get hands-on learning that will prepare them for careers in this growing field.
As electrification continues to grow in various industries, there will be a need to not only develop the appropriate technologies but also the skilled workforce that is capable of working in this somewhat more technologically advanced field.
TCCI is working together with educational institutions to develop specialized programs in engineering, computer science, data science, material science, advanced manufacturing, biology, chemistry, and more the company said in its press release announcing the groundbreaking. It said these programs will prepare individuals for the fields of climate technology, electric vehicle manufacturing, and related energy and agriculture industries.
