RATINGEN, GERMANY – Thomson, supplier of innovative
linear drive and guidance systems, has added a new model to its TRUE
high-performance planetary gearhead product range, which is
characterised by particularly impressive water tightness and corrosion
resistance as a result of its hermetically sealed design. The AquaTRUE™
planetary gearheads have been specially developed for applications in
which the components used must meet the most stringent of requirements
in terms of their water tightness. These include, for example, systems
in the food processing and beverage industries, in which components are
exposed to high-pressure washdown or caustic cleaning chemicals during
cleaning operations. AquaTRUE™ are the first, and currently the only
planetary gearheads certified in accordance with NSF/ANSI 169.
Furthermore, only lubricants approved by the FDA are used in all models.
Yet another benefit to this field of application is the round, fully
stainless steel housing that is produced without seams and features a
permanently laser-etched rating plate. This ensures that there are no
crevices in which bacteria could potentially accumulate and it is thus
ideally suited to applications with stringent hygiene requirements.
The new models prove an interesting alternative, not only in the
food processing and beverage industry, but also for other industrial
sectors. One particularly challenging, possible application is water jet
cutting systems where the reliable sealing of metal components against
high water pressure and chemicals plays a vital role. Since all
AquaTRUE™ planetary gearheads are manufactured in line with IP66/IP67
and IP69K degrees of protection as standard, they can be used here
without concern. In this case, additional protection or seals are a
thing of the past, which is a benefit both in terms of the purchase
price and ease of maintenance. What is more, stainless steel external
components eliminate the concern for rust or any type of corrosion.
Other applications for AquaTRUE™ planetary gearheads include
food packaging, beverage filling machines, medical technology equipment,
pharmaceutical laboratory and production facilities, slicing machines
in meat processing and applications with cleaning procedures that
utilise high levels of water or chemicals.
These planetary gearheads are available in sizes of 60, 80, 120
and 160 mm; with a maximum degree of precision of 13 arc minutes. At a
torque capacity of up to 876 Nm, they support gearing up and gearing
down from 1:3 to 10:1 in a single stage.
Interesting facts about Thomson
With over 60 years of expertise in the field of drive technology, Thomson is the unrivalled industry leader in the manufacturing of Ball Bushing® and profile rail bearings, 60 Case™ shafts, precision ground and rolled ball screws, linear actuators, gearheads, clutches, brakes, linear systems and suitable accessories. Thomson launched the linear ball bushing bearing onto the market back in 1945 and since then has been setting new benchmarks in the development of drive control solutions for companies from a wide range of industrial sectors such as the aviation and arms industry. Thomson Industries Inc. has production sites in North America, Europe and Asia, not to mention a global network of over 2,000 dealers.