Monday, May 9, 2022
The Varvel group, which has been designing and manufacturing power transmission systems used in numerous industrial applications since 1955, has become part of the European Newskin project. Newskin is a project of the EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. Running over four years, the initiative focuses on developing an innovation ecosystem to accelerate the industrial adoption of advanced surface nanotechnologies. The partnership is made up of 35 members and includes some of the most important research centres in Europe, such as the Fraunhofer organization, the University of Hanover and the Tecnalia body.
With the support of the Research, Innovation and Sustainability Area of Confindustria Emilia Area Centro, Newskin’s partner, the Varvel group was admitted to the initiative with two of its own projects among the 25 approved in total. The first phase of the two projects will start by the summer and will be completed by the spring of 2023 at the latest.
“Thanks to the nanotechnologies provided by Newskin and applied to our products, we expect to find solutions to reduce the energy consumption of our gearboxes, while decreasing maintenance, downtime and oil requirements. All this will result in an increase in the reliability and durability of finished products and components, which will thus be more competitive and respectful of the environment, “said the group in its official press release.
“Wear, friction and lubricant losses in fact generate energy consumption, shorter duration of machinery and interruptions for extraordinary maintenance. Through the direct laser texturing of the contact surfaces, and the vacuum coating techniques on the gears, we aim to increase the efficiency of the gearbox, reducing both the use of lubricants and the related oil losses, and the energy consumption of the systems.
If the results in the field confirm what is expected, the solutions being tested will be implemented in Varvel’s product portfolio, consisting of speed reducers and gearmotors for various sectors, including the food and beverage industry, the automotive industry, the textile industry, renewable energy, construction and many others.
Tags: europe, Fraunhofer organization, University of Hanover, Varvel group, wood, wood and panel, woodworking and manufacturing, woodworking industry
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