After many consecutive months of contraction, the PriceWaterhouseCoopers / Australian Industry Group Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) has rebounded into positive territory, recording a 51.7 for September, 2013 (50 denotes no change). This is a major change, and the first time the PMI has been positive since June, 2011. The increase over August came in at 5.3 points.
According to the Australian Industry Group, expansion was “strongest in the food, beverages and tobacco subsector, with mild expansion also evident in some of the smaller sub-sectors.”
The relatively lower Australian dollar and low interest rates have been regarding as being behind the expansion, along with an increase in sentiment as a result of the federal election.
Although the overall outlook was positive, some sectors underwent reversals (mining, metals, machinery), whilst the long-run of contractions in other sectors means that they are well behind where they were 12 months ago.
From a mechanical power transmission perspective, the consumable-rich industries of wood & paper, printing have performed well, whereas non-metallic mineral production has suffered due to the downturn in both residential and commercial construction. Consumables are also in demand in machinery repairs, with the large machinery and equipment (new sales) subsector languishing at 39.7.
Performance of Manufacturing Index figures are released every month, with a view to giving decision-makers market intelligence regarding forward planning.
The Australian Industry Group report précis can be accessed here… pmi_sep13
The distinctive feature of mechanical variators lies in their ability to operate up to the limit of permitted torque while avoiding slippage of the drive mechanism that would otherwise dramatically reduce variator life. When selecting Bonfiglioli variators (known as the ‘V’ series), there are numerous things to keep in mind:
When the current drawn is equal to or lower than the motor rated value, the motovariator size has been selected properly.
In addition to all of the above, note that the maximum number of starts allowed to preserve variator life is 8-10 starts per minute.
The Bonfiglioli V series ranges from V0.25 (4Nm) through to the V10 (144Nm). This range gives complete flexibility in mechanical speed control.
All Torque Transmissions distributes a range of quality gas springs, to exacting standards. Made in Australia, our gas springs have the following features:
The All Torque range of gas springs includes both ‘counterbalance’ springs and ‘traction’ springs.
As we are in constant contact with the factory, special orders for low quantity applications are our specialty. No longer are customers forced to adapt their requirements to suit the gas springs that manufacturers want to produce, as the customer is in charge of what the manufacturer produces.
When ordering, look to specify the following details:
The Dodge Para-Flex coupling range of tyre couplings offer fantastic torque transmission qualities, with high misalignment capabilities (4° angular, 1/8″ parallel and 5/16″ end float) and excellent vibration dampening.
Here is the specification that Dodge makes the Para-Flex series to:
Para-Flex couplings employ a moulded, non-lubricated elastomeric flexing member loaded in shear. The flexible member is compounded natural or neoprene rubber with textile cord reinforcement throughout and has an extra layer of reinforcement adjacent to the split for added durability. The compound of natural rubber element shall be suitable for operation in ambient temperature from -42° to 82°, with -40° to 99° for neoprene.
The flexible element is attached by clamping between axially separable rings with exposed SAE grade 8 cap screws. The couplings are designed to be capable of accommodating combined misalignments of 4° angular, 1/8″ parallel and 5/16″ end float at the full rating of the coupling without restricting the rating or life of the coupling. The flexible element must be replaceable without disturbing the coupled equipment and without the requirement for realignment.
The coupling assemblies have optional methods of attachment to the shaft including (but not limited to): clearance fit, interference fit and Grip Tight bushings or Taper Lock bushes. Clearance fits and interference fits are supplied with an industry standard keyway and two set screws, on over the key and one at 65°.
Spacer couplings consist of two hubs and a pre-assembled centre assembly. The centre assembly is readily removable to facilitate maintenance on pumps or other connected equipment and must be replaceable without disturbing the coupled equipment and without realignment.
All Torque Transmissions keeps the Para-Flex coupling series in stock, with Taper Lock fitment the preferred offering in most sizes.
In gearboxes, maintenance scheduling revolves around ensuring lubrication quality and levels are maintained.
For Bonfiglioli’s A series of helical-bevel gearboxes, the oil type and running temperature both play a significant part in determining oil change intervals.
The table below details the oil change intervals in hours for Bonfiglioli A series gearboxes, with those variables considered.
| Oil change interval (h) | ||
| Oil Temp © | Mineral | Synthetic |
| <65 | 8000 | 25000 |
| 65-80 | 4000 | 15000 |
| 80-95 | 2000 | 12500 |
As you can see, the extended life of synthetic oil can reduce total maintenance costs, so must always be considered as part of any maintenance schedule regime. As usual with all oils, do not mix mineral and synthetic!
Many plants run condition monitoring systems, keeping an eye on bearing vibration and heat rise. Condition monitoring is one of the better ways to catch a gearbox failure before it happens, although it can be cost prohibitive.
Smaller wormboxes have got to the point where they are ‘lubricated for life’, in that they shouldn’t require relubrication before their effective working life comes to an end. This does not mean that units should not be checked as part of a routine maintenance schedule.