Ingress Protection (IP) ratings are used in electric motors to classify how well protected they are against both solids and liquids.
A quality overview of IP ratings is actually on the Wikipedia.org page, although we have a summary which can be downloaded by clicking on our IP Ratings page.
Most electric motor manufacturers have an IP55 offering as standard, with an increased IP66-rated motor as a premium option.
The same holds true for variable speed drives, with IP20 and IP65 options.
The Bonfiglioli AS and MAS series of in line helical gearboxes has long been superseded globally by the new C series, yet at All Torque enquiries still come through thick and fast. Bonfiglioli helped to set the benchmark when it introduced the AS and MAS, and capitalised on the units strengths with the C series redesign, however the C series is not a direct replacement for sizing so some issues arise.
Flange mounted units do not present much of a problem, with flange dimensions and shaft sizes the same between series and the only issue being that the C series is slightly longer. It is the foot mounting that creates some (not insurmountable) headaches. Gearbox footprint, shaft centre height and shaft diameter must all be considered when looking at fitment, alongside torque capacity, as they do differ somewhat.
The AS and MAS series are actually still available in Australia through Bonfiglioli’s global distribution channels, however lead times are LONG and normally prohibitive.
At All Torque, we know how important it is to keep production machinery in action. Many times, this means instant modifications to ‘off the shelf’ power transmission equipment to increase flexibility.
For reference, you can download the as catalogue here.
In mechanical power transmission drive design, when determining what is needed to drive a machine, most applications are influenced by two core points:
In order to answer the above two points, it is important to gather as much information as possible about the drive, namely:
Having an understanding of the application assists drive design by determining service factors, loads, and relevant duty cycles etc.
All Torque Transmissions assists with power transmission drive design for geared motors, vee pulley drives, chain drives, and timing drives.
‘Old but gold’ is how the Robley speed variator could be described. Manufactured in Australia, the Robley has long been surpassed by electronic variable speed drives, but the utility and simplicity of the drive is unmatched.
We had one of these in our ‘heritage stock’, and we were finally convinced to let it go by a customer who would not use anything else!
The Robley speed variator fits between any driver and driven pulley, and by moving the speed control knob while the unit is running, the speed of the driven shaft is increased or decreased to any speed required.
As you can imagine, the Robley variator is simple, cheap and effective. The task it performs is now ably achieved by variable speed drives (of which there are many options), but we thought you might like to see a little Australian power transmission history.
There are currently a few alternative manufacturers that have a product that performs the same task as the Robley unit. Some units are enclosed, whilst others are available with an inbuilt tensioner.
All Torque Transmissions supply partner Warner Electric has had a name change, in keeping with its ownership. Warner Electric is now known as Altra Industrial Motion.
Altra Industrial Motion handles a whole host of power transmission brands, of which Warner is the most well-known, for both clutches, brakes and linear equipment. Also in the Altra range are brands such as Bauer Gear Motor, Bibby, Marland, Boston, Twiflex, Wichita and Stieber. All Torque also distributes Stieber bearings to the Victorian marketplace.
The name change from Warner Electric to Altra Industrial Motion in no way affects how we at All Torque will handle this premium product. We still provide a well-resourced test and repair facility for clutches and brakes, alongside our full knowledge of the entire Warner product range.