Charles and Hunting variators are still found throughout the Australian industrial landscape. Although C&H no longer exists, their design of variator is undoubtedly one of the better ones on the market.
Self-described as simple, low-cost and eminently practical, the Charles and Hunting variator utilised a slightly cone shaped metal driving disc mounted on the shaft of the motor drive. A non-metallic annular friction cup was brought into contact with the driving disc by means of either springs or a load compensating cam, depending on the size and design of the variator. The variation of speed was effected by moving the driving disc across the face of the friction cup, which gave stepless variable speed.
Key features of the design included:
The Charles and Hunting variator was used primarily in C&H gearmotors and thus is normally part of the fixed design. When looking to replace these units, it is normally required to supplant the variator and gearmotor in their entirety.
Bonfiglioli’s V Series of variators utilises a wet design, with friction discs providing the variable speed capacity. Plus, they have the added flexibility of being manufactured with an IEC design, which enables them to be fitted to standard gearmotors and give them a variable speed capability.
In larger applications, the Reeves Motodrive design offers a high-capacity alternative to the Charles and Hunting variator, although the two designs are for significantly differing end uses.
Other alternatives, such as Var-Spe, rely on hydraulic fluid to effect the variable speed.
The Australian manufacturing sector is expanding. After a solid string of negative results, the July Performance of Manufacturing Index by Australian Industry Group and PriceWaterhouseCoopers has revealed that manufacturing has somewhat rebounded, recording an expansionary 50.7. This result is an increase of 1.7 basis points from the previous reporting period.
Of the manufacturing sub-sectors, growth was recorded by the significant food and beverages and smaller wood and paper industries. with a 51.7 and 67.2 respectively.
Although still contracting, the metal products sub-sector managed to arrest the steady decline it has been suffering since mid-2012, recording an increase of 3.6 points for an overall result of 46.5.
As is almost the mantra for the PMI of late, the gap between input costs and selling prices has remained high for the July reporting period. Increases to wages and superannuation and an unexpected rise in inflation have all contributed to the wages sub-sector jumping by a very large 13.1 points.
The July Performance of Manufacturing Index front page précis can be downloaded by following this link… PMI July 2014
As a part of the full product range available at All Torque, Bonfiglioli’s Synthesis digital inverters form part of their ‘Industry Process and Automation Solutions’.
Synthesis combines the best features of price effectiveness, compactness and versatility currently available on stand alone inverters. Easy to install and program, in a limited number of parameters it features the most important functions required from this type of AC drive.
Especially suitable for applications such as conveyor belts, pumps, screw conveyors, mixers and stirrers, it is also available in the IP65 (NEMA 4) version for installation off the cabinet and on board the machine.
Synthesis drives are available with ratings up to 2.2kW. Power supplies are either single phase 220V or three phase 220V and 400V. As standard, the drive comes complete with built-in class A EMI filters and meets all major world standards.
Bonfiglioli has built its reputation on the back of its industrial gearbox range, especially wormboxes. Of course, this reputation hasn’t just happened; it has had to be earned.
So, how has this reputation come to be? Quality of manufacture plays a big part.
Ahh, what it must be like to live in the northern hemisphere… History, tradition, culture, a beautiful summer that’s about to start, two weeks off in August.
Wait, what?
You read that correctly; our European supply partners are sending through their annual notices of closure for the August holidays. We thought we should let everyone in Australia know that they have until the end of next week before the three week deadline snaps shut and no deliveries at all will come through.
Just look at what our friends at ComInTec sent us through!
Very subtle guys!
Here’s what today looks like in Melbourne…
Anyway, to all of those in Europe who will be away, we hope you enjoy your well-deserved break. We will be here when you get back.