Rexroth CKK Compact Modules Raise Performance, Reduce Costs for Wind Turbine Builders

BUCHANAN, MI--(Marketwire - December 3, 2009) - Wind turbine technology is an established, sustainable technology that many consider will help define the energy future. But wind energy also depends on more traditional manufacturing techniques, such as welding -- vitally important for creating the massive towers.

One of the leaders in creating welding solutions is machine builder AMET Inc. Recently, AMET called upon the Linear Motion and Assembly Technology specialists of Bosch Rexroth to help create a new generation of custom welding systems for the wind energy industry.

The design of AMET welding equipment -- and the role of linear motion technologies -- is largely dictated by the techniques required to create massive wind turbine towers. During a weld, the weld head constantly moves small distances along at least 2 axes. A linear control actuator mounted at the end of a horizontal arm determines the motion of the weld head.

AMET's goals for the new welding system were:

-- Create a cost-effective, dependable welding system that could perform accurate longitudinal and circumferential submerged arc welding.

-- Assure smooth and precise control of the weld head, to avoid improper welds.

-- Linear motion elements need good strength with light weight and compact size.

To meet these needs, Rexroth's precision-ground, hardened steel guide rails were specified for the guide rail that carries the suspended weld head for outside welding. With the CKK Compact Modules, AMET put Rexroth linear motion systems in a particularly crucial role.

Another important feature leading to better and faster machine production is the fact that CKK 20-145 modules are complete, prepackaged systems, with integrated dual ball rails and a ball screw drive. This simplifies design, saves space, and removes the costs and effort of machining, assembly, bearing alignment and other application engineering tasks. Bosch Rexroth's CKK modules are helping AMET ensure dependable performance in many wind tower applications.

Quote:

Craig Dess, AMET Engineering Manager:

"The tremendous amount of particulates, especially flux dust, generated by this form of welding can really cause problems for this machine's finer controls, particularly with systems such as linear actuators. We knew that other linear motion solutions couldn't give us the reliability and protection against contamination and pitting that Bosch Rexroth's CKK modules could."

Contact Information: Editorial Inquires: Todd Walter Godfrey 717-393-3831 twalter@godfrey.com Kevin Gingerich Bosch Rexroth Corporation Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies 269-697-5295 kevin.gingerich@boschrexroth-us.com