Tag Archives: SEW-EURODRIVE

SEW-EURODRIVE LEADS WITH NEXT-GEN PLANETARY GEARBOXES

Leading the way in planetary gear unit innovation, SEW-EURODRIVE is extending its reach across a growing range of industries, delivering the advantages of this powerful technology through locally engineered solutions that ensure faster lead times.

Nick McKey,  Business Development Representative at SEW-EURODRIVE, explains that planetary gear units are perfectly suited to applications demanding low speeds and high torque. SEW-EURODRIVE has tailored its solutions to meet the needs of heavy-duty sectors like sugar and mining as well as diverse industries including automotive and food processing.

“Our SEW P2.e planetary units, for example, are the first in their class to feature a planetary head directly coupled to an electric motor,” McKey says. “This design maximises one of their key advantages – a compact footprint and reduced weight – making them easy to integrate into a wide range of applications.”

Their smaller size and lighter weight allow these planetary gear units to be installed in tight spaces and overhung applications, while also simplifying installation and lowering associated costs.

“On top of these benefits, SEW-EURODRIVE enhances energy efficiency by equipping all our units with premium efficiency motors,” McKey adds. “Planetary gears already achieve an impressive 96 to 98% efficiency and by pairing them with our IE3 motors we help customers further reduce power consumption and operating costs.”

SEW-EURODRIVE has also boosted the efficiency and longevity of its geared motors and industrial gearboxes through the use of its specialised gear oil, which has been well received by local customers.

“We now use this oil across all our gearboxes, and it is enabling them to run at cooler temperatures – delivering improved efficiency and extending service life for our customers,” McKey says.

McKey notes that SEW-EURODRIVE’s planetary gear units are designed for easy installation, offering multiple interface options such as torque arms or flange mounting whether vertically, horizontally, or at various pivoting angles.

“With our technological advancements making these units significantly more compact, they now integrate seamlessly into a wide range of end-user applications,” he explains. “It is a major evolution from the older-generation planetary drives which were typically large, bulky and heavy.”

McKey highlights the increasing demand for shorter lead times in supplying planetary gearboxes – an area where SEW-EURODRIVE stands out thanks to its substantial stockholding at its expansive Aeroton facility in Johannesburg. The company is currently advancing a second phase of development at the site to further strengthen its local engineering, training and manufacturing capabilities.

“With the wide variety of components we keep in stock locally, we are able to offer a broad selection of planetary heads in different sizes,” he says. “This allows us to meet specific gear ratio and power requirements and assemble complete solutions right here in South Africa.”

McKey underscores SEW-EURODRIVE’s strong focus on project planning and engineering to ensure each planetary gearbox is precisely matched to the customer’s application in terms of size and torque. Unlike many off-the-shelf offerings in the market, every unit assembled at the Aeroton facility is custom built to meet exact specifications.

“We maintain tight control over our local parts inventory, allowing us to deliver solutions quickly without compromising on quality,” he says. “Our engineering department plays a central role in the design of our industrial gearboxes including our planetary units, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.”

As part of the design process, customers receive CAD drawings, detailed data books and comprehensive project plans, giving them full visibility into the solution being developed. SEW-EURODRIVE’s engineering team can also run performance simulations to show exactly how the gearbox will operate under site-specific conditions.

“This level of technical support gives our customers real peace of mind,” says McKey. “They know they are not only getting a fast turnaround but also a solution engineered to deliver maximum value and reliability for their operations.”

BUILDING SKILLS AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE KEY TO SEW-EURODRIVE’S GROWTH IN AFRICA

Operating successfully in Africa demands far more than the delivery of products or technology – it requires a deep understanding of local conditions, proactive skills development and sustained collaboration across borders. While industry sectors such as mining, food and beverage, water treatment and manufacturing share some common operational requirements, each African country presents its own distinct set of challenges shaped by infrastructure limitations, environmental conditions and regulatory variations.

As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.

A recent regional workshop hosted at SEW-EURODRIVE’s Johannesburg facility brought together team members from several African countries for intensive product training and inter-regional knowledge exchange. The focus extended across the company’s full suite of advanced technologies, including its modular X.e-series industrial gear units, energy efficient IE3 electric motors, decentralised MOVIGEAR® mechatronic drives and the sophisticated MOVI-C® automation platform.

“Workshops like this are invaluable because they not only upskill our people but also help us connect the dots between what we do in different regions,” says Teboho Moloi, Business Development Executive: Africa at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa. “Our teams face very different realities depending on where they are operating, from remote mining operations in Zambia and the DRC to agro-processing plants in Kenya and Ghana. By sharing technical experiences across these sectors, we enhance our ability to apply the right solution for each unique application.”

Moloi highlights the value of knowledge-sharing in building a robust reference base across industries. “In the sugar sector, for instance, we’ve successfully deployed helical and bevel geared motors on conveyors and mill drives, while in water treatment our compact and corrosion-resistant solutions help ensure uptime in aggressive environments. These learnings are not only relevant to similar applications elsewhere in Africa, but they also allow us to anticipate challenges and fast track problem solving.”

By equipping its people with the latest product expertise and encouraging collaboration across borders, SEW-EURODRIVE is strengthening its ability to serve Africa’s evolving industrial and mining landscape. The company’s commitment to developing regional capability ensures it remains responsive, reliable and aligned with its customers’ strategic needs.

“Ultimately, our investment in people and technology is what sets us apart,” says Moloi. “It is how we grow with our customers – and grow Africa’s industries at the same time.”

SEW-EURODRIVE BUILDS REGIONAL STRENGTH WITH GQEBERHA EXPANSION

With the Eastern Cape firmly established as a hub for key industries such as automotive manufacturing, ports, agri-processing and renewable energy, SEW-EURODRIVE is strengthening its presence in the region through an ongoing significant expansion of its facility in Gqeberha. From this strategic base, the company delivers world class drive, automation and motion control solutions tailored to the needs of local industry, backed by responsive service and deep technical expertise.

Phillip Steyn, SEW-EURODRIVE’s Gqeberha Branch Manager, says the investment is a reflection of both the company’s long-term commitment to the Eastern Cape and the growing role the region plays in South Africa’s industrial landscape. 

“The Eastern Cape province has always been a strategic priority for us,” says Steyn. “Our ongoing investment here is about more than infrastructure – it is about being closer to our customers, understanding their operations and being in a position to respond swiftly with strategic solutions.”

The new investment in a 2,400m² facility represents a substantial upgrade from the previous 850m² space, significantly increasing local capacity. The expanded operation includes purpose-built assembly stations, dedicated painting and dispatch areas and a comprehensive service centre. Equipped with overhead cranes that can handle drive units of up to 10 tonnes, the facility will also feature a high-pressure cleaning system and advanced electronic testing infrastructure to support local refurbishments and ensure equipment is returned to service in peak condition.

Steyn notes that the expansion is enabling faster turnaround times and enhanced support for customers. “We have moved from being a local service point to a fully-fledged regional hub,” he says. “We’re now able to hold more stock, assemble to order and carry out major repairs – all from Gqeberha.”

Further continued investments   planned for 2025 will include a dedicated experience centre, where customers can interact with the latest Generation C mechatronic drive solutions, conduct energy studies and test new programmes in real-world conditions. This is part of SEW-EURODRIVE’s focus on providing intelligent energy-efficient solutions that support industrial performance and sustainability.

The branch also supports major industrial projects  across the Eastern Cape including drive systems for fruit processing and packing plants and upgrades at the local Coega IDZ ports. Its engineering team works closely with customers to develop application-specific solutions, supported by a strong aftermarket network and global logistics reach.

“SEW-EURODRIVE’s continued investment in our Gqeberha branch provides a well-resourced facility that allows us to serve customers from a strong local base,” concludes Steyn. “Our focus is on delivering efficiency, flexibility and innovation to power industrial success across the Eastern Cape.”

SEW-EURODRIVE ENERGY AUDITS HELP FARMERS DRIVE DOWN IRRIGATION COSTS

SEW-EURODRIVE is expanding its support to South Africa’s agricultural sector by leveraging its world class expertise in energy audits for drive systems – helping farmers unlock cost savings and improve operational efficiencies in irrigation applications.

As part of its full-service offering to the farming community, SEW-EURODRIVE not only supplies robust and energy efficient gearboxes and motors for centre pivot irrigation systems, but also conducts in-depth energy audits to identify inefficiencies and recommend optimised drive solutions tailored to each operation.

“Electricity is one of the fastest growing input costs in agriculture, placing enormous pressure on farmers who depend on irrigation for consistent crop yields,” explains Willem Strydom, Business Development Manager: Electronics at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Our energy audits take a holistic view – assessing everything from motor and gearbox performance to how effectively power is used across the system.”

The audits typically evaluate the condition of installed equipment, the suitability of motor sizes for the application and the potential for savings by upgrading to premium efficiency IE3 motors. SEW-EURODRIVE has already standardised on IE3-rated motors across its irrigation solutions – a step ahead of many competitors that still supply lower efficiency IE1 motors.

“By replacing outdated or oversized components, our customers often achieve a noticeable reduction in energy consumption and associated costs,” says Strydom. “In many cases, the investment pays for itself within just a few irrigation seasons.”

This proactive service is particularly valuable for large-scale commercial farms and irrigation-intensive operations, where even incremental gains in efficiency can translate into substantial savings. It also aligns with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s recently implemented Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), which places increasing emphasis on energy efficiency in industrial equipment.

“Our customers benefit from more than just superior products,” adds Strydom. “They gain access to our nationwide network of service teams and technical specialists. We conduct on-site inspections of drive systems, identify opportunities for optimisation and provide practical cost saving recommendations.”

SEW-EURODRIVE’s ‘closing the loop’ strategy ensures a complete drive solution for centre pivot irrigation – from supply and installation to local assembly, inspection, repair and energy optimisation. This end-to-end approach is backed by extensive local stockholding and standardised internal gearing across gearbox ranges, enabling fast turnaround times for repairs and refurbishments.

“We are proud to offer more than just components; we offer long-term value,” says Strydom. “Energy audits are just one of the many ways we are helping South African farmers become more efficient, resilient and sustainable.”

Further enhancing its support capabilities, SEW-EURODRIVE is currently constructing a dedicated service and repair centre at its headquarters in Aeroton, Johannesburg to accommodate the repair and refurbishment of geared units. This new facility will significantly reduce turnaround times and extend the lifecycle of equipment through OEM-quality repairs and maintenance, reinforcing the company’s commitment to the agricultural sector and its long term success.

SEW-EURODRIVE’S DDI TECHNOLOGY AND SINGLE CABLE SOLUTION SIMPLIFIES CONNECTIVITY

Cabling can be one of the most challenging aspects of automation and drive system installations, often leading to delays, faults and inefficiencies. As a global leader in drive and automation technology, SEW-EURODRIVE understands that reliable cabling is critical to the success of any project.

Recognising the complexity and risks that traditional cabling can introduce, SEW-EURODRIVE offers a solution that simplifies connectivity: its innovative DDI (Digital Data Interface) technology combined with a single cable system. Designed to meet the demanding needs of modern industry, this approach eliminates the potential for cable connection faults that so often delay commissioning and compromise long term performance.

Unlike conventional cabling that requires multiple cables for power, feedback and control, SEW-EURODRIVE’s single cable solution integrates both energy transmission and data communication seamlessly. This not only reduces installation time and costs but also streamlines project planning, improves machine design flexibility and increases system reliability. With fewer connection points and reduced wiring complexity, the risk of installation errors is dramatically decreased – ensuring faster, smoother start-ups and greater operational confidence.

“From our experience across industries worldwide, we know that even minor cabling issues can escalate into major project setbacks,” says Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager, at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa. “With our DDI technology and single cable design, customers can eliminate these risks, enabling more efficient installations and maximising system uptime from day one.”

The DDI system transmits both digital encoder signals and motor temperature information through the same cable used for supplying power. This integrated communication ensures real-time feedback from the motor without the need for additional wiring, delivering high levels of accuracy and process control while simplifying maintenance requirements.

“SEW-EURODRIVE’s commitment to simplifying industrial automation while improving reliability continues to set new standards,” Strydom says. “By offering a complete drive solution that reduces cabling, improves diagnostics and enhances overall system efficiency, we help businesses across sectors achieve operational excellence.

The single cable solution, underpinned by proven DDI technology, empowers businesses to achieve faster, more secure and more cost effective drive installations – keeping operations running at full potential while supporting future-ready automation strategies.

AFRICA FOOTPRINT GROWS AS SEW-EURODRIVE BUILDS ITS TECHNICAL FOUNDATION

Momentum continues to grow behind the ambitious plans of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa to become a leading force in the continent’s industrial gearbox business, drives and automation solutions according to Managing Director Raymond Obermeyer. 

“Building on years of planning and proactive investment, we are successfully rolling out our ‘African Strategy’ plans to get closer to customers all over the continent,” says Obermeyer. “To do this effectively, we are continuing to strengthen our foundation of technical capability and expertise.”

With a firm footprint in many southern African countries such as Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia, the company is extending its reach northwards into the likes of Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritania and Morocco. At its 26,000 m2 headquarters in Aeroton near Johannesburg, which the company occupied in 2022, work has already begun on expanding its footprint by building a second adjacent facility. 

“This service centre will further support our expansion of sales, support, engineering and training capabilities,” he says. “We have begun appointing key staff for the facility, and will add another 20 to 30 employees over the course of this year.”

He points out that many local gearbox users face the challenge of inadequate support for products being sold onto the market, and highlights that SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa focuses on being well equipped to service and repair all its products. 

“As one of the few gearbox OEMs in the country with advanced design and engineering infrastructure, we can also make use of our group’s world class facilities in Germany,” he explains. “This even allows us to service and repair the products of other OEMs – and to the same high standard as the original item.”

The new SEW-EURODRIVE service centre facility in Aeroton will house the company’s existing industrial gearbox repairs division as well as an expanded Drive Academy – which trains staff and customers. Other capabilities to be brought in-house include base plate fabrication and sand blasting, and new equipment will include robotic welders, five-axis gear cutting machines and heavy cranage.

SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa is also pursuing its growth plans through finding new markets, a drive which is supported by the group’s wide and expanding range of products and solutions. In 2025, the group has already launched 16 new products, says Obermeyer, as it pushes boundaries in fields such as industrial gears, geared motors, electronics and artificial intelligence. 

“This reflects the innovative approach and the research and development capability that is opening up opportunities in existing and new markets,” he says. “At SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, we understand the importance of keeping up our investments in Africa, positioning ourselves for a leadership position.” 

Construction on the expansions for the new SEW-EURODRIVE service centre began in November 2024 and the facility will be operational by the end of 2025. Obermeyer says that customers can look forward to the facility further raising the service bar for the industry from 2026. 

SEW-EURODRIVE PLANETARY GEAR UNITS FOR HIGH TORQUE REQUIREMENTS

Packing a compact design, along with high torque and low-speed outputs, the new SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE offer new capabilities in continuous heavy duty applications where space is at a premium.

Speaking directly to SEW-EURODRIVE’s ‘close the loop’ strategy, the arrival of the SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear opens up a whole new world of possibilities, particularly in heavy duty, challenging operating conditions with high torque and low speed requirements. 

Typical applications in the mining industry include crushers, apron feeders, clarifiers and thickeners. Other industrial applications range from screw presses and slewing gears to wood panel shredders, ring pan mixers and batch plants, amongst others.

The SEW PPK planetary gear units complement SEW-EURODRIVE’s product line in the torque load range under the proven P-series, explains Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. Offering a torque range from 10 to 18 kNm, the SEW PPK covers a gear ratio range from 65 to 390:1. The ratio can be further reduced by adding a primary reducer before the planetary head, allowing for ratios up to 10 650:1 for a much lower speed capability.

Available with torque ratings from 2 to 124 kNm, the SEW P2.e range covers gear ratios from 15,2 to 332:1. While most planetary gearboxes have a three-stage design only, the SEW P2.e can also be supplied in a two-stage model. The SEW P2.e encompasses all the benefits of the SEW PPK, but goes a step further with a broader spectrum of diversity in its speed – up to 100 rpm – as well as in ratio and torque.

“The high strength, durable materials with advanced heat treatment allow the gear units to withstand extreme loads and resist wear, thus making light work of high-torque requirements,” says McKey. “In essence, these planetary gear systems produce high torque by distributing the load across several gears and using gear ratios to multiply the input torque. The efficient and compact design allows for the high torque in a relatively small package.”

One of the major talking points is the exceptional thermal limit rating, which is made possible by the integrated fan in the motor interface. The fan aspirates air radially, accelerates it and generates a cooling stream of air with a high flow rate.

“The SEW P2.e is the only planetary gear unit on the market with an integrated fan coupled directly between the motor and the planetary head. Consequently, it boasts a large cooling area (two to four times larger than some of the competitor offerings in this size class) – a condition which is central to the high thermal limit rating. Despite its high power density, the SEW P2.e series therefore boasts a best-in-class thermal limit rating,” explains McKey. 

Reduced weight is another major benefit of going the SEW P2.e route. With its lightweight gear unit design, the SEW P2.e is 24% lighter and 10% shorter in length, compared with some of the same-sized units on the market.

Given its nearly century experience in developing and constructing gear units for numerous customer applications, SEW-EURODRIVE has over the years amassed vast tribological expertise. Based on this and the results of long term testing, the company has developed a special formulation for its premium gear unit lubricants.

“By using our premium gear unit lubricants, end users have peace of mind that their investments are protected – a high level of resistance to ageing reduces wear and increases the service life. Customers can expect up to 50% longer service intervals and a long shelf life of up six years if they are using the special SEW-EURODRIVE approved lubricants and implementing appropriate maintenance conditions,” concludes McKey. 

SEW-EURODRIVE CHAMPIONS ENERGY EFFICIENCY ACROSS SECTORS 

South Africa’s adoption of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) mandates that all newly imported electric motors meet IE3 premium efficiency levels. SEW-EURODRIVE, however, has long been ahead of this curve, having standardised on IE3 motors more than eight years ago. The company’s commitment to sustainability ensured that its customers transitioned to the advanced technology without bearing additional costs.

Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa, highlights that several industry sectors have been proactive in shifting towards energy efficiency. Rising electricity prices have driven industry to adopt IE3 motors, with SEW-EURODRIVE estimating that these motors consume 7% to 8% less energy compared to IE1 models. Strydom says that when paired with Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), energy savings can reach up to 15%.

“Energy efficiency not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with companies’ decarbonisation goals,” says Strydom. “As most electricity in South Africa still comes from coal, reducing consumption directly lowers carbon footprints.”

SEW-EURODRIVE supports its customers by conducting on-site energy assessments and product population surveys at no cost. “These evaluations identify inefficiencies, helping companies to plan their transition to IE3 motors strategically and cost-effectively,” he says. “The data collected also provides early warnings about potential equipment failures, reducing downtime risks.”

To further ease the shift, SEW-EURODRIVE advises customers to prioritise upgrades in motor classes with lower stock levels and balance replacements between larger and smaller motors for maximum impact. VSDs are often recommended to manage peak energy demands, reducing penalties and extending motor lifespans.

Looking ahead, Strydom believes MEPS will accelerate the adoption of even higher efficiency standards, paving the way for IE4 and IE5 motors. SEW-EURODRIVE is already leading this innovation with its IE5 synchronous motors, which feature integrated permanent magnet technology and deliver up to 50% lower energy losses compared to IE3 models.

“SEW-EURODRIVE’s commitment to advancing energy efficiency is backed by our 300-strong global research and development team,” he says. “We are already pioneering IE6 technology, setting new benchmarks in sustainability and performance.”

With its forward-thinking approach and robust customer support, SEW-EURODRIVE continues to drive energy efficiency advancements in South Africa, helping industries meet sustainability and cost-saving goals.

AUTOMATING DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY

Already in use by leading global manufacturers in South Africa, SEW-EURODRIVE’s innovative MOVIC® modular automation system will bring a new level of flexibility, integration and efficiency to a wide range of sectors. 

The MOVI-C® range received its formal public launch in South Africa at the Electra Mining Africa exhibition, opening exciting opportunities for local industries, according to Willem Strydom, SEW-EURODRIVE’s Manager Business Development Electronics.

“MOVI-C® is a modular automation system that includes all necessary components for drive and control solutions, from software to hardware,” says Strydom. “Its modularity means that it can be customised to meet the specific requirements of different applications and industries.”

Customers have been attracted by benefits such as the seamless integration of all components, he explains, which ensures compatibility and reduces installation time. The technology also meets high energy efficiency standards, helping customers to reduce their operational costs while minimising their environmental impact.

“The modular system comprises cabinet inverters,  decentralised field mounted drives, motion controllers and the software, which all complement each other,” he says. 

A key feature of SEW-EURODRIVE’s offering is the MOVILINK® digital data interface (DDI), which connects the drivetrain to the data system – delivering real time information on indicators such as energy efficiency, application performance and condition monitoring.

“This innovative DDI solution is an important differentiator for SEW-EURODRIVE as there is no other player in the market who currently has this offering,” says Strydom. It fits into the motor with no external or additional sensors, and boasts a hybrid cable which is bespoke to SEW-EURODRIVE, connecting the motor to the variable speed drive (VSD). The cable carries not only the power supply, but also the communications and condition monitoring. 

“The data generated and transmitted is vital in facilitating predictive maintenance,” he explains. “Customers can monitor vital signs such as the temperatures and vibration levels in a motor and gearbox; the value of getting this information ‘live’ is that action can quickly be taken if important operating parameters are breached.”

The advanced features allow the SEW IOT Suite software to alert the user by email, WhatsApp or telephone call – and can even shut down the application to prevent any damage. The software interface can be employed on computer or as an app on a mobile phone, depending on how the user wants to monitor their equipment. 

“The real time feedback from an application in the field also allows systems to be adjusted for optimal performance and efficiency,” he says. “For instance, the motor speed can be changed continuously according to the demands of the application, saving energy and potentially extending machine life.”

Importantly, the heightened sensitivity of the sensors means that users are alerted earlier, as they will pick up warning signs before human operators can hear or feel any indication of a problem. 

Strydom highlights that the versatile system is suitable for both centralised and decentralised automation architectures, providing flexibility for different installation requirements. The MOVISUITE® engineering software is designed to be user friendly, so that it can simplify the planning, commissioning, operation and diagnostics functionality. 

“The MOVI-C® system can also be scaled to meet the specific needs of various industrial processes, whether these are single-axis or multi-axis applications, with simple or complex motion control,” he explains. 

The Movi-C portfolio also includes preconfigured software modules, known as Movikits for the implementation of simple drive functions such as speed control and positioning, through to complex multi-axes motion control functions. An example is the Anti-Sway Movikit which is used to eliminate sway in overhead crane applications.

While MOVI-C® has applications across the board, its powerful capabilities are well demonstrated in stacking and retrieval systems in industrial warehouses, he explains. This application includes both a travelling element (sideways movement) and a hoisting element (up and down movement).

“Wherever  applications produce regenerative power, the regenerative power supply can harness  the regenerative power and re-utilise it by directing it back into the system or storing it in battery packs or capacitor banks,” he says. 

In South Africa, the system is being used by global automotive manufacturers, and has also been embraced by the food and beverage sector. Strydom sees significant opportunities in the mining industry, including ventilation functions and plant activities using pumps that need more accurate control. 

SEW-EURODRIVE’S ECO2 DESIGN PRIORITISES ECOLOGY, ECONOMY 

Committed to environmental sustainability principles, SEW-EURODRIVE has developed the ECO2 design to offer drives with uncoated aluminium, with no compromise in their performance and durability. 

“Our markets are increasingly demanding eco-friendly products, and we responded with our sustainable coating-free drives and a responsible use of raw materials,” says Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE. “Our ECO2 design allows customers to select the specifications they need, while meeting their goals in terms of both ecology and economy.”

No coatings or solvents are used on the outer surfaces of these drives, which also makes them more economical as a result of the cost efficient manufacture and assembly. The components can also be recycled more efficiently and sustainably at the end of their lifecycle. McKey points out that the ECO2 option is suitable for applications where drives are operated in closed rooms, and where they are well protected from cold, heat and moisture. 

“The metallic surfaces of ECO2 products are predominantly aluminium and are not prone to corrosion under normal ambient conditions, which makes them especially durable,” he explains. “In fact, aluminium reacts with oxygen to form a particle, creating a thin protective layer in a dry neutral environment – protecting the outer surface from corrosion.”

This makes drives in the ECO2 design efficient and reliable in indoor spaces with a maximum humidity of 60%, where ambient temperatures can range between minus 20°C and 60°C. Their durability is demonstrated by their ability to meet the requirements of ISO 12944 corrosivity category C1. 

“Our manufacturing process for ECO2 drives is more energy-efficient as there is no need for the drying stages, and also no need for recoating after repairs,” he says. “With lower carbon dioxide emissions in production, there are fewer harmful greenhouse gases released thanks to having no coatings on these units.”

Among the many applications of ECO2 drives are cleaning systems, conveyor belts and dispensing systems for powders and granules. McKey highlights that they are available in multiple designs and configurations. 

“The available gear unit sizes include 07, 17 and 27 in helical gear units, 27 in parallel-shaft helical gear units, 19 and 29 in helical-bevel gear units, and a variety of SPIROPLAN® right angle gear unit sizes,” he says. “ECO2 drives are available with all additional electrical features, number of poles, power ratings, voltages and frequencies; the gear motors also hold all the relevant approvals and certifications.”