The e-bike market continues to boom – even if manufacturers have recently been unable to match the record figures from the pandemic. Nevertheless, around 1.6 million e-bikes were produced in Germany in 2023. In light of these large figures, it is particularly interesting to take a look at the central component: how exactly does the e-bike motor work, what characterizes its production and what changes are in store for the future?
Oliver Hagenlocher
High precision, fast processes, small footprint – the VSC 500 and VSC 500 DUO vertical pick-up machines ensure efficiency in the machining of large components, such as those required in the commercial vehicle sector. They load themselves and then start complete-machining in a single setup or two setups (DUO).
In the world of machine tools, the optimal design of processes is crucial to achieving the highest precision and efficiency. In today’s blog article, we spoke to Jörg Lohmann, Head of Technology and Product Management and Member of the Management Board at EMAG KOEPFER, to find out more about how hobbing processes are designed, using planetary gears as an example. Jörg Lohmann brings almost 20 years of experience in the design and application of gear hobbing machines and gear cutting processes and gives us a deeper insight into the decision-making behind these processes.
Old technology – new applications: The torque converter transmission is still “in” and is very important in automotive engineering. It is used more frequently in hybrid engines, for example. But how does the technology work and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
When the conversation turns to the topic of sustainability, most would assume green manufacturing and environmental protection will be the focus of the discussion. It’s part of the chat, Michael Tamasi, President and CEO of AccuRounds, argues, but to him and his company the term means much, much more. Yes, they’ve added solar panels to lower the plant’s carbon footprint; however, Michael knew building a company that will last involves attracting, developing and keeping talented staff. Retaining good employees also requires nurturing a creative and caring culture, and of course, operating a profitable business that provides long-term financial security as well as a good wage.
MR Components, a medium-sized company from Grigno, Italy, has significantly increased its production capacity and simultaneously improved quality by introducing intelligent automation with EMAG machines. The company, which specializes in the production of parts for differential and planetary gears, now produces around 80,000 components per month, with some of the machines running unmanned in the evenings. In conversation with Alessandro Reguzzo, owner and Managing Director of MR Components, we were able to find out more about the company’s production philosophy and design and development.
Sabatti Spa is a renowned family business whose origins go back 350 years with the gunsmith Ludovico Sabatti, is deeply rooted in the tradition of gunmaking. The actual company was founded in the post-war period by Antonio Sabatti and has since built a reputation for precision and craftsmanship. Under the direction of Emanuele Sabatti, the grandson of the company founder, Sabatti Spa has expanded its product range from simple gun parts to high-quality over-and-under shotguns, double-barrel shotguns and carbines. Manuel Steinhauer had the opportunity to interview Emanuele Sabatti, a visionary and technology enthusiast, who has led the company into the modern world of firearms technology without losing sight of its rich tradition and centuries-old heritage. Today, Sabatti Spa is at the forefront of innovation in firearms manufacturing, balancing time-honored craftsmanship with modern technology, making the company one of the leading names in the industry.
Without the tripod joint, the drive in a car would be inconceivable: The relatively small component creates the power connection between the axle drive and the drive shaft. Why is this technology so important?
The brake disc is one of the most important safety-relevant components in passenger and commercial vehicles. The production of brake discs is, therefore, a demanding field of application that requires the highest precision. At the same time, cost pressures are very high and changing production batches must pass through the production lines with high productivity and short set-up times. As a specialist in the machining of brake discs, EMAG has already implemented numerous customized turnkey solutions in close cooperation with customers operating worldwide. In the following interview with Dominic Grimminger, expert for brake disc production systems at EMAG, we learn more about the challenges and solutions in this field of application.