Schaeffler, a leading global supplier to the automotive and industrial sectors, recently unveiled its expanded product range for off-highway technology at the iVT Expo Cologne 2024. The company’s exhibit centered on innovative systems designed to drive the electrification and digitalization of mobile agricultural and construction machinery, as well as materials handling technology. Through these advancements, Schaeffler is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and supporting the transition to a highly efficient and climate-neutral economy within the off-highway sector.
At the heart of Schaeffler’s exhibition was its comprehensive lineup of electromechanical linear actuators, a testament to the company’s strategic focus on electrification. The acquisition of Swedish linear motion specialist Ewellix has significantly bolstered Schaeffler’s capabilities, enabling it to present itself as a complete solution provider in the field. The booth featured intelligent sensor solutions tailored for off-highway equipment, alongside high-performance electric motors engineered for traction drives and auxiliary units in off-highway machinery.
Under the Ewellix brand, Schaeffler introduced a broad spectrum of state-of-the-art solutions for linear motion. Among the highlights was the Ewellix CASM series actuators, representing a new generation of electromechanical actuators distinguished by their high performance and efficiency. These actuators deliver a remarkable lifting force of up to 15 tons, combined with exceptional positioning accuracy, making them ideal for demanding applications. The CASM actuators support versatile and precise lifting and tilting operations, requiring only a 24 V power supply and interfacing seamlessly with standardized analog or CAN bus control systems on the machine side. This integration capability ensures flexibility and reliability across a wide range of off-highway applications.
A key innovation on display was the Schaeffler LoadSense-PIN, an advanced sensor solution designed to enhance load control in off-highway machinery. This cutting-edge technology consists of a compact steel cylinder that can be embedded into a customer-specific component to measure the load-bearing properties of the surrounding material structure. Utilizing Schaeffler’s proprietary Sensotect coating technology, a strain gauge is directly applied to the cylinder, capturing minute changes in load and transmitting this data in analog form or via a bus system to the machine’s control system. This precise measurement capability enables accurate monitoring of forces and load distribution, providing critical information on the performance and safety of components such as axles, gearboxes, and lifting tools.
Schaeffler’s electric motors, showcased as traction drives or auxiliary units in off-highway machinery, further underscored the company’s leadership in electrification. These motors are designed for maximum reliability and maintenance-free operation, offering a power density of approximately 5.1 kW/kg. This impressive power-to-weight ratio facilitates the industry’s ongoing transition from traditional combustion engines to electric motors, significantly contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions within the off-highway sector.
By presenting these advanced technologies at iVT Expo Cologne 2024, Schaeffler has once again demonstrated its commitment to driving innovation in the off-highway industry. The company’s focus on sustainability, efficiency, and digitalization positions it at the forefront of the sector, offering customers cutting-edge solutions that address the challenges of today while paving the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
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