Swedish manufacturer Cascade Drives is conducting Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) with its pioneering electro-mechanical equipment after securing a number of high-profile contracts.
The FAT process is taking place prior to shipment of the world’s most powerful ‘rack and pinion’ drives, capable of managing loads beyond 30 tonnes.
Cascade Drives’ unique electromechanical solution is used to generate highly pressurised liquid and gas, which creates a powerful pumping mechanism. The latest orders cover a range of applications including water jet cutting, High Pressure Processing (HPP) for the food and beverage industry and hot isostatic pressing for 3D-printed metal parts.
The pioneering technology has many advantages over traditional hydraulic-based systems, including greater pressure stabilisation to boost efficiency, along with reduced maintenance and contamination risks posed by hydraulic fluid leaks. Crucially, it also offers major environmental benefits supporting the ‘electric transition’ and slashing energy use by up to 60%.
“This is a significant milestone for the company, and the first time electromechanical ‘rack and pinion’ drives have been tested with this intensity, involving extreme accelerations and decelerations delivered with high precision control and accuracy,” said Cascade Drives CEO Kristian Floresjö. “Essentially, it demonstrates the technology in real-time working conditions, so customers can evaluate performance in line with the design specifications. We are now welcoming a series of high-profile customers, from across sectors, to our testing facility. Our linear actuators will be used as high-pressure pumps for water-jet cutting, high pressure processing (HPP) for the food and beverage industry and hot isostatic pressing for 3D-printed metal parts.”
Cascade Drives’ FAT process will deliver independent proof of functionality, quality and build integrity. It will ensure the equipment performs as expected under the testable range of likely conditions, including mishandling and error. The process further involves a special ‘back to back’ set up, where actuators run in tandem to create a counterforce. Customers can also send duty cycles for remote demonstration of load capabilities on the test rig.
“Our mission at Cascade Drives is to help customers harness the ‘electric revolution’ and create a more eco-friendly and energy efficient world,” adds Kristian Floresjö. “We have developed a range of unique solutions addressing linear motion and power trains which can replace key subsystems and underpin this ‘all-electric’ transition. These solutions are greatly needed because existing hydraulic equipment, which has traditionally powered industry for decades, is simply not suitable for electric use. While we can help firms to improve their green credentials, we can also crucially improve productivity, drive down operational costs and boost efficiency with high performing equipment. This presents a win, win business case.”
Cascade Drives has built an extensive portfolio of patent-protected solutions for linear motion and power trains. The rapidly expanding business is currently targeting a €1.7billion global market predominantly focusing on industrial, material handling and ‘steer-by-wire’ sectors.