Improving the Lives of Patients - Trelleborg
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The Magazine from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Get in the groove for your iPad HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL Improving the Lives of Patients Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical focuses on quality by design. The Magazine from Trelleborg Sealing Solutions • EDITION 39 FLUID POWER MOTORSPORT Surface Deep An Electrifying Understanding surface Development finish and coating Research and development materials in eMobility.
CONTENTS COVER STORY HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL Improving the Lives of Patients Drew Galliard answers some questions PAGE about Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical. 24 FLUID POWER Surface Deep PAGE Getting a better understanding of surface finishes for chrome- replacement coatings. 36 EMOBILITY PAGE An Electrifying 16 Development The booming eMobility market needs a partner who can keep up with its speed. 2 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove CONTENTS 04 News TRADE SHOWS MATERIALS AEROSPACE 06 Experience Capabilities our 19 Exceptional Conduct Two new electrically 30 The Heat is On Ultra High Temp FireFlex See where in the world you conductive Turcon® ensure safety for air can meet Trelleborg’s experts. materials. passengers. DIGITAL SERVICES 08 Making Shopping Easy 24/7 Order products online with Seals-Shop! GLOBAL LOCAL 32 Winning Ways Four Trelleborg employees push themselves to the limits. LITERATURE UPDATE 39 Hot Off the Press Discover Trelleborg Sealing Solutions publications to ServicePLUS keep ahead of new products MOTORSPORT and developments. 11 Get me to the Line on Time 22 Speeding Electric Trelleborg sponsors the DIGITAL INNOVATION Will Bacon, ServicePLUS University of Stuttgart’s Segment Manager introduces IntelliStok® Advanced Delivery Formula Student racecars. 42 Digital Update The latest digital tools and System. services for engineers. MATERIAL HANDLING AUTOMOTIVE 14 Sealing Solutions for Forklifts 45 Home Grown Quality Meeting the needs of India’s See where and how Trelleborg growing CNG fuelling network. increases performance. in the groove EDITION 39 3
in the groove NEWS NEW FACILITY GÄRTRINGEN New European Technology and Service Center in Germany In September 2019, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions signed a "Customer focus and innovation are among the central values contract to purchase 26,000 square meters of land for its of the Trelleborg Group and form the basis for all our activities new, highly automated European technology and service at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions," says Dr. Thomas Uhlig, center in Gärtringen. With this investment Trelleborg is further President Global Supply Chain Management and Managing expanding its facilities in the greater Stuttgart area. Director of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in Germany. Extended services A higher bar Construction is scheduled to start in 2021 and in the short Alexander Stapf, Director Global Logistics at Trelleborg term, the existing service center will be enlarged by around 30 Sealing Solutions in Germany, adds: "With the new European percent, with the possibility of doubling it. With a floor space Technology and Service Center, we are setting the bar even of 16,000 square meters, the new building will provide space higher than before for the development and provision of value- for extended services and an additional area for research added services. This can enormously increase our capacities and development, and will be equipped with state-of-the-art in assembly and prototype construction. In combination technology. with our Innovation Center in Stuttgart, we are creating a technologically modern and sophisticated environment for joint, forward-looking projects with our customers.” ACQUISITION Trelleborg Acquires Tritec Seal, Manufacturer of Rotary Seals On November 27, 2019, Trelleborg, through its Trelleborg Sealing Solutions business area, closed on the acquisition of Tritec Seal, which produces engineered polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sealing solutions. The acquisition strengthens Trelleborg’s product portfolio, primarily in rotary seals, while giving the business area access to increased manufacturing capacity. Headquartered in Fenton, Michigan in the US, with additional manufacturing in Giddings, Texas, US and Southampton, England, this bolt-on acquisition is part of Trelleborg’s strategy to strengthen its position in attractive market segments, including oil & gas and agriculture. 4 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove NEWS NEW ServicePLUS FACILITIES Flagship New Berlin ServicePLUS Center Opens Trelleborg Sealing Solutions celebrated the grand opening of its flagship New Berlin ServicePLUS Center in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in the US. The official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on November 12, 2019, with local and out-of-town customers, Trelleborg employees, members of the Waukesha County Business Alliance, and several local public officials in attendance. Using the success of this location as a launching pad, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions plans to expand the Local public officials help Linda Muroski and the Trelleborg Sealing Solution ServicePLUS Center model globally. team cut the ServicePLUS Center New Berlin ceremonial ribbon. The ServicePLUS Center performs light manufacturing and complex assembly work as well as kitting, quality testing, dock-to-stock deliveries, and vendor-managed inventory. ServicePLUS is a “total solution” program that can simplify the workflow in every part of a company’s value chain, from engineering to manufacturing, procurement to aftermarket. Portland ServicePLUS Center Opens On February 4, 2020, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions expanded From left to right: At the Portland opening: Heather Castleman, Senior the ServicePLUS offering to the Northwest region of the US Director, Strategy & Marketing; Bryan Jones, Sales Engineer; James Lee, by opening the Portland ServicePLUS Center. Buyer, A-DEC; Trevor Combs, Technical Manager IMPRINT Trelleborg Sealing Solutions IMAGES: in the groove, Edition 39, 99GBK9MAGEE0120 p. 04;05 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 23 ©www.istockphoto.com/ baona © 2020 Trelleborg Group. All rights reserved. p. 06;07 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 24;25;26;27;28;29 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions ® All trademarks are the property of Trelleborg Group. p. 08;09;10 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 01;02;24;25;26;27;28;29 elenabsl/shutterstock.com p. 03;08;09 Bannafarsai_Stock/shutterstock.com p. 30;31 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions The turquoise color is a registered trademark of the Trelleborg p. 03;08;09 PaO_STUDIO/shutterstock.com p. 03;30;31 Mario Hagen/shutterstock.com Group. At time of publication the information contained in p. 11;12;13 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 32;33;34 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions this literature is believed to be correct and accurate. p. 14;15 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 36;37;38 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 14;15 ©www.istockphoto.com/jkitan p. 36;37;38 zffoto/shutterstock.com EDITORIAL TEAM: Meghan Cloud Braunger, Matthias Engler, p. 16;17;18 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 39;40;41 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Donna Guinivan, Lara Haas, Whitney Killip, Mike O'Brien, p. 16;17;18 ©www.istockphoto.com/zlisjak p. 42;43;44 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Tobias Schmid, Jan Sklucki, Amy Swab, Robert Zahiri p. 19;20;21 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions p. 42;43;44 ©www.istockphoto.com/bymuratdeniz RESPONSIBLE UNDER GERMAN PRESS LAW: Tobias Schmid p. 21 ©www.istockphoto.com/Okea p. 46;47 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions GRAPHIC ARTS: team:orange, Esslingen, Germany p. 22;23 GreenTeam Uni Stuttgart p. 45;46;47 nampix/shutterstock.com PRINTING: W. Kohlhammer, Stuttgart, Germany p. 22;23 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in the groove EDITION 39 5
in the groove TRADE SHOWS Experience our Capabilities Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is on the road again! Our teams of experts are visiting trade shows across the globe to give you a closer look at the broad range of products, solutions and services we offer. Text: Jan Sklucki US 2 UK 14 MD&M West Farnborough International Airshow For the 35th year running, MD&M West Farnborough International Airshow provides gives a forum for medtech professionals to one of the largest venues in the world for swap ideas and inspiration while finding out aerospace manufacturers, buyers and about the latest devices and components enthusiasts to come together to learn, for the healthcare and medical market. The biggest network and do business. medical design and manufacturing event in the world offers a three-day conference covering medtech, 3D printing and Over five days, the latest technologies and developments smart manufacturing, amongst other topics. will be on display to more than 80,000 visitors from 96 countries. Trelleborg will be show casing a host Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical was onsite at MD&M West of aerospace solutions at the Farnborough Airshow 2020 to showcase its core capabilities - polymer materials including, electro mechanical actuation, engine seals expertise, excellence in manufacturing & quality, and and our aftermarket polymer solutions. Visitors will also engineering expertise - to establish the Trelleborg brand as be able to explore our complete range of products with a a valued partner in the medical device market. demonstration of our augmented reality apps. 6 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove TRADE SHOWS 16 4 10 13 15 1 19 5 20 22 11 25 14 24 26 6 7 12 9 2 8 23 17 18 21 2020 Exhibitions 3 Pharmapack 1 Paris, France Feb 5 – 6 MD&M West 2 Anaheim, California, US Feb 11 – 13 Singapore Airshow 3 Singapore Feb 11 – 16 Fluid Sealing Conference 4 Manchester, UK March 4 – 5 Medico Bazar 2020 5 Lyngby, Denmark March 12 Automotive Expo & B2B Meetings Sibiu 6 Sibiu, Romania March 26 MORE INFORMATION Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Technology Expo 7 Stuttgart, Germany Apr 28 – 30 To find out more about the MRO Americas 8 Texas, US Apr 28 – 30 fairs Trelleborg Sealing CFSMA International Exhibition 9 Beijing, China May 5 – 6 Solutions is participating Northern Industry 10 Oulu, Finland May 6 – 7 in, scan the QR code. Ostrobothnia Industry 11 Seinäjoki, Finland May 13 JEC World 1 Paris, France May 12 – 14 EuroBrake 2020 12 Barcelona, Spain June 2 – 4 TAIWAN 21 Global Industrie - MIDEST 1 Paris, France June 9 – 12 Semicon Taiwan Nordtrib 13 Geiranger, Norway June 9 – 12 Farnborough International Airshow 14 Farnborough, UK July 20 – 24 As one of the largest Nor-Fishing 15 Trondheim, Norway Aug 18 – 21 semiconductor ONS 2020 16 Stavanger, Norway Aug 31 – Sept 3 producers in the world, MEDTEC 17 Shanghai, China Sept 14 – 16 Taiwan is situated Composites and Advanced Materials Expo 18 Florida, U.S. Sept 21 – 24 perfectly as a global meeting point for the biggest names Subcontracting Fair 19 Tampere, Finland Sept 22 – 24 in semiconductor processing and Medical Technology Ireland 20 Galway, Ireland Sept 23 – 24 development. The show aims to lead Semicon Taiwan 21 Taipei, Taiwan Sept 23 – 25 technology trends, drive innovation WindEnergy Hamburg 22 Hamburg, Germany Sept 22 – 25 and facilitate collaboration leading to World Of Technology & Science 23 Jaarbeurs, Netherlands Sept 29 – Oct 2 a smarter future for everyone. International Sealing Conference 7 Stuttgart, Germany Oct 7 – 8 Trelleborg will be showing how MD&M Minneapolis 24 Minneapolis, MN; USA Oct 28 – 29 manufacturers can avoid device level Taiwan International Machine Tool Show 21 Taipei, Taiwan Nov 10 – 14 contamination and ensure reliability Compamed 25 Düsseldorf, Germany Nov 16 – 20 and yield by using cutting-edge Aeromart 26 Toulouse, France Dec 1 – 3 Isolast® PureFab materials. in the groove EDITION 39 7
in the groove DIGITAL SERVICES Making Shopping Easy 24/7 Last year, the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Seals-Shop celebrated its three-year anniversary and is now successfully serving over 3,000 customers throughout the European Union, Norway and Switzerland. We take a look at how Seals-Shop operates and where its future lies. Text: Meghan Cloud Braunger 8 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove DIGITAL SERVICES ECOMMERCE CONTINUES TO INCREASE in popularity, rather than making a note of the necessary parts, returning to whether consumers are shopping for books, clothes or the office and placing the order on a PC. The ability to place electronics. orders with their smartphone gives our customers the support they need to do their jobs more quickly and easily.” Online shops offer huge advantages in convenience, with 24/7 availability, large selections and delivery options, bringing Automation is a key to success the purchased item directly to a buyer’s doorstep. Digital “eCommerce has become the new standard in the way people Commerce 360 reported that online sales worldwide in 2019 purchase goods, both personally and professionally. We are were expected to reach 3.46 trillion USD, up almost 18% on dedicated to following best practices to ensure that Seals-Shop the previous year.1 Most of those sales were retail, but the not only meets these expectations but continuously improves consumer trend is seeing uptake in the business sector too. and evolves with our customers' needs. Automation plays a huge role in the success of eCommerce activities,” says Kostas Kosmidis, Manager Seals-Shop Development. Convenience is paramount “Ensuring convenience is a key factor in the success of an Three key elements were responsible for the online shop,” says Christian Pachur, who recently joined the way automation operates in today’s Seals-Shop: European Seals-Shop team as Manager for Distribution and Online Sales. “Therefore, the responsive design of our shop was • Internal Expertise one of our top priorities. Improvements we have made in this A fully dedicated development and business support team area offer real added value for the users. Seals-Shop.com can with eCommerce knowledge and expertise was created to now be used on a smartphone or tablet, so that our customers guarantee the transition of business requirements through can not only shop from their desks, but also on the go. to implementation. “Imagine, an excavator breaks down on site and a replacement • Collaboration hydraulic seal is needed. The mechanic can now order the Multiple departments at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions replacement part, using a mobile phone, while still on-site, collaborated to align and maximize systems capabilities and processes to overcome technical challenges and ensure seamless integration to meet eCommerce requirements. • Integration Interfaces Multiple systems and platforms (ERP, PIM, GMBD, LiveChat, automated customer verification and payment services) were integrated into the eCommerce interface to deliver an optimal customer experience. 1 https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/article/global-ecommerce-sales/ in the groove EDITION 39 9
in the groove DIGITAL SERVICES VISUAL OF AUTOMATION FLOW FOR CUSTOMER – SHIPPED WITHIN 24HRS! An innovative customer experience “Customers are not dependent upon a sales person for Kostas points out, “Developing automated processes for information about their orders. Instead, they have 24/7 access customer registration, product availability and order processing to their order history, documents and tracking links. Seals-Shop has enabled us to provide an innovative customer experience. customers can be confident in their purchases as the shop provides added security and a money-back guarantee through “Many online shops require registration and orders to be its Trusted Shops certification.” manually approved, which results in additional work in the back office to check availability and process the order. The customer Looking into the future is directly impacted with longer waiting times and delivery As the Seals-Shop in Europe continues to grow, the delays. customer will remain the highest priority. Christian and Kostas agree that guaranteeing an optimal “At Seals-Shop, customers can register and submit their orders customer experience will play a key role in future shop online within a matter of minutes – orders are automatically enhancements. entered into the ERP system, processed in the warehouse and shipped within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the customers receive “As B2B business evolves, we will continue to improve their order acknowledgements and can track the progress of the customer journey with a more personalized user their orders. experience.” concludes Kostas. MORE INFORMATION ”As B2B business evolves, Seals-Shop is an online shop featuring a full range we will continue to of Trelleborg hydraulic and mechanical seals improve the customer suitable for a wide range of application needs, from simple linear hydraulics to heavy-duty rotary seals. journey with a focus The Seals-Shop currently serves customers in the on providing our European Union, Norway and Switzerland. customers with a Link to Seals-Shop: more personalized www.seals-shop.com user experience” Follow the Seals-Shop on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/seals-shop KOSTAS KOSMIDIS, Manager Seals-Shop Development 10 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove SERVICE eal Advanced Delivery Assembly Special Handling Get me to the Line on Time Will Bacon, ServicePLUS Segment Manager, explains how Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is supporting its customers in optimizing their inventory management and production efficiency. Text: John. N. Frank IN SHORT Just-in-time inventory management and lean manufacturing help minimize inventory costs. 2 Trelleborg's new IntelliStok® Advanced Delivery System improves on the SealScan system with further automation. 3 Thousands in labor costs can be saved per year by eliminating manual scanning and checking of inventory. in the groove EDITION 39 11
in the groove SERVICE PLUS SERVICE “I think it’s pretty exciting and will contribute to our growth strategy over the coming years.” WILL BACON, ServicePLUS Segment Manager Advanced delivery ABOUT WILL BACON The latest Trelleborg Sealing Solutions service innovation –IntelliStok® Advanced Delivery System– advances the quest Title: ServicePLUS Segment Manager for optimum inventory management. Education: Master of Business Administration, IntelliStok®, scheduled to debut in the first half of 2020, is Thunderbird School of Global Management a vendor-managed inventory solution and enhancement to Family: Married with 6 children Trelleborg's ServicePLUS program. It essentially eliminates the Lives: Vancouver, Washington, US need for manufacturers to have someone walking around a Interests: Cycling and running manufacturing facility scanning bar codes on parts bins to find Completed the Seattle To Portland one day ride twice. out which parts are running low and need to be reordered. Favorite Innovation: IntelliStok®, followed by The system is based on the already established SealScan, a developing SealScan. scanning system that allows facility employees to use their iPhone or iPad to scan those bin barcodes. But IntelliStok® takes that a step further. THE CONCEPTS OF JUST-IN-TIME INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND LEAN MANUFACTURING can be System Automatically Detects Empty Bin traced back to Japan in the 1940s, when the shipyards had Order Review very few financial resources and so sought ways to minimize their inventory costs. The practice later became popularized worldwide by automaker Toyota. While techniques have changed, the basic concept remains the same: have just enough inventory on hand to keep your assembly lines humming, but not so much that you are needlessly using funds that could be more efficiently put to work elsewhere. That requires efficient monitoring of inventory Pick and Package Orders levels and fast ways to order more before a plant runs out of the parts it needs to operate. Kanban Process With IntelliStok® 12 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove SERVICE XXXPLUS SERVICE MORE INFORMATION For more information about Advanced Delivery and ServicePLUS, scan the QR-Code or visit the website: www.tss.trelleborg.com/serviceplus/ Will Bacon with Bill Shirk, ServicePLUS Center Lead and IntelliStok®, a pressure-based sensor pad which sits in the ABOUT ServicePLUS bottom of a parts bin. ServicePLUS aims to unite various enhanced solutions across the entire value chain, simplifying the processes of engineering, For IntelliStok®, we’ve developed a pressure-based sensor logistics, manufacturing and aftermarket for the customer. pad, which sits in the bottom of a parts bin. Using its own Beside Advanced Delivery, the components below are part of microcontroller and Wi-Fi technology, it automatically creates the ServicePLUS concept: an order when the bin needs to be replenished with more parts. The device turns on periodically throughout the day to Special Handling: Refers to the numerous keep an eye on parts inventory. individual packaging solutions on offer, as well as additional surface treatment or marking options. Eliminating manual work This not only includes special protective packaging or Unlike other advanced delivery options, the IntelliStok® replacement part kits, but also streamlining measures, such solution is designed to fit existing rack and bin systems without as vendor reduction or reducing warehouse stock. modifications. It eliminates the need to manually check or scan inventory and so has the potential to save thousands of dollars QuickSeal: Covers short-notice needs for seals; in labor costs each year. depending on material, these can be manufactured in one day of order. The unique IntelliStok® system fits nicely into the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions service model, ServicePLUS, and it will Assembly: Trelleborg is willing and able to offer contribute to our growth strategy over the coming years. pre-assembled parts put together by specially By providing services such as this, we can help customers trained staff, delivered directly to the customer. focus on their core competencies. Digital Tools: Online resources and apps Offering more services can mean doing some subassembly developed to make an engineer’s life easier. work, such as inserting a seal into a piece of metal that goes on to be combined into a larger part, or it can mean streamlining a customer’s internal operations to reduce costs Engineering Support Services: World-class and increase efficiencies, as IntelliStok® does. engineering solutions and supporting services – from extensive design and compound competence, to ample product testing, Trelleborg provides expert support for your engineering needs. Further pillars will be added to the ServicePLUS concept in the future. in the groove EDITION 39 13
in the groove MATERIAL HANDLING Sealing Solutions for Forklifts Reducing downtime with innovative seals, bushings and custom-molded parts. Text: Meghan Cloud Braunger FORKLIFT TRUCKS HAVE BECOME INDISPENSABLE IN A VARIETY OF WORK ENVIRONMENTS. They play a valuable role in manufacturing facilities and warehouses, ensuring items are in the right place at the right time. Consequently, forklifts are often in constant use. Seals play a critical role in forklift applications and must withstand heavy loads, while ensuring continuous, efficient operation. 1 FUEL SYSTEM Forklifts have three primary options when it comes to what powers the truck: an internal combustion engine, electric power and hydrogen fuel cells. These three options are fundamentally different and require unique sealing solutions to seal system components, prevent leakage and keep fuel and lubrication from being contaminated by outside particles. 1Combustion Engine: O-Rings, Quad-Ring® seals/X-Rings, Kantseals/square rings, engineered molded parts – Electric drive*: HiSpin® rotary seals, static seals, 5 4 engineered molded parts 2 – Hydrogen fuel cell system*: Engineered-molded parts 3 DRIVETRAIN COMPONENTS Rotary seals, engineered molded parts and custom- machined Orkot® profiles seal and support the vital drivetrain components that keep the forklift operating efficiently. 2 Axle-wheel hub: Cassette seals 3 Brake system: Custom-molded parts 4 Gearbox: Radial Oil Seals 5 Steering system: Zurcon® U-Cup RU9, Zurcon® L-Cup®, Zurcon® Scraper DA24, Orkot® & HiMod® Bearings *not shown 14 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove MATERIAL HANDLING MORE INFORMATION Scan the QR code to see our full portfolio of products and solutions for forklifts. LIFT & MAST MECHANISMS 9 Zurcon®, HiMod® and Orkot® materials in engineered seal and wear ring profiles ensure maximum performance in the critical lift and mast applications that are paramount to forklift functionality. 8 Lift/plunger cylinders: Zurcon® U-Cup RU9, Zurcon® Buffer Seal, HiMod® Slydring®, Zurcon® Scraper DA22 9 Mast: Machined Orkot® components reduce friction and maintain heavy loads supported by the forklift’s mast. 8 7 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM 6 High-performance radial oil seals, engineered molded parts, Quad-Ring® seals/X-Rings and O-Rings in the hydraulic system ensure all components on the forklift function seamlessly. 10 12 6 Hydraulic control unit: Engineered-molded parts, Quad-Ring®seals/X-Rings, O-Rings 7 Axial piston pump: Turcon®Glyd Ring®, Radial Oil Seals, O-Rings 11 ATTACHMENTS A multitude of attachment options are available for forklifts to extend their range and capabilities. Hydraulic cylinders and valves supporting forklift attachments must be reliable and withstand heavy loads. While preventing leakage both internally and externally on the cylinders, sealing solutions must offer easy installation and long service life. 10 Tilt cylinder / 11 Side shift cylinder: Zurcon® U-Cup RU9, Zurcon® Dualseal, Zurcon® Scraper DA24, HiMod® Wear Rings, Zurcon® Wynseal NOT JUST SEALS 12 Specialty attachments: Trelleborg Wheel Systems is a leading supplier of tires – Push/pull, clamp and rotator cylinders*: and wheels for forklift trucks. Innovative products like Standard and custom-engineered seals the Pit Stop line improve productivity and safety while – Rotary manifolds*: Turcon® Roto Glyd Ring®, reducing tire waste. Scan the QR code to learn more. Zurcon® Dualseal, O-Rings, and Back-Up Rings in the groove EDITION 39 15
in the groove EMOBILITY An Electrifying Development Konrad Saur is Vice President – Innovation & Technology at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. He gives his views on how, from an R&D point of view, we are focusing on meeting the needs of our customers in the booming eMobility market. Text: Konrad Saur EMOBILITY, ELECTROMOBILITY AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES are buzz words that we hear regularly. Over the past few years, this technology has gathered significant momentum and it shows no sign of slowing down. More electric According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA)*, there were 3.1 million electric vehicles on the roads globally in 2017. However, this is expected to grow exponentially to at least 125 million and potentially 220 million by 2030. But eMobility is not just about cars. It also applies to e-Bikes, e-Skateboards, e-Scooters and even electric passenger aircraft and helicopters. The eMobility market is very fast-paced with new technology and players constantly emerging. It is one in which Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and system suppliers are faced with distinctive challenges and requirements that are ever changing. This makes the industry unique, in that customers do not yet have clearly defined standards or established solutions. The innovation rate in the industry is therefore extremely high, with strong pressure to bring the right products to market quickly. * https://www.iea.org/gevo2018/ 16 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove EMOBILITY High performance elastomer compounds are the optimum solution for the e-Motor battery. Rapid product development in the virtual world, helping us to meet our customers’ tight To keep the industry’s momentum going, customers need schedules. component suppliers that are reliable and competent partners, who can react quickly to meet their needs; from We can also cut development time by utilizing the expertise design, product development and prototyping, through to that we have acquired in other industries and apply it to serial production. eMobility applications. Our facilities house cutting-edge technologies and high-end test equipment originally At Trelleborg, the customer is always our biggest focus. intended for other industries, such as our fire testing lab By combining innovation technology and an efficient R&D for aerospace and our multi-purpose rotary test benches organization, we reduce the time needed to develop products which can be shared to more rapidly bring solutions into and manufacture first functional prototypes. Finite Element production. Analysis (FEA) and other design tools, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Demanding requirements and innovative solutions and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), allow us to work The challenges for sealing are similar in every type of eMobility application. The battery needs to be protected from environmental influences and vibration and other components must operate at high speeds. Additionally, seals must prevent the ingress of dirt and other media, and if the systems are lubricated, they must also be compatible with the lubricant. When it comes to cars, the requirements for seal performance in an electric motor are generally higher than for seals in a combustion engine. In particular, e-Motors operate at significantly greater speeds and temperatures. in the groove EDITION 39 17
in the groove MATERIALS EMOBILITY They also need components to have a high level of media Fluid compatibility is particularly complex as the media compatibility and ones that can stand up to difficult used in the e-Motor differs from that used in gasoline and environmental influences. And, it goes without saying, quality diesel engines, which have established and proven sealing is paramount. solutions. In addition, there is a further challenge: the chemical cocktail of a fully charged battery is different Working with our customers on a continual basis, we are than that of an empty one. developing solutions specifically for eMobility applications. These range from specialist rotary seals, advanced Also, for the battery, we develop and manufacture customer- compounds and components for the e-Motor battery. specific battery cover seals. The battery is adapted to the shape of the vehicle, so each battery housing and its HiSpin® PDR RT and HiSpin® HS40, were designed with sealing solution is always tailor-made. Produced in Ethylene e-Axle technology in mind. The rotary seals are engineered Propylene Diene Rubber (EPDM) with metal bushings, the to effectively run at the high-speeds required to maximize covers not only protect the battery from moisture but also the range, or distance a vehicle with electric drive units can provide resistance to high-pressure water. If desired, they can travel. By doing this, they will be fundamental in supporting provide additional functional features, such as venting, fire the mass adoption of electric vehicles. protection or damping. Next steps Constant innovation is going to be critical in producing eMobility solutions that allow electric vehicles to operate effectively and give drivers the independence they are used to from traditionally fueled vehicles. Overcoming ‘range anxiety’ is critical to mass adoption of electric vehicles and supporting customers in achieving this is our focus. Though our components relative to the system may not be that significant, they are critical in enabling electrical vehicle development. By listening to and working with our customers, we’ve already developed leading edge solutions for eMobility. We’re proud to be a key player in this booming and important Fire testing ensures that Trelleborg's products reliably meet market and will continue to push for the next innovation that demands for high-temperature resistance. will allow electric vehicles to go further, higher and faster more effectively. Charging on Turcon® MC1 and Turcon® MC2 are the first electrically conductive Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based compounds for use in spring-loaded and elastomer-energized seals. They enable us to guarantee important properties such as insulation, thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as electromagnetic shielding. These Turcon® materials are an optimum solution for electrical systems, meeting the new and unique sealing challenges it poses. The compounds need to withstand the high temperatures typically found in the e-Motor, as well as the battery’s fluids. Specialist test equipment allows us to prove rotary sealing performance. 18 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove MATERIALS Exceptional Conduct Two new PTFE-based materials offer solutions for emerging applications that require electrical conductivity. Text: Søren Røpstorff in the groove EDITION 39 19
in the groove MATERIALS FOR TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS, helping its Research and development worked to test both amounts customers adapt to emerging market trends is key to its and types of fillers, until a suitable formulation that permitted success. “With new eMobility, Internet of Things and sensing conductivity was found. “Once we were happy with the initial applications being developed, we saw an opportunity to compound produced, we had to construct a custom, dedicated provide high specification electrically-conductive materials to test rig to prove the material’s performance under real-life manufacturers, not just making products safer, more reliable conditions,” says Soeren. or smaller, but enabling entirely new designs,” says Soeren Roepstorff, Development Manager at the Trelleborg Sealing A Turcon® Slydring® design was chosen for testing the two new Solutions facility in Helsingør, Denmark. materials and another seal made from Turcon® T29 was used as a control. Turcon® MC1 and MC2 demonstrated negligible Though the idea of conductive seals and bearings has existed dry contact resistance even with low contact pressure and for some time, material options have been limited. when running in oil. The resistance shown was low and “Conductive elastomers are available, but these are primarily conductivity was high - marking the tests a success. only for static applications. There are also electrically conductive injection molded plastics, however, these lack the Turcon® MC1 and Turcon® MC2 differ though, in that they required flexibility for effective operation and closed-groove have been specifically developed for electrical conductivity installation,” says Soeren. “Turcon® MC1 and MC2 have been in dynamic sealing applications and therefore sealing engineered from the start for the kinds of products that these performance is optimized in these situations. existing materials can’t be used for – seals and bearings with complex geometries for dynamic applications.” Development and testing MORE INFORMATION The new Turcon® MC1 and MC2 were developed in Helsingør - home to all Turcon® materials and a facility that has decades Download the brochure from of experience in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) development www.tss.trelleborg.com/literature and compounding. Inherently, PTFE is an excellent insulator, to find out more about Turcon® but with carefully considered additives, the conductivity can MC1 & MC2. be raised without sacrificing the material properties that make it so useful. 20 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove MATERIALS Enhancing application performance “These new materials can offer a reliable connection between Ideal for two moving parts; something that was not possible before,” eMobility says Soeren. Turcon® MC1 and Turcon® MC2, as the first electrically conductive Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based This makes the material useful for important and innovative materials for use in spring-loaded and elastomer- applications includ ing safely dissipating static in the event an energized seals, enable us to guarantee important airplane gets struck by lightning, grounding currents in electric properties such as, thermal and electrical conductivity, motors and permitting signals to transmit through components as well as electromagnetic shielding. without circuitry. The Turcon® materials are an optimum solution for the “Making use of Turcon® MC1 and MC2 opens the door for e-Motor battery, meeting the new and unique sealing manufacturers to really take advantage of all the benefits of challenges it poses. The materials need to withstand the PTFE in new ways,” finishes Soeren. high temperatures typically found in the e-Motor, as well as the battery’s fluids. Want to find out more about eMobility? Fluid compatibility is particularly complex in the e-motor Read the article by Vice President – as a fully charged battery has a different chemical Innovation & Technology, Konrad Saur, cocktail to an empty one. The Turcon® materials are on pages 16-18 specifically engineered to cope with this issue. APPLICATIONS Safety in the Air In aircraft, a worst-case scenario is that a plane is hit by lightning, but less traumatic is the static build-up that occurs as a plane flies. Electrically conductive seals in the landing gear, for instance, will ensure that electricity or static is safely dissipated. Grounding in Electric Drives Electric charge transferring through the gap between two components can cause sparks or stray currents in machinery and systems, such as electric motors. This P can result in hardware pitting P P P P P and carbonization of lubricant or grease. Use of an electrically conductive seal or bearing grounds the system by creating a clear path between two components, avoiding corrosion issues. With conductive PTFE Without conductive PTFE Enabling Signal Transfer When a signal needs to be sent to or from a sensor in a system, electrically conductive seals or bearings can create a clear path for the signal, enabling system manufacturers to develop more complex systems incorporating aspects of artificial intelligence, without adding electrical circuitry. in the groove EDITION 39 21
in the groove MOTORSPORT Speeding Electric Text: Andrea Wichert, La ra Haas HiSpin® PDR RT MAKING ELECTRIC VEHICLES A REALITY Two new high-speed rotary seals have been developed by Trelleborg Sealing Solutions to meet electric car manufacturers’ demands. The HiSpin® PDR RT and the HiSpin® HS40 seals make a significant step in overcoming issues related to sealing in extreme conditions at high rotary speeds. This next-generation sealing technology brings electric cars significantly closer to meeting the ultimate goal of travelling the same HiSpin® HS 40 distance as a gasoline vehicle on one charge. 22 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove MOTORSPORT TRELLEBORG SEALING SOLUTIONS IS SPONSORING the University of Stuttgart's GreenTeam, providing prospective engineers with seals and sealing expertise for their e-Powered race cars. This has proven, and is still proving, to be a winning combination. "Motorsport presents high technical Successful racing pedigree demands, especially on seals," says Julian "In our GreenTeam project, over 60 students collaborate to Feucht, Sales Engineer Automotive Hub Europe build an e-Powered race car, which is driven in international at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions in Germany. competitions," says Florian Froehlich, from GreenTeam Uni "The seals have to meet very specific requirements related Stuttgart e.V. "We’ve had a very successful past. Every year to the oil used for thermal management in the battery. since 2010, our team has been one of the top 10 teams in the The Formula Student competition has strict guidelines here, world ranking list of electric Formula Student race cars.” which the prospective engineers must adhere to." Florian continues, “But, without sponsors and supporters, First place! these successes would not happen. We are dependent on This year, the the GreenTeam did everything right. At the the exchange of experience and knowledge with industry and Formula Student competition at the Hockenheimring their business. These partnerships have given our future engineers, race car took first place in the Acceleration event, which computer scientists and business economists enormous evaluates the car's acceleration in a straight line from a innovative strength. With Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, we standing start over a distance of 75 meters. have a strong partner at our side who supports us with know- how on sealing technology for eMobility applications." "We are enthusiastic about the GreenTeam and very impressed by the students' performance and expertise," Unique challenges of e-Race cars continues Julian. "During our partnership, we found that Electrification of race cars presents unique challenges. the electric motor can reach critical temperature ranges GreenTeam students deal with topics including control due to high acceleration rates. engineering, power electronics and driving dynamics. The Stuttgart GreenTeam developed, designed and produced an "Improved cooling can support significantly higher speeds. electric motor, which was used in the race car for the first time Our new HiSpin® seals for eMobility may help the team this year. At the heart of the car is a unique oil cooling system meet this challenge. We’re already looking forward to the for the batteries. next racing season.” in the groove EDITION 39 23
in the groove HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL Improving the Lives of Patients Text: Mike O'Brien IN SHORT Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical was formed to better serve customers to produce innovative healthcare solutions that improve patients' lives. 2 It aids in getting products to market faster, assisting in design, rapid prototyping and validation, and afterwards providing reliable high-quality supply. 3 "Quality by design; not by inspection" is a key concept and involves working closely with customers to reduce points of potential failure. 4 Trelleborg is involved with the latest silicone developments, such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) integration and multi-component LSR injection molding 24 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL ANDREW GAILLARD Trelleborg Sealing Solutions officially launched Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical in March 2019, with a focus GLOBAL on further establishing itself as a SEGMENT trusted partner to customers in the DIRECTOR, healthcare and medical industry. HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL ANDREW GAILLARD, GLOBAL SEGMENT DIRECTOR, HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, spoke with in the groove to provide insight into the formation of Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical, highlight some of the operation’s unique capabilities and outline what he expects to accomplish going forward. ITG: Why was Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical created? AG: The formation of Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical enables us to better serve our customers in achieving their missions to develop and produce innovative healthcare solutions that improve patients’ lives. We accomplish this by helping customers get new products to market faster, which involves assisting with design, rapid prototyping and validation. Once the application is in the market, we provide a reliable, high quality product supply. Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical also brings a diverse yet interrelated set of capabilities to our customers through our different facilities, thus consolidating their supplier network and streamlining the procurement process. For the customer, this means one quality system, one point of contact for purchasing, and one trusted partner. in the groove EDITION 39 25
in the groove HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL Trelleborg Partners in All Stages of Development From concept to serial production with a focus on quality and total cost reduction PRODUCT REFINE FEASIBILITY CREATE CLINICAL INDUSTRIAL- VALIDATION SERIAL CONCEPT PRODUCT PROTOTYPES PRODUCTION IZATION PRODUCTION SPECS Design for Manufacture (DfM) Regulatory Guidance … as an extension of our customers project teams “We partner with customers at every stage of development. Becoming involved early in the innovation process enables us to optimize applications for market.” ITG: How have you established Trelleborg in the ANDREW GAILLARD Healthcare & Medical market place? What were the main challenges in accomplishing this? AG: Over the last few years, we have focused on building our healthcare capabilities, both organically and through ITG: What differentiates Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical acquisition. Through this process, we have grown to a size from the rest of the market? at which it makes sense to create a dedicated business AG: Our customers tell us that they want their suppliers to be focused solely on the healthcare and medical market. experts, on whom their project teams can rely to help develop the best possible solutions. Trelleborg provides customers Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical acts as an extension of our with access to specialists in design, manufacturing, quality, customers’ teams to develop innovative solutions and tailor engineering, and materials. Specific to the healthcare and them to their specific needs. This consultative approach medical industry, Trelleborg has expertise in silicone extrusion has helped us form strong partnerships with our existing and sheeting, thermoplastics, and silicone molding, including customers, while displaying to the larger market how our multi-component LSR technology and drug-eluting devices. approach can fulfill their needs. We partner with customers at every stage of development. The main challenge we’ve experienced is the lack of Becoming involved early in the innovation process enables us knowledge of Trelleborg as a significant supplier to the to optimize applications for market. As an example, we did this healthcare and medical industry. By leveraging the brands recently for one US medical device customer.By understanding we’ve acquired and building on their existing relationships the customer’s global launch plans and projected volumes, we and reputations, we’ve now established Trelleborg were able to adjust the customer’s design ideas to make the Healthcare & Medical as a key player. product more manufacturable. 26 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical Advantage LONG-LASTING POLYMER CUSTOMER MATERIALS PARTNERSHIPS EXPERTS ENGINEERING LOCAL PRESENCE EXPERTISE GLOBAL REACH MANUFACTURING & QUALITY EXCELLENCE “By leveraging the brands we’ve acquired and building on their existing relationships and reputations, we’ve now established Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical as a key player.” ANDREW GAILLARD Forming the Healthcare & Medical Business Unit 2011 Trelleborg acquires SilcoTech Trelleborg decides to enter the After assisting the customer through the various development Life Sciences market stages, including clinical trials and regulatory approvals, now, roughly five years later, Trelleborg leverages automation to 2016 Trelleborg acquires Specialty produce tens of millions of parts for the customer’s global Silicone Fabricators launch. Trelleborg adds medical device capabilities aligned with current ITG: You mentioned engineering expertise as a strength. business What are some examples of this? January Trelleborg acquires Sil-Pro AG: Trelleborg's patented GeoTransTM extrusion capability is a 2019 Expanded capabilities allow for good illustration of this. The technique enables us to create broader customer partnerships variations in the geometry of a medical silicone “tube” while we extrude it. Traditionally, two tubes are extruded in separate March Trelleborg Heathcare & Medical segments and molded together. However, we can extrude 2019 Focused business to meet the needs a single lumen tube into a multi-lumen tube in one step. By of Healthcare & Medical customers eliminating the need for secondary operations, such as over- molding, product reliability and integrity is increased. 2020 2020 First full-scale production of a drug/ Working alongside our customers to design quality into how device combo product planned we manufacture a part is a real strength. This eliminates the need to do quality inspections, reduces process steps Future Future in manufacturing, saves time and perhaps most importantly, Trelleborg will build on customer decreases sources of risk by removing points of potential partnerships failure. We call this “quality by design; not inspection”. in the groove EDITION 39 27
in the groove HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL SILICONE EXTRUSION A WIDE RANGE OF MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES ITG: “Quality by design; not by inspection.” Can you multitude of ways to solve the application challenges our explain this further? customers face. Trelleborg has developed and produced AG: The GeoTransTM technology I mentioned previously is silicone tubing, film, and custom-molded components one great example. Another, for many of the same reasons, for more than 20 years, and we have developed a is our multi-component LSR technology, also commonly deep understanding of how silicone behaves in our referred to as 2K, 2C LSR, 2-shot, multi-component injection manufacturing environments. For these reasons, silicone molding, or co-injection. While multi-component technology has become a critical material for device manufacturers has been on the market for years, its capabilities continue when developing new solutions to help patients. to evolve and push the limits of what’s possible. One of the newest developments, which we have Again, we work alongside our customer to design a part as discussed previously in In the Groove, is the integration a single unit, molded in 2-shots, typically with silicone and of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) within silicone. some form of thermoplastic. By molding this as a single Silicone’s favorable porous nature enables drugs to be part, we can eliminate process steps in manufacturing, save eluted into the human body at very specific doses over time, remove the possibility of incorrect assembly, and thus time. improve the safety and quality of a component. Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical is at the forefront of ITG: Silicone has been used in medical applications recent development in which vulcanized silicone is since the 1950’s. Why is this, and how do you expect infused with API through immersion. It is working with its this material to impact the medical industry going customers to create solutions for wound care, reduction forward? of swelling post-device implantation, and other innovative AG: Beyond being inert and biocompatible, silicone is treatment options. Drug-eluting technology is a promising incredibly versatile in how it can be processed. This new development and a major focus of ours moving versatility presents manufacturers like Trelleborg with a forward. 28 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
in the groove HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL SILICONE DIPPING & COATING DRUG- ELUTING DEVICES TOOLING & MEDICAL MACHINING DEVICE ASSEMBLY SILICONE SILICONE SHEETING & PLASTIC & FILM MOLDING ANDREW GAILLARD Andrew Gaillard is Trelleborg's Global Segment Director of Healthcare & Medical. In this role, he is responsible for helping customers achieve their goals of bringing new products to market faster and ensuring consistent, high-quality supply once those products are in the market. This means partnering ITG: You recently participated in MD&M Minneapolis and closely with customers and providing excellent COMPAMED. How did show attendees respond to the new customer service. Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical operation? What were they most interested in? Prior to Trelleborg, Andrew had his own strategic AG: This was a very positive experience for the team. Many consulting business helping start-ups companies are searching for a partner to provide expertise in and small healthcare businesses manufacturing, engineering and materials. Because we have determine go-to-market strategies. multi-year relationships with most of the top medical device He was also the Vice President of companies already, they know they can look to us as an extension Global Marketing - Healthcare of their teams. I think what surprised most of our current and Division at Ecolab and spent prospective customers was how diverse Trelleborg’s offering 10 years in a variety of is. They were enthused to learn of new ways we could partner leadership roles in Medtronic’s together. cardiovascular group. ITG: What can we expect from Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical in 2020? AG: In 2019, we concentrated on building a sound foundation for MORE INFORMATION our business. In 2020, we will continue that work and focus on driving alignment to ensure we operate as a single unit for our Visit the website: customers. Another focus will be on leveraging the relationships Go to and reputation we have, to continue to build the business. 2020, www.tss.trelleborg.com/healthcare is already shaping up to be a good year. I am very excited for the or scan the QR code to find out more future of Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical and our ability to help about Trelleborg Healthcare & Medical. our customers achieve their missions and impact patients’ lives. in the groove EDITION 39 29
in the groove AEROSPACE The Heat is On During a flight cycle, the operating elements of planes run at extreme temperatures and specialized fire seals are there to ensure the safety of passengers onboard. The new Ultra High Temp seal means that there is no longer a need to compromise when the heat is on. Text: Donna Guinivan IN AN AIRCRAFT, fire seals are used in the fuselage, pylons, temperatures with the latest options operating at up to thrust reversers and engines. They act as a barrier to prevent +600 °F, significantly higher than their predecessors. airflow from one area of a plane to another during normal operating conditions. This is an important function, but even “Up until now there has been no high temperature fire seal more crucially, they serve as a precaution in an incident that that can operate up to +600 °F and also meet all the leads to fire. Then they act to contain the fire to one section customer requirements for a fire seal. There has always of an aircraft and allow the airplane to land safely within a been a compromise,” says Quinn Collett, Airframe General 15 minute period. Manager. Challenging conditions “Competitive products, such as metal mesh seals, do not The hotter the engines run, the more thrust is obtained from meet all the requirements of a fire seal. Claims have been the same amount of fuel, so the more efficient the engine made by other suppliers that they have achieved a silicone and the lower the fuel consumption. This has led aircraft fire seal that can operate at high temperatures. However, designers to aim at running engines at continuously higher when put to the test in typical dynamic requirements at elevated temperature, we have found them to fail.” 30 Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
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