Rossi UK to launch new series planetary reducers to UK market

Hillhead 2012 completes the global launch of new planetary gear reducers and motors

Rossi UK, a division of Habasit Rossi Ltd, will formally introduce the newest range of planetary gear reducers and geared motors at the upcoming Hillhead exhibition.

This will follow the global launch due to take place in Hanover in April. The launch is the final step in the process as the company is investing in tooling and stock that will allow the UK operation to assemble from modular components and significantly improve delivery for its growing customer base. The company will also exhibit a comprehensive product range including its G05, A04 geared motors as well as servo precision geared motors.

The main design criteria for the new planetary range is to increase performance compared with the previous EP02 series of Rossi planetary units, using where possible the same dimensions but enhancing the commercial advantages for the end user. This was made possible due to the enhanced calculation of every mechanical component, specifying high-quality materials and state-of-the-art machining through every process. The design took into account the latest available lubricants, which could reduce friction and extend service life of the gear reducer.

The new planetary range was initially launched in 2010. The first phase included nine sizes with a maximum torque capacity of 21,200Nm and now the range will be extended by a further 14 sizes with a torque capacity of 250,000Nm. The Italian parent company Rossi SPA, are currently designing the range to be extended even further.

The range was designed, such that the increase in performance between one size to the next is 40%, compared to the 60% performance found in the current EP02 Rossi range. This means that the new range is generally 1.18 times closer to adjacent sizes when compared to the main competitors. This allows the product to be placed between current sizes on the market which they believe gives them the ability to select a product that is more cost effective without compromising performance.

One of the design changes of the high-speed gear trains is the use of full complement roller bearings without an internal race that runs directly on the shaft, instead of the traditional needle roller bearing. This was done to increase dynamic load capacity. The critical factor here was the ‘roughness’ on the roller race way on both the shaft and planetary gear. Due to the state-of-the-art machining process this specification is limited to a Ra = 0,2 ÷ 0,3.

Lional Gibson, technical manager of Rossi UK, said: ‘The adoption of roller bearings instead of needle roller bearings increases the dynamic load capacity, but reduces the static load capacity; however, this does not represent any problem as the static breakage limit of gear reducer is never represented by the bearing. The added advantage of reducing friction and using this bearing configuration is that the range is more efficient and thermal powers are increased. This has traditionally been a problem limiting the use of planetary reducers in many more applications. The oil flow passages are also widened allowing for greater oil capacity and increased flow.’

The output design takes into account all the relevant and current configurations such as cylindrical shaft with foot or flange design, as well as hollow shaft shrink disc, keyed or splined shafts. Rossi UK will have a comprehensive range in stock and will be able to meet most requirements from stock. Should the reducer require a component that is not in stock, the group has access to stock globally such as Italy, Spain, America and Australia.

Rossi geared products have a strong reputation for excellent quality and the group has recognized that customers continue to demand greater value for their money. As such the focus is to ensure a greater competitive position is achieved through the improvement of the operational structure as well as the development of a local technical departments in order to provide complete technically designed solutions tailored specifically to each customer’s application within the time constraints set by them.  

Rossi have established a strong track record in providing tailored technical solutions for a wide range of applications, including: material handling conveyors, mixers and agitators, mobile aggregate equipment and recycling equipment, and believe that they are well placed to develop the market through investment and focus in key areas.

Further investment will continue through 2012 and beyond with the development of customer portals such as ‘Rossi for you’ and ‘Rossi solutions’ alongside the launch of a new simplified and updated website. These tools will allow customers to review the status of their orders in real time along with a 3D drawing download capability, order history and many more tailored functions. The launch of this portal is expected in the third quarter of 2012.

Rossi UK have an inventory value in excess of £1.0 million comprised of the company's comprehensive range of electric motors, brake motors, gear reducers and gear motors. Their stock profile includes more than 10,000 assembled gear units and electric motors allowing for immediate dispatch throughout the UK and Ireland. Habasit Rossi can offer gear units with a torque capacity of 22,000Nm from stock in the UK and gear units up to 800,000Nm from stock held in Italy.

The Hillhead exhibition will allow the company to showcase some innovative designs. For further information on the new range of Planetary reducers visit them in the pavilion on stand P71.