OFFSHORE EUROPE 2009 – HepcoMotion stand no: 601

The ready availability of stainless steel or corrosion resistant linear motion options within HepcoMotion’s standard, flagship GV3 range brings important benefits to the specifier. Instead of being ‘specials’ and subject to long lead times, popular sizes of these systems are available ex-stock. There are technical advantages too.

Stainless steel is comparatively soft in its free unhardened condition. In designing its various systems for operation in hostile environments HepcoMotion has therefore been highly selective in the materials it chooses to achieve optimum performance. Although many of its components are made from hardened and ground stainless steel, HepcoMotion uses other materials too. Various coatings are also available for applications that allow the consideration of alternatives to stainless steel.

For applications where only stainless steel will do, HepcoMotion has its SL2 series. This product programme uses many of the standard slide options in the GV3 Series but in ground stainless steel. The system is designed to be maintenance free and is therefore ideal for arduous conditions. The proven HepcoMotion V concept and quality of the manufacturing process provide the SL2 system with its inherent smooth running and low friction characteristics.

A significant benefit of the V principle is its self-cleaning action that eliminates contamination in the slideway. The extent of travel achievable by the slides with HepcoMotion cap seals before re-lubrication becomes necessary is also a boon in the offshore engineering sector. For most harsh applications both GV3 and SL2 are fit and forget systems.
Where system capacities of up to 68kN are required, HepcoMotion now has its Heavy Duty Slide System, HDS2, an exceptionally rugged product that meets increased load and life requirements. This new addition, also available in precision ground stainless steel, has retained all the best features of its forerunner and incorporated them in a considerably expanded and technically superior range. An important aspect of this is the introduction of specific components that reduce the engineering time required to get the system up and running.

The supply of components and systems for circular and continuous motion is a field in which HepcoMotion excels. Circular motion products in stainless steel provide low friction rotational movement for a multitude of tasks and the products are particularly useful where space is at a premium. The choice includes ring slides and track - in both standard and heavy duty grades - and driven systems.

Engineering ring systems for sub-sea applications such as non-destructive testing and pipe welding is a HepcoMotion strength. A recent and typical order comprised a standard ring slide and stainless steel slide, supplied as an assembled bearing system for the automated ovality inspection of a high profile pipeline. The high precision geared ring was required as the main medium to manoeuvre ultrasonic probes around the pipe.