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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
JUNE
2017
50
EQUIPMENT
This is according to newly-appointed earthmoving representative
Juan van Wyk, who is spearheading the company’s drive to have the
earthmoving industry use the company’s advanced thermoplastic
bushings in various types of earthmoving equipment, including load,
haul and dump (LHD) equipment, back hoe loaders, excavators,
wheel loaders, articulating dump trucks, graders, and crawlers.
Van Wyk, who is a recent graduate in mechanical engineering from
the North West University, is passionate about problem solving and
intends to discuss the development of custom components for
specific machines and manufacturers.
The design of a particular component typically involves
defining the problem, undertaking background research, specifying
requirements, brainstorming solutions, performing development
work, building a prototype, testing and analysing the results and
possibly redesigning the component if necessary.
This approach, together with a partnering between Vesconite
Bearings and earthmoving equipment users and manufacturers,
should see the optimising of components and could result
in improved efficiency, weight savings or longer component
guarantees, among other potential benefits.
“The US is a significant market for earthmoving equipment and is
expected to show impressive growth in the coming five years,” says
Van Wyk.
“We are expecting considerable growth from the construction
sector with significant growth in new infrastructure development
and renovation. The surface mining sector is also expected to
support earthmoving equipment industry growth.”
Vesconite has been developed and proven in many industrial
applications and has become the preferred bushing material where
high loads must be carried with small clearances, including on pivot
and articulation points.
The thermoplastic is specifically suited to solve the problems
experienced in the harsh earthmoving environment, with Vesconite
bearings offering various advantages, including the elimination of
greasing and down time and the extension of the life of shafts and
mating pins.
Roadshow for US customers
South Africa-based high-performance polymer producer
Vesconite Bearings is arranging a roadshow to US
earthmoving customers in June.
Juan van Wyk preparing for the US roadshow to earthmoving customers.
“We are proud to once again be recognised with this distinguished
prize for outstanding design,” said Andrew Walker, president of Atlas
Copco’s Construction Technique business area. “As always, our
product design has focused on providing true customer benefits
such as boosting performance and operator comfort while reducing
fuel consumption and service needs.”
The Red Dot Design Award for 2017 recognises Atlas Copco’s
8-series portable compressor range as well as the HiLight H5+
LED light tower. Both products are designed and manufactured
by the Portable Energy division in the Construction Technique
business area.
Two Red Dot Design awards
Atlas Copco, a leading provider of sustainable product-
ivity solutions, has won two prestigious Red Dot Design
Awards for 2017 for portable compressors and a LED
light tower.
The 8-series compressors are
recognised for raising the design
standards when it comes to size,
weight, efficiency and performance,
partly by incorporating the latest tough and
aesthetically pleasing HardHat
®
canopy. The light
tower was recognised for its innovative optic
lenses that maximise light coverage.
The official Red Dot Gala will take place in Essen, Germany,
on 3 July.
Atlas Copco 8 Series
Compressors win Red Dot
design award.