New Linear Systems Partnership Offers Complete Motion Control & Automation Solutions
HMK, a leading independent supplier of drives, motion control and automation solutions, has teamed up with Schaeffler UK to incorporate Schaeffler's INA range of mechanical actuators and driven linear units into HMK's comprehensive product portfolio for the machine building and factory automation markets.
For customers, the new partnership brings together the vast bearings knowledge and mechanical engineering expertise of Schaeffler with the systems integration, automation and electro-mechanical expertise of HMK.
Established in the UK for more than 25 years, HMK has a team of highly qualified and experienced application engineers who design, build and commission complete automation systems for OEM machine builders, systems integrators and blue chip end users, across a wide range of industry sectors, including food & beverage, life sciences, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, nuclear, oil & gas, utilities, quarries & aggregates, plastics & rubber, aerospace and entertainment.
HMK's unique service covers all aspects of electro-mechanical motion control solutions, from consultancy and product supply supported by software development, through to the test and commissioning of complex, engineered projects. HMK engineers are also able to design and build panels for bespoke projects or serial machine production, as well as tailored mechanical assemblies for part-machine solutions from flange plate interface to complete handling robots.
"Our philosophy here at HMK has always been to deliver innovative solutions to complex automation applications," comments Carl Karjewski, Managing Director of HMK. "For this reason we are delighted to be able to offer our clients a package which now includes INA's range of linear actuators and rotary tables."
Karjewski continues: "Schaeffler's focus on design innovation and commitment to quality engineered INA linear products fits perfectly with what HMK has always set out to achieve in the UK marketplace."
The Schaeffler Group has been manufacturing precision, high performance INA driven linear units for more than 40 years. The range includes belt and ballscrew driven linear actuators, linear tables, fasteners, connectors and mounting brackets.
INA linear actuator designs are based on either a track roller, recirculating ball monorail (with two, four or six rows of balls) or on a plain guidance system. These units can be driven by toothed belts for high speed requirements, or by a ballscrew drive, where the principal requirement is for high positional accuracy. The actuators can also be supplied with new corrosion-resistant coatings and materials for harsh operating environments, such as in food and beverage production machines and machine tools.
More complex designs include a telescopic version, a quill type with a stationary drive housing and moving support rail, and a tandem design in which a wider support rail accommodates two guidance systems and three toothed belts.
For moving larger masses in one or multiple axes, Schaeffler offers its INA linear tables or stages. These are capable of supporting high torques and are available with ballscrew drives or trapezoidal lead screws.
To complement Schaeffler's range of mechanical actuators, the company also offers a range of precision direct drive solutions including linear, rotary (torque) motors, planar drives, high performance servo drives and amplifiers.
"The launch of HMK as Schaeffler's INA linear systems partner here in the UK is an exciting opportunity for both companies," says Schaeffler's National Sales Manager, Des Pattinson. "HMK's professional approach to motion control and automation puts the company in a unique position in the UK to offer optimised systems and customer peace of mind, from the concept stage right through to the final commissioning of a project. We are proud that INA linear motion products now form part of this process," concludes Pattinson.
For more information on Schaeffler's range of INA linear systems, please visit www.schaeffler.co.uk or telephone the marketing department on 0121 351 3833. For further information on HMK, please visit www.hmkdirect.com.
With a total of 66,000 employees at over 180 locations around the globe and group sales of 8.9 billion euros (fiscal year 2008), the Schaeffler Group is one of the world's leading rolling bearing manufacturers and automotive component suppliers. The corporate group includes the INA Group with headquarters in Herzogenaurach, the FAG Group based in Schweinfurt as well as the LuK Group, with headquarters in Bühl.
Dean Palmer
Director
SilverBullet PR Ltd
Tel: 01780 753 000
Mobile: 07703 023 771
Email: dean@silverbulletpr.co.uk
www.silverbulletpr.co.uk
Schaeffler (UK) Ltd,
Forge Lane
Minworth
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands B76 1AP
Tel: 0121 351 3833
Fax: 0121 351 7686
e-mail: info.uk@schaeffler.com
www.schaeffler.co.uk
