When a pressure is exerted anywhere in a confined incompressible fluid it is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid. In fact the pressure ratio (initial difference) remains the same throughout the fluid. This principle is successfully used in the range of ETP products, which provide an innovative quick and easy clamping of hubs or shafts. Available through ABSSAC, the ETP range of hydraulic hub and shaft clamping devices can be removed or repositioned, mounting and dismantling in less than a few seconds. All ETP products consist of a double-walled hardened steel (in some cases stainless steel) sleeve, filled with a pressure medium. In the product flange there are one or more screws and a piston with seals for the pressure setting.
When the pressure screw is tightened, normally by a single pressure screw, an even and moderately high surface pressure is created against the shaft and hub, causing the strong and reliable locking effect. The self-contained product allows this procedure to be repeated many times and eliminates the need for keyways on the shaft. The clamping effect does not mark the shaft during fitting. The compact designs ensure better shaft concentricity and increased balance at increased machine speeds. The quick release capability of this product can provide, shorter downtime for service as well as increased precision. The hydraulic principle gives an immediate advantage for today´s modern machines.
Food production and packaging machines nearly always have fast moving units of packaged ready meals, continuously flying along conveyor systems, ultimately heading towards the final packaging area. In this environment, downtime needs to be kept to an absolute minimum and so when ABSSAC recently supplied Stainless steel food compatible hydraulic clamping bushes which once fitted, the customer was able see the benefits immediately.
ETP-EXPRESS R has only one screw for pressurising, it is therefore suitable when there is a need for the repositioning of the hub fast and accurate. ETP-EXPRESS type R has the same good qualities when it comes to fast and frequent mounting with only ONE screw in the radial direction, small built-in dimensions etc. as ETP-EXPRESS. All parts of ETP-EXPRESS R exposed to the environment are made of stainless steel, making the unit easy to clean. In food processing this material meets all of the essential requirements.
Fast positioning of the pulley belt wheels was originally done by removing a multi bolt shaft hub clamping arrangement. Naturally, production would have to stop for this maintenance to be carried out and so the pressure was on to complete the task as quickly as possible each time this process was carried. The ETP EXPRESS R unit was used out to ensure optimum conveyor width, by finite positioning.
By using the single piece construction ETP hub shaft system, just one screw allows the release, positioning and re-clamping of the hub, in all taking seconds instead of many minutes. The ETP EXPRESS R also has no pockets or crevices for food to get lodged unlike the traditional mechanical locking bushes on the market. The key less friction gripping device are also wash down suitable.