Corrosion-resistant epicyclic reduction gears

Wittenstein’s new Hygienic Design model for cleanrooms are the world’s  first to be EHEDG certified.

The Wittenstein Group enjoys the favor of packaging machine manufacturers for the pharmaceutical and food sectors due to the high quality standards of its drives and a wide selection of tailored solutions. The concern’s series of corrosion-resistant epicyclic reduction gears with IP65 protection grade, of which a cleanroom version is now available, offers a meaningful example.

These gears are specifically developed for uses that involve regular washing, including with high pressure jets at given temperatures or using caustic soda, sulfuric acids, alcohol, acetone and oil. Their external body is coated with a special two-component varnish, except for the output, which is nickel-plated in order to maintain the appropriate resistance, while the motorized coupling flange is sealed to the body in order to prevent infiltration of detergents. The shaft - or alternatively the output flange - is made of stainless steel, with food grade lubrication as determined by NSF regulation.

Latest developments. The latest developments of this range are represented by the Hygienic Design series, specially designed for cleanrooms and the world’s first to obtain EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) certification. Hygienic Design reduction gears are particularly resistant and easy to clean, made completely from stainless steel, with IP 69 K protection grade (30 bar according to DIN 40050-9), thus guaranteeing maximum corrosion-resistance even in contact with disinfectant fluids containing hypochlorites or alkaline foams, which can lead to severe oxidation of components. The body of these components is entirely free of sharp angles and grooves, preventing deposit of bacteria or micro-organisms, and the surface is treated with an electro-chemical polish that minimizes residues from processed product and enhances rinsing with disinfectants or liquids used for cleaning. The gaskets, made from PTFE (Teflon) feature anti-stick and heat resistant properties and good chemical inertia, in compliance with the directives of the Food & Drug Administration.

The Wittenstein Group enjoys the favor of packaging machine builders for the pharmaceutical and food sectors due to its high quality standards and wide selection of tailored solutions. The multinational, based in Italy in Sesto San Giovanni (MI), brings together “under one roof” all the most important mechatronic drive technologies: reduced play epicyclic reduction gears, orthogonal servo reduction gears, rotary and linear servoactuators, servosystems, miniaturized servo-components, toothing technologies, electronic components and software, medical technology... in order to produce drive systems that are efficient and advantageous for the user.