GKN Wheels is at Bauma 2013 as part of the GKN Land Systems stand (Hall A6 Booth 424), where the company will highlight its continued focus on research, design and development to address current challenges within the material handling industry, and the integrated solutions-led approach it offers to customers.
GKN Wheels will be exhibiting a customised 15.00 x 25/3.0 multi-piece wheel designed for Automated Guided Vehicles for container handling in ports, showcasing its attention to detail throughout the R&D and testing process, industry knowledge and capability when designing products for purpose to suit a customer specification.
Gianpietro Bramè, R&D Director for GKN Wheels Europe, said: "Heavy construction or container handling wheels are subject to high stresses during their service life. GKN Wheels has developed a tough, hard-working wheel for the AGV industry to suit the specific load and operating conditions.
"Developed and manufactured in Denmark using our comprehensive experience in designing and testing multi piece wheels, the team initially produced a prototype rim/wheel which was then vehicle mounted and field tested using fatigue analysis and strain gauge measurement equipment. The prototype loads and simulations recorded using our sophisticated computer software and modeling, meant we could then predict the real lifetime impact of the wheel with precision and design a product to meet that specification accordingly."
He continues: "Utilising new paint plant technology, the AGV wheel is then finished to the highest finish available, known as C5 High, which offers long-term corrosion resistance for use in this particular materials handling environment. GKN is one of only a few manufacturers to offer such a technologically advanced paint process."
Mr Bramè continues: "As the materials handling industry moves towards more ergonomic, reliable products which maximise productivity, product manufacturers must be able to respond with fully designed and tested fit-for-purpose products which extend the service life, increase safety and fuel efficiency, whilst lowering emissions and operating costs and still providing greater performance."
GKN Wheels is well placed to meet the performance challenges of the world's most demanding off highway equipment manufacturers with globally designed and tested products and comprehensive engineering services. GKN Wheels draws on the expertise of two world-class design centres to develop and test a complete range of standard and customised multi piece solutions for fork-lift trucks, container handlers, reach stackers and harbour cranes, as well as construction, mining and agricultural vehicles.
GKN's expert engineers welcome dealers, customers and visitors to the stand to discuss the benefits of a total engineering capability, offering design, simulation and testing, all from a single manufacturer.
Standard GKN Wheels products are available in diameters from 8" to 30" and widths from 4.5" to 25", with its industrial and material handling wheels being produced in China, Denmark, Italy and the USA.
GKN Wheels will also be introducing its new "Swift ID" to Bauma. Swift ID chips use radio-frequency electromagnetic fields via a wireless system to transfer data from the tag attached to the wheel to a handheld reader of the service/maintenance team. Data from the handheld device is transferred to a centrally synchronized database which can be easily accessed online anywhere in the world.
Currently being tested on machinery in the mines in Australia, Swift ID will offer a range of feature and benefits to customers, including customized software designed for the handheld readers and customised web-based tracking software.
Swift ID provides a range of data including part number; unique id number; manufacture date; bill of materials/spare parts etc.; quality sign off; safety instructions; torque values; re-torque guidelines; maintenance checklist; and wheel service history.
The handheld reader is easily attachable to the wheel and scratch and moisture resistant to withstand even the harshest of working environments.
GKN Land Systems is a global leading supplier of technology differentiated power management solutions and services. GKN design, manufacture and supply products and services for the construction, mining, agricultural and utility vehicle markets and key industrial segments, offering integrated PowerTrain solutions.
The company's theme "From Power Source to Power Applied" highlights its capabilities to provide a complete product portfolio of integrated systems for off-highway applications.