Mekanord launches lightweight gearbox
MARITIME INDUSTRY: Mekanord is now launching a gearbox which is up to 30 % lighter than traditional ones. Mekanord is expecting a large, global potential for use in lightweight, high speed and low energy vessels
“We have more than 30 years of experience in designing, building and refurbishing gearboxes for marine vessels and the demands for gearboxes, one of a vessel’s most vital parts, are getting increasingly higher. One of the demands that we frequently encounter is for high efficiency and low weight”, says CEO at Mekanord, Søren Klyvø.
“This is why we decided two years ago to initiate a scientific project in cooperation with a group of partners, aiming to completely rethink the construction of our gearboxes. The result is a composite gearbox up to 30 % lighter than a traditional one, but which also has a series of other advantages”.
The scientific project gave Mekanord the opportunity to completely rethink the way a gearbox is designed and built. Besides from the weight issue, Mekanord also wanted to address the challenge of reducing noise levels, one of the main reasons why ultra strong composite was chosen as the perfect material. A common use for composite is the construction of fighter jets:
“With the right formula, composite has some completely unique qualities that neither iron nor steel can match. It is a light, strong and rigid material and at the same time very flexible to work with in the production processes. Also, we have designed the new gearbox so that it is much easier - and thereby much cheaper - to service”, says Søren Klyvø.
To begin with, Søren Klyvø is expecting a strong interest from shipbuilders and ship architects operating within the field of lightweight boats and catamarans to whom weight is a deciding factor. But also from the yacht segment where ship builders and customers often request the best of the best, Mekanord is expecting a high demand.
Source: Mekanord
