Patience was the theme in Dearborn, Mich., in late October when Gerdau hosted speakers from the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), Wards Intelligence, Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association, Munro & Associates, American Axle, AGMA, and the company’s own Denise Correa De Oliveira for a comprehensive discussion on the present and future challenges facing the electric vehicle market.

Electric steel is used heavily in the manufacturing of electric motors. The material is key to producing the electromagnetic field used to turn the rotor. Without the electromagnetic properties associated with this iron alloy, the performance of electric motors would be substantially compromised. Historically, motors used in commercial and industrial applications have represented a major customer base for electric steel suppliers, and motor vendors have resultingly had little difficultly ensuring prioritized supply lines. However, the share of business held by commercial and industrial electric motor vendors is being threatened by the automotive sector in the wake of electric vehicles.

How do gearbox and gear drive providers navigate the interesting challenges found in steel, cement, paper, and construction applications? Apparently, one application at a time. Thanks to condition monitoring technology, IoT solutions and the flexibility of engineering teams today, plant downtime is not as problematic as it has been in the past. The secret to success in heavy industrial markets comes down to staying ahead of component failures.  

The steel industry is known for having some of the toughest environmental conditions including the high temperatures of continuous casting applications, very heavy loads, and irregular operating modes of hot roller systems. NORD’s gear units, motors, and control products ensure continuous performance and are engineered to handle the toughest loads and environmental hazards.

Seco/Warwick delivered a roller-type unit (furnace) intended for spheroidizing rings for the bearing industry. The solution will be operated in the Kielce plant of the global bearing manufacturer – NSK.

Sulzer has begun the construction of an all-new 7,200 sq. ft. expansion to its Baton Rouge Service Center in Louisiana.