Case Studies from RAR Gears - RA Rodriguez (UK) Ltd

Faster performance as well as increased capability andservice life have been achieved by a new drive system on the upgraded CavityAuto Scanning Laser System (C-ALS®), a core product for York-based MeasurementDevices Limited (MDL). Several of the transmission components that complete thedrive system were supplied by R. A. Rodriguez, including KHK spiral bevelgears.  These were speedily modified fromstock items for MDL’s use, a service for which KHK via R. A. Rodriguez, is nowthe market leader.

C-ALS® is a miniaturised, ruggedized 3D laser scanningsystem designed to survey remote, inaccessible voids and cavities, safely. The motorised 2-axis scanning head ensures acomplete 360° scan covering the entire void to a range of 150m/500 feet.  Its probe incorporates pitch-and-roll sensorsand has the option of an internal compass. These sensors ensure accurateorientation and positioning of the scanned point cloud. A system of lightweight1m rods provide a fixed azimuth and enables easy deployment down hole, up holeor horizontally.

In the process of developing a new generation of cavityscanning system, MDL has been working closely with R. A. Rodriguez on the selectionand supply of a number of components for a much improved vertical drivesystem.  Modified KHK spiral bevel gearswere an important element in the design, products for which R. A. Rodriguez is KHK’s European master distributor.

These high precision, strong gears have high load ratingsand run at speed with minimal noise and vibration, important performancefactors for MDL. Options include fullyhardened keyways and pilot bores that allow additional customer modification. MDL took advantage of this facility withoutincurring any compromise on lead time.

Steven Ball Snr,MDL’s Chairman concludes: “The new, drive system allows the probe to scan fourtimes faster than the previous unit.  Itscapability and service life is also increased many times over.  The combination of a more robust drive systemwith C-ALS® improved ingress protection opens up the product’s use in a numberof new markets.”

Posted on Sep 01, 2014