Grip project

The aim of the project is the development of a prototype that enables the homogeneous heat treatment of closed sections of large pieces, with special attention to large bearings used in various industries, especially as a component in wind turbines.

The prototype adaptation to different heat treatments such as tempering, shrink fitting, annealing, hardening or other processes and to different types of closed large pieces, which by its dimensions preclude homogeneous treatment by induction technology, is sought. For homogeneous heating throughout the section it is necessary to perform a treatment by sections of the pieces under treatment.

The achievement of the objectives set by this project will significantly improve the services offered for the treatment of this type of pieces, and will increase the competitiveness of the company in a, nowadays, non-existent industry. Currently this type of treatment is done by conventional use of large furnaces. This development will allow GH to position, against the competition, as a pioneer in the heat treatment of large closed pieces by induction technology. All while maintaining the durability and performance of the prototype to develop, within a range of optimum values. The type of installation, object of this project, would involve the introduction of a product currently required by the market.

The main technical objectives of the project are the development of the following elements, which compose the final prototype object of the development:

• Conception, design and evaluation of new inductors manufacturing techniques with capacity to treat large closed pieces, fulfilling optimal values of performance and reliability.
• Conception, design and evaluation of heating stations with a capacity to treat large closed pieces, fulfilling optimal values of performance and reliability.

Project summary

The scope of the project has focused on developing a demonstrator for the treatment of large closed pieces fulfilling optimal values of performance and reliability. For this reason the following developments have been satisfactorily made:

• Inductor development for heat treatment of large closed pieces.
• New heating stations development for heat treatment of large closed pieces.
• Mechanical prototype and transmission system development.

This project has been co-funded by CDTI, and the European Union through the Operational Programme Smart Growth ERDF 2014-2020. The reference number of the project is EXP 00081103 / IDI-20150995.

Fund: IDI-20150995

Year: 2015