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Category Archives: Advanced Machine & Engineering Co

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. to Feature Products at IMTS 2014

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME) will be exhibiting their machine tool component products in both the East and West buildings this year at IMTS 2014. In the West building, at booth W-2405, they will be showing their fixturing product lines under the Amrok brand name, which consists of the following products:
• Amrok Epoxy-mineral Tombstones
• Amrok Cast Iron Tombstones
• Triag Modular Workholding
• Jakob Clamping

 

Amrok Epoxy Tombstone

Amrok Epoxy Tombstone

Click here to add AME to your IMTS Show Planner!

In the East building, at booth E-5718, they will be showing the remainder of their product lines consisting of the following products:
• Amlok Rod Locks
• Ott-jakob Power Drawbars
• Stotz Air Gaging
• Spieth, Ambush & Amdisk Precision Components
• Ott Gears
• Sitema Press Safety
• Amsaw Carbide Production Saws

Click here to add AME to your IMTS Show Planner!

Also see their sister company Hennig Inc. for machine protection products at booth E-5610. 

Click here to add Hennig to your IMTS Show Planner!

For more information, visit www.ame.com or contact:

Tim Waterman
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483
E-mail: info@ame.com
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Hennig to Feature Products at IMTS 2014

Hennig Inc. will be exhibiting their machine protection products at IMTS 2014. In the East building, at booth E-5610, they will be showing the following products:

• Chip Conveyors
• Chip Disc Filtration (CDF) Systems
• Telescopic Steel Covers
• Folded Bellows
• Flex-Protect Systems
• Machine Enclosures
• Roll-up & Flexible Apron Covers
• Wiper Systems
• XYZ-Modules

HENNIGConveyor Hennig Chip Conveyor

Click here to add Hennig to your IMTS Show Planner!

Also see their sister company, Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., at booths W-2405 and E-5718 for machine tool component products.
Click here to add AME to your IMTS Show Planner!

For more information contact:

Tim Waterman
Hennig Inc.
9900 N. Alpine Rd.
Machesney Park, IL 61115
(815) 316-5277
info@hennig.ame.com
www.hennigworldwide.com

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Guest Post: Stepping Up Our Marketing – Advanced Machine & Engineering

6e0a4bf2861e25e57a0fe0f84c08ab77Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.

AME is taking it to the next level with Inbound Marketing + Social Media + CRM + Tradeshows.


Advanced Machine & Engineering Co.
Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME) has achieved manufacturing excellence over the last few decades by providing some of the highest quality machine tool component products and services the market has to offer. Now, we are taking the next steps to improve our business and increase our market share even more. It hasn’t always been easy getting from where we were nearly 50 years ago to where we are now. But we can honestly say the hardest parts are behind us. You can only improve products and processes so much before there is little to no room left for improvements. Although we will continue to innovate further, we have successfully neared that point in our manufacturing processes for a few reasons.

First, we have implemented lean thinking principles which allow us to operate with less unnecessary expenses, for example, excess inventory and waste. Second, we have become a continuous improvement…

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AMLOK® Pneumatic Rod Locks Keep A-10 Warthog Steady During Ops At Hill AFB

Unique rod lock assemblies from Advanced Machine & Engineering built into Boeing fixtures; used to stabilize airframe, maintain structural integrity during and after major repairs

1rtAMLOK® rod locks shown at wing fitting attach points on A-10 Warthog

During the maintenance and repair operations of A-10 Warthog aircraft at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, a unique product design from Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) helps maintain the structural integrity of this heavy airframe. AMLOK® pneumatic rod locks keep the load steady and ensure the aircraft will return to flight in its proper configuration. Boeing in St. Louis designed and built the fixtures for the Air Force and specified the rod locks, 28 on each of five (5) fixtures constructed for use at the Air Force base.

In use, each rod lock holds up to 5000 lbs. and maintains position with 0.002”-0.003” maximum backlash and repeatable positioning. The AMLOK® design functions by holding the cylinder rod in place and locking the load in place, when air pressure is removed. Only when the pressure is restored can the load be released. This power-off clamping protects operators and workload alike.

2rtRod locks shown on nacelle attach points

 

The Air Force contracted Boeing to produce a series of fixtures to help perform major structural repair operations on the A-10. This was a new product design, conceived by Boeing, to solve the problem of holding the massive A-10 airframe in position while major structural sections were removed and replaced. In application, the rod locks provide a means of attaching the main fixture to the aircraft structure without introducing any external load to the structure. This fact is key to the overall repair operation, as the original shape of the craft must remain consistent during and after the repair. In addition, since the locking feature on the rod lock is activated when the pneumatic power is removed, it prevents inadvertent activation of the lock during the repair process, increasing technician safety substantially.

Another aspect of the AME rod lock design, they provide an uncomplicated, easy-to-install interface between the main repair fixture and the surface of the fuselage on the aircraft, doing so in a way that prevents the introduction of positive or negative loads to the fuselage in the resting position. Prior to start-up of operations, laser tracking measurements of the A-10 Warthog fuselage were consistently monitored by Boeing personnel during the initial prototype repair processes.

3rtOverall view of the structure built by Boeing St. Louis to hold the airframe of the A-10 Warthog during the refurbish/repair ops at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. 28 rod locks on each of the five (5) total fixtures built by Boeing hold 5000 lb. load and maintain a .002-.003” maximum backlash, with no external load on the work surface, thus assuring the structural integrity of the fuselage during and after repairs

 

In operation, rod locks are positioned at seven (7) points on both sides of the fuselage along its entire length to provide adequate structural support. These points of contact also provide convenient attachment points on the aircraft, in relation to the components typically installed. In removing and replacing large sections of the fuselage, excess pressures can be exerted on the airframe, a potential cause of distortion.

Jack Bucheit, the lead tool engineer at the Boeing facility in St. Louis, notes, “The size and weight of the aircraft necessitated a unique solution. Our requirements exceeded the capacity of the standard rod locks catalogued by AME in size and weight ranges. AME stepped up and developed, then tested and supplied a specific rod lock designed to our specifications for this application. The performance was in line with all our expectations.” Others on the Boeing team included Jerry Dunmire, A-10 program manager, Dan Dudley, project manager and Brad Moore, tool engineer.

4rtGun bay attach points

The AMLOK® rod locks on these fixtures minimize the over-travel, drifting, bouncing and reverse travel often encountered in pneumatic motion applications, according to the engineers consulted for this story.

Acting as the representative for AME on this project was Ray Varady, president of V-TEC Machine Tools, Inc. in Glen Carbon, Illinois, near St. Louis.

Shane Hatfield, sales manager at AME, led his team in the design and delivery of the rod locks to Boeing, who subcontracted the building of the fixtures to John Wisker and his team at WB Industries of O’Fallon, Missouri, also near St. Louis.

For more information on the repair ops referenced in this story, please contact:

Richard Essary
Chief of Media
Hill AFB Public Affairs Office
Hill Air Force Base (Utah)
Richard.essary.3@us.af.mil

Jim Pruin
Logistics Mgt Specialist
A-10 Program Manager
A-10 Depot Support Section
Hill Air Force Base (Utah)
James.Pruin.1@us.af.mil

For more information on the fixtures referenced in this story, please contact:

Bradley Moore
Tool Engineering
Boeing-St. Louis
314-233-8560
Bradley.m.moore@boeing.com

For more information on the rod locks referenced in this story, please contact:

ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING
2500 Latham Street
Rockford, IL 61103
Toll-Free: 800-225-4263
Phone: 815-962-6076
Fax: 815-962-6483
Web: www.ame.com
E-mail: shane@ame.com
Attention: Shane Hatfield, Sales Manager

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Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., is a manufacturer located in Rockford, Ill., serving the Machine Tool Industry with precision components and accessories, including spindle interface components, workholding devices and, through our sister company, Hennig, machine enclosures, chip removal and filtration systems. The Fluid Power – Safety markets are served with cylinder rod locks and Safety Catcher devices; and the Production Saw market with our AmSaw carbide saw machines and Speedcut blade products. AME has manufacturing partners and service centers around the world and across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.ame.com.

Hennig, Inc. designs and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools. Hennig products are designed to protect against corrosion, debris and common workplace contaminants. Manufacturing facilities are located in the U.S., Germany, France, Czech Republic, Brazil, India, Japan and South Korea. Repair centers are located in Machesney Park, IL; Chandler, OK; Livonia, MI; Blue Ash, OH; Mexico City, Mexico; and Saltillo, Mexico. To learn more, visit www.hennigworldwide.com.

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TRD Uses Modular Tombstone Fixtures to Improve Production of Cylinder Components By Over 40%

Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) provides solutions to run 56 different block sizes at Rockford-area machine shop

In its production of various cylinder and related products for hundreds of customers, TRD Manufacturing, Inc. of Machesney Park, Illinois (near Rockford), a division of Bimba, one of the leaders in actuation devices, was challenged by an ever-increasing variety of sizes, styles and materials in their workpiece blocks.  As VP of Operations Kerry Reinhardt explains, “TRD is a fast-paced manufacturer but very dedicated to high quality and fast turnaround on deliveries.  We have an established reputation as a solution provider to the fluid power industry.”  The company sells through distribution with its end users found in the general manufacturing, automation integration, mining, forestry, medical, food and various mill industries.  TRD products are regularly specified as OEM components, plus the company serves the huge MRO marketplace.

To meet the demand for products in an ever-expanding line, complicated by the just-in-time delivery schedules often encountered, as Manufacturing Manager Tom Jensen notes, “TRD was seeking a partner who could develop fixturing to fit our manufacturing business model of quick set-up and the flexibility to run small or large batches of product from a multitude of block sizes.”

TRD turned to a local supplier of various machine tool components, Advanced Machine & Engineering (AME) in Rockford, Illinois. The head of the AME workholding group, Alvin Goellner, observes, “After a few discussions and visits to each other’s plants, we knew TRD would benefit most from our Triag line of modular workholding devices.”

Tom Jensen concurs. “We knew AME had a reputation for building top quality fixturing. Their in-house manufacturing capabilities were very impressive and we knew they could handle a project of this size, based on the other customers they serve and the fact that they are just across town from us, which made it easier to work through the preliminary discussions, quoting and final product delivery.” The horizontal machining center (HMC) used for this particular application at TRD is an Enshu GE480H, with 30” x 30” x 30” travel and a 180-position toolchanger, expandable to 240-position. Workpieces are mounted and handled on a Fastems 10-station pallet changer. Currently, the block sizes run at TRD are 56 in number and run in sizes from 1” x 2” x 2” to 3” x 9-1/2” x 14”. Weights range up to 114 lbs. Final part varieties produced on the machine number over 450, made from 1018 steel and 303 stainless. Lot sizes vary from one-offs to 500, but generally run between 25-50 on average. This machining center set-up runs two shifts per day, with the expectation of running 24/7 during peak demand periods.

The challenge for Alvin Goellner and his team at AME was to design a series of fixtures that was flexible enough to hold 56 different block sizes, offer quick changeover and offer the ability to run different parts on each side or run multiple pallet loads of the same part in high production, when needed. As Goellner notes with a smile, “It was a real one-size-really-can-fit-all situation. We knew the HMC with pallet changer was very costly to run, so keeping downtime to a minimum was essential.”

The solution came in the form of ten Triag custom modular tombstone-style fixtures from AME, who partners with Triag, a major European workholding component supplier, as their exclusive North American distributor. As Jensen notes, “The fixturing in our existing machining cell was fixed, based on block size. AME fixtures use a vise system that quickly adjusts to any size with repeatability, a really key factor in the equation, as it allows all our work shifts to be pre-taught the process. We normally have the fixtures set for specific part sizes but this AME solution now allows us to run any size part on any pallet very quickly for high-volume jobs.” He also observed there was a very short start-up time in the TRD shop, as the flexibility of the tombstone design and the fixturing mechanisms were relatively easy to learn for the operators.

Jensen continues, “We met with Alvin Goellner and brainstormed the improvements needed on our current fixturing system. AME laid out a concept and provided drawings for each fixture, which we then reviewed and approved, based on our current production schedules and anticipated workloads, going forward. All the fixtures ordered arrived on-time or ahead of schedule, a very refreshing experience.” Goellner was the lead man for AME on the project, bringing his 20+ years of fixture design and build experience to the task. Because all aspects of this project’s customized manufacturing, assembly and test of the Triag tombstone fixures were done in-house at AME, there was little delay in the processing of the project and all design changes were quickly accommodated, according to Jensen.

Reinhardt further commented, “The overall experience was excellent and the results have been outstanding for TRD. The project went well and all our expectations were met.” He estimates the improvement percentage in production on the Enshu HMC to be over 40%, after several months in operation.

TRD combines 27 years of precision machining and engineering with an unmatched selection of options and modifications to deliver the highest quality customizable NFPA (National Fluid Power Association) cylinders on the market today. At TRD, the customer’s specials are their specialty.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., is a manufacturer located in Rockford, IL, serving the Machine Tool Industry with precision components and accessories, including spindle interface components, workholding devices, and, through our sister company, Hennig, machine enclosures, chip removal and filtration systems. The Fluid Power – Safety markets are served with cylinder rod locks and safety catcher devices; and the Production Saw market with our AMSAW® carbide saw machines and Speedcut blade products. AME has manufacturing partners and customers around the world and across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.ame.com.

Hennig, Inc. designs and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools, production lines, power generators and other equipment. Hennig products are designed to protect against corrosion, debris and common workplace contaminants. Manufacturing facilities are located in the U.S., Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, France and South Korea. Repair centers are located in Machesney Park, IL; Chandler, OK; Livonia, MI; Blue Ash, OH; Mexico City, Mexico and Saltillo, Mexico. To learn more, visit www.hennigworldwide.com.

For more information on this story, please contact:

Kerry Reinhart

TRD MANUFACTURING, INC.
A Bimba Company
10914 North Second Street
Machesney Park, IL 61115
Phone: 815-654-7775
Fax: 815-654-7783
Email: reinhartk@trdmfg.com
Web: www.trdmfg.com

OR

Alvin Goellner

ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham Street
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-962-6076
Fax: 815-963-4703
Email: info@ame.com
Website: www.ame.com

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What To Look For In A Carbide Saw

Saws built for low vibration work best
by Willy Goellner, CEO, Advanced Machine & Engineering, Rockford, IL

Carbide saws equipped with carbide or coated cermet-tipped blades are designed to cut extremely hard materials.  How effective the blade is depends in large part on how the saw is built.

Fig. 2 Close loop force distribution on pivot saw

Fig. 2 Close loop force distribution on pivot saw

The relatively brittle carbide or cermet tips require very rigid and backlash free machines, operating with low vibration to avoid cracking of the cutting tips and ensure an equal chip load on each tooth of the saw blade.  This is especially important with the spindle drive.  The spindle drive gears must have low backlash and must be supported by preloaded, heavy-duty bearings to minimize vibration.  The same is true with the blade feed mechanism and the head slide or pivot mechanism.

Generally, there are two types of saws, differentiating in the way the blade is fed into the work piece: slide-type or pivot-type saws.  The more common saws are slide-type machines, where the head slide could be arranged in a vertical, horizontal or angular position. The preloaded slide could glide on box ways or preloaded linear ways. Experts still argue whether box ways using low friction lining and hydraulically preloaded way clamps have a better dampening effect than linear ways with hardened balls, rollers and blocks.

Pivot-type saws are simpler, have fewer components and, if properly designed with oversized taper roller bearings, can be made very rigid by preloading the pivot bearings to the limits.  Built for extreme stiffness, a pivot mechanism for the spindle gear box would be nested in a rigid base close to the floor, fed by a heavy duty ball screw attached to an upper sub-assembly, such as the fixture frame, and having the spindle located between the pivot point and the feed mechanism.  Due to the feed force and the center of gravity of the head, the ball screw is always under tension, which eliminates the need for a preloaded ball screw and provides a very positive feed for interrupted cutting, enhanced longevity and efficiency.

This arrangement provides a closed loop force distribution since closed frames are stiffer than open profiles. It also subsequently reduces the remaining deflection of the feed mechanism due to the ratio of ball screw and spindle in relation to the pivot point and contains the cutting forces within the machine structure.

Open loop force distribution on horizontal slide saw

Fig. 1 Open loop force distribution on horizontal slide saw

Compared to a standard slide machine (Fig. 1), a pivot machine would be stiffer and less expensive. Pivot saws are built to saw material up to 24” (600 mm) stock size and have proven themselves in various standard and special saw systems.

Circular carbide tipped blades are limited to a maximum of 80 inch blade diameter and can therefore only cut up to about 30 inch diameter material.  However, the cutting volume per minute is much higher with circular carbide saws, compared to carbide tipped band saws.  In this range up to 30 inch material, carbide saws using circular blades really shine.

For more information, visit www.ame.com or contact:

Tim Waterman
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483
E-mail: info@ame.com
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AME Announces A New Line Of Pneumatic Rod Locks

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., (AME) Rockford, IL announces a new line of pneumatic rod locks. Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., a leading manufacturer of stand-alone and NFPA cylinder mount pneumatic rod locks since 1994, has now introduced the Amlok RLI, its fourth-generation power-off rod lock. This basic lock unit is in addition to the RLN and RCH, expanding the company’s rod lock product line. The RLI Metric (ISO 6431) series will complement the standard NFPA line. This fourth-generation lock is the culmination of 18 years of manufacturing and marketing of pneumatic and hydraulic rod locks.

The rod lock’s standard features include anodized aluminum construction, a heavy-duty clamp system and power-off clamping. The standard seal material is carboxylated nitrile.

The unit uses dry-filtered air, has a release pressure ranging from a minimum of 4 bar/60 PSI to a maximum of 8 bar/120 PSI. The operating temperature ranges from 10 degrees F to 180 degrees F. Maximum rod tolerance is +0.000 in./-0.002 in.

Rod lock options include stainless or electroless nickel-plated housing, viton seals, wiper scraper and sealed versions. The lock mounts to standard ISO 6431 cylinders or can be stand-alone using MXO, MF1, MF2 and MS1 mounting configurations.

The Amlok RLI is available in various sizes for rod diameters of 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm and 40mm and cylinder and bore diameters from 40mm to 160mm. Holding forces range from 200 lbs/890N to 2,450 lbs/11kN.

The RLI power-off pneumatic rod locks are particularly-well suited for holding applications in industries such as automotive, mobile, food, machine tool and military test, among others.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., located in Rockford, Ill., is a global manufacturer and distributor of precision machine components, fluid power components, fixturing/workholding, power drawbar and spindle interface components, and saw machines and blades. The company also designs and builds special machines for a variety of industries and provides machine rebuilding, retrofitting and contract manufacturing services. AME has partners and customers around the world and across the U.S.

For more information, visit www.ame.com or contact:

Tim Waterman
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483
E-mail: info@ame.com
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AME announces the Fourth-Generation RLI Series Rod Locks

Fourth-Generation RLI Series Rod Locks.Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., (AME) Rockford, IL announces the Fourth-Generation RLI Series Rod Locks.  The new Pneumatic Series RLI (ISO 6431) Metric Rod Lock has been developed as a solution to control problems inherent to pneumatics – over travel, drifting, bouncing and reverse traveling.  The AMLOK® Power-Off Rod Lock can be mounted to a cylinder, or as a stand alone unit.

The patented AMLOK® Type RLI is constructed of black anodized aluminum housing with a special piston and wedge locking mechanism actuated by multiple springs that mechanically lock the rod quickly and securely. The clamp is unlocked when air actuates the piston, compresses the spring and releases the locking device.

  • No rod displacement on engagement
  • Large clamping surface reduces pressure-per-square-inch on the rod, extending service life
  • Fast response time
  • Low backlash
  • 4 bar (60 psi) release pressure
  • Precision holding 0.002”-0.003”
  • Consistent clamping force in both directions
  • High cycle rates and accuracy
  • Holds load during power/pressure loss
  • Compact unit, easy integration
  • Versatile through hole tie rod mounting to ISO 6431 style pneumatic cylinders
  • Many NFPA style-mounting attachments available for stand alone applications

The optional sealed RLI Series design is suitable for food and wash down applications as well as pneumatic and hydraulic presses, scissor-lift tables, test and positioning equipment, amusement ride equipment, printing and paper handling equipment, theatrical equipment (platforms), assembly equipment, and machine tool applications.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., is a manufacturer located in Rockford, Ill., serving the Machine Tool Industry with precision components and accessories, including spindle interface components, workholding devices and, through our sister company, Hennig, machine enclosures, chip removal and filtration systems; the Fluid Power – Safety market with cylinder rod locks and safety catcher devices; and the Production Saw market with our AmSaw carbide saw machines and Speedcut blade products. AME has manufacturing partners and customers around the world and across the U.S.

For more information, visit www.ame.com or contact:

Tim Waterman
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483
E-mail: info@ame.com
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Machine Tool Components at IMTS 2012 – AME: Booth W-2405

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co. (AME) Rockford, IL announces their return to IMTS 2012.  As in the past, they will have two booths to showcase their products and services.

Visit Booth W-2405 to learn about precision machine components, featuring:

  • Amrok Tombstones
  • Amflex Modular Workholding Systems
  • Triag Clamping Systems
  • Spieth Precision Machine Components
  • Sitema Safety Catchers and Amlok Rod Locks
  • Contract Manufacturing Services
  • Special Machine Tools – Design & Build

Visit Booth E-5714, for additional AME products such as:

  • Ott-Jakob Power Drawbars
  • Stotz Measuring Systems
  • Spindle Interface Products

Our sister company, Hennig, Inc., will have their complete line of products in Booth E-5714 and W-2405.

Advanced Machine & Engineering Co., is a manufacturer located in Rockford, IL, serving the Machine Tool Industry with precision components and accessories, including spindle interface components, workholding devices, and, through our sister company, Hennig, machine enclosures, chip removal and filtration systems.  The Fluid Power – Safety markets are served with cylinder rod locks and safety catcher devises; and the Production Saw market with our Amsaw carbide saw machines and Speedcut blade products.  AME has manufacturing partners and customers around the world and across the U.S.  To learn more, visit www.ame.com.

Hennig, Inc. design and produces custom machine protection and chip/coolant management products for state-of-the-art machine tools.  Hennig products are designed to protect against corrosion, debris and common workplace contaminants.  Manufacturing facilities located in the U.S., Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, France and South Korea.  Repair centers are located in Machesney Park, IL; Chandler, OK; Livonia, MI; Blue Ash, OH; Mexico City, Mexico and Saltillo, Mexico.  To learn more, visit www.hennigworldwide.com.

For more information, contact:

Tim Waterman
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483
E-mail: info@ame.com
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Hydraulic Rod Locks Assist On Movable Pool Bottom Project

Aquatic Development Group uses specially modified Amlok® product from Advanced Machine & Engineering to protect movable pool floor stability at Ithaca College

AFW™ pool raising and lowering system, designed by Aquatic Development Group, operates on a series of hydraulic rams connected by a rebar structure, to evenly and smoothly raise and lower the pool floor. Especially useful when floor is occupied by aquatic therapy patients or water aerobic participants.

Aquatic Development Group (ADG) of Cohoes, New York is a professional design, manufacturing and construction firm serving the waterpark, resort, hotel aquarium, aquatic therapy and commercial/institutional swimming pool markets.  The company’s recreational aquatic creations range from Disney to the Wisconsin Dells, plus a diverse group of institutional and physical therapy applications are included in the company’s successes.   Among ADG’s many unique designs is the AFW™ movable pool floor system that allows depth adjustment from deck level down to deeper water for various uses, including physically-challenged patient aquatic therapy.  The system is also used routinely in pools adapted for competitive swimming, diving, water polo and other activities, where the depth adjustment is beneficial and allows more multi-purpose use of a facility.

At the touch of a button on the master control module, the pool floor is raised and lowered by a system of synchronized multiple hydraulic cylinders that work to maintain consistent floor level throughout the process. ADG determined it was necessary to include a mechanical locking system that would secure the cylinder rods in position, at all points of travel, especially when the floor was occupied by physical therapy patients, water aerobics participants etc. The floor also featured a passive mechanical pulley system to maintain the floor position in the event of a catastrophic hydraulic failure.

…and then lowered smoothly into position for therapy with minimal patient upset.

Used for aquatic therapy, the pool floor can be position at deck level…

On a recent project using this system at Ithaca College (Ithaca, New York), as ADG Engineering Manager Rob Schiavi details, “We had a four-cylinder ram system with a rebar structure that was designed so that any two diagonally opposed cylinders could malfunction without compromising the stability or safety of the floor and its occupants.” He also notes that the company had developed a special 304L stainless steel and non-skid, chemically-impervious PVC floor grating that was considerably lighter weight but somewhat less stable than conventional concrete pool flooring.

Illustration of pool bottom showing AFW™ design of stainless steel and non-skid PVC flooring.

The hydraulic circuits operate on a shuttle valve system with passive engage ram failure. Eliminating the mechanical pulley system on the design results in a smoother transitioning of the pool floor level, particularly important when people are present, Schiavi notes.

In designing the hydraulic ram system and in search of an appropriate cylinder locking protection system, ADG turned to its local subcontractor, who recommended the Amlok® system of hydraulic cylinder rod locks from Advanced Machine & Engineering (Rockford, Illinois), a longtime supplier of hydraulic and pneumatic rod locks to industrial and commercial applications worldwide. AME Business Development Manager Ken Davis explains, “We saw this project as an ideal application for our hydraulic rod locks, with one particular challenge, namely, the ingestion of chlorinated pool water.” To overcome this challenge, a modification was made to the seal design and materials on the four stainless steel rod locks to be installed on the ram system built by ADG’s subcontractor (click here for ram system specs). Each lock has the capacity to provide a locking force to 50,000 lbs. at 1500 psi release pressure (click here for locking force specs).

RCH Series Amlok® hydraulic rod locks hold cylinders in place and automatically seize cylinders in position, in the event of a catastrophic power loss.

During normal operation, the hydraulic rod locks used on this application (RCH Series) allow free movement of the cylinder through the lock housing, as the supplied hydraulic pressure maintains an open position on the lock. When the desired pool floor level is achieved, the hydraulic pressure is removed and the cylinder is mechanically locked into position. However, in the event of a catastrophic power loss or other hydraulic system failure, when the pressure is removed, the lock immediately clamps to retain the cylinder securely in its present position until power is restored and the lock release is again activated.

AME worked closely with its local distributor, Airline Hydraulics Corp. (Bensalem, Pennsylvania) to supply this system to ADG.

For more information on this story, please contact:

Rob Schiavi, Engineering Manager
Aquatic Development Group
13 Green Mountain Drive
Cohoes, NY 12047
Phone: 518-783-0038
Web: www.aquaticgroup.com

Or

Ken Davis, Business Development Manager
ADVANCED MACHINE & ENGINEERING CO.
2500 Latham St.
Rockford, IL 61103
Phone: 815-316-5277
Fax: 815-962-6483W
E-mail: info@ame.com
Web: www.ame.com
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