Wind energy is an important pillar in the renewable energy mix. Wind turbines are getting bigger and more powerful. The core elements of each system are the turbine and the gearbox. One manufacturer of such gearboxes is ZF Wind Power. Around 25% of all wind turbines are equipped with a ZF transmission, the components of which are plasma nitrided using RUBIG technology. Learn more about this collaboration and our best practice example.
Industry leaders place their trust in RUBIG: About ZF Wind Power
ZF Wind Power is a global supplier of components for wind turbines. ZF's advanced technology solutions contribute to the transformation of the global energy system. The company supplies standard and custom-made gearboxes for capacities up to 9.5 MW and complete powertrains up to 115.0 MW, all of which impress with their compact design, reliability and efficiency.
The challenge: a plasma nitriding furnace with a diameter of up to 3 m
The development of a new product was crucial for analyzing the existing production steps in more detail. Consequently, the necessary heat treatment steps were also evaluated and plasma nitriding was selected as the preferred heat treatment technology. This process was convincing due to its environmental friendliness and the duration of the process. The resulting task for the plant supplier was to develop a plasma nitriding furnace for ring gears with a diameter of up to 3 m and to install it in Tianjin, China.
Tailor-made solution
RUBIG designed a plasma nitriding furnace with a usable diameter and a usable height of 3 m each. Lifting, handling and cooling systems had to be completely redesigned for these impressive dimensions. In addition, RUBIG established a new service location including a spare parts warehouse in Taicang, China, in order to provide the best possible support to the customer on site.
Advantages of plasma nitriding
Plasma nitriding forms the technological peak of heat treatment. Components with partially high wear resistance can be realized.
Compared to gas nitriding, PLASNIT® plasma nitriding offers the following advantages:
- Mechanical covering is possible and thus eliminates the time-consuming masking with pastes that contaminate the furnace.
- No ammonia is used in the process, which makes plasma nitriding particularly environmentally friendly.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr Thomas Bauer
