ZF Supplies Keyboards For Heathrow Check-In Desks

ZF Electronics has won an order to supply keyboards for airport check-in desks at Heathrow airport. The company's Cherry keyboards were selected following a thorough testing and evaluation process, which demonstrated that they would provide the most cost-effective solution over the expected lifespan of the installation, being robust enough to withstand constant 24/7 usage in a busy commercial environment.

Initial setup cost of the desk equipment was also a key factor in PKS Services' decision to place the keyboard order with ZF Electronics. The first order of just under 1,000 units will be installed with other equipment, such as scanners.

ZF Launches Cherry Magnetic Position Sensors

ZF Electronics has launched four ranges of Cherry magnetic position sensors: the MP1014 series, the MP1001 series, the MP1005-MP1007 series and the MP1013 series. With a variety of different housings, features and electrical specifications, these Cherry position sensors are designed to suit a range of applications, including door position sensing, flow sensing and pedal switches, and to provide reliable operation and a long product life across diverse operating environments.

The MP1014 digital Hall-effect position sensors have low-profile flange-mount housings and include two unipolar switch models (MP101401 and MP101402) and one bipolar latch model (MP101403). Capable of millions of operations, the sensors meet IEC529 IPX5 standards for water protection and have reverse battery protection to -24VDC, as well as being RoHS compliant. The MP101401 series features south-pole-activated unipolar switching and has a maximum operate point of 185 Gauss (south) and a minimum release point of 60 Gauss (south).

The MP101402 series features sensitive unipolar switching for applications such as automotive, security doors and vending machines and has a maximum operate point of 95 Gauss (south) and a minimum release point of 20 Gauss (south). For applications that require a bipolar latch, the MP101403 latches in the presence of the south-pole magnet and unlatches in the presence of a north-pole magnet. Electrical specifications across all MP1014 series are: an operating voltage range of 4.5-24VDC; a supply current of 5.2mA maximum; an output via a three-wire sink with an output saturation voltage of 400mV maximum; and an output current of 20mA maximum.

The MP1001 series features solid-state, magnetic position sensors featuring electrical immunity protection and is suitable for applications that require a stable output over an operating temperature range of -40C to +105C, including safety doors, power sliding doors and flow sensing applications. Meeting IEC529 IP67 for dust and water protection, these sensors are also RoHS compliant. MP100101 and MP100102 position sensors are compatible with unregulated power supplies and are reverse battery protected to -24VDC; they also feature internal circuit protection to IEC529 1000. Their open-collector (sinking or NPN) output can be used with bipolar or CMOS logic circuits with a suitable pull-up resistor.

Adjustable, threaded anodised aluminium housings are available on Cherry MP1005 and Cherry MP1007 solid-state magnetic position sensors. Offering output stability over operating temperatures ranging from -40C to +125C (MP100502) and -40C to +105C (MP100701), both MP1005 and MP1007 sensors are south-pole activated, reverse battery protected to -24VDC and do not require a regulated power supply. Applications include limit switches, home security and door position products. The MP100502 is suitable for supply current up to 12mA maximum, while the MP100701 is suitable for a supply current up to 16mA maximum. The open-collector NPN output can be used with bipolar or CMOS logic circuits with a suitable pull-up resistor.

For applications that need a snap-fit mounting sensor, such as door interlock sensing, speed sensing and water flow sensing, the MP1013 series of two unipolar switches (MP101301 and MP101301) and one bipolar latch (MP101303) provide an economical solution. Meeting IEC529 IP67 for dust and water protection, these Hall-effect position sensors also offer solid-state reliability and output stability over an operating temperature range of -40C to +85C. Their open-collector (NPN) outputs can be used with bipolar switch or CMOS logic circuits and they do not require a regulated power supply.

Schuler Installs Gearbox Production Line For ZF

Schuler has installed a new production line for ZF, on which the transmission specialist manufactures various parts for its eight-speed automatic gearbox. The automated line consists of a hydraulic cutting press supplied by Schuler with a cutting force of 3150kN (315tonf), as well as a mechanical knuckle-joint press from Grabener Pressensysteme, a Schuler subsidiary.

The latter offers a press force of 12MN (1200tonf). It also includes a coil line, supplied by Schuler Automation, for maximum coil widths of 650mm and maximum coil thicknesses of 6mm, as well as an integrated 3D transfer system. The two presses are linked by a shuttle system. Tools are changed with the aid of a corresponding cart at two set-up facilities. The performance of the machines was a key factor for ZF in awarding the contract to Schuler.

ZF's bid specification included the production of enclosure plates, connecting plates, disk drivers, cover plates and various clutch parts. Important for all parts is their near-net-shape production. In addition to Grabener Pressensysteme as the general contractor, the project involved Schuler Hydrap, Schuler Automation in Hessdorf and Schuler's manufacturing facility in Erfurt.

ZF Supplies Remanufactured Transmissions

ZF Great Britain will now directly supply the UK's independent aftermarket with fully remanufactured ZF five- and six-speed automatic transmissions for a range of out-of-warranty vehicles. These include BMW, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

This is an extension of ZF Great Britain's traditional OE warranty support services for these vehicle marques. It will offer transmission repair specialists and independent vehicle workshops the opportunity of supplying and fitting complete, fully warranted, factory quality transmission units straight 'out of the box' including torque converter and oil. Key benefits include time and money savings resulting in attractive profit margin opportunities.

Unlike the transmission repair process, there is no longer the time-consuming task of fault finding, which typically requires the partial or full dismantling of transmission assemblies, nor any of the subsequent reliance on deliveries of replacement parts from multiple suppliers. In addition, updated firmware provides the potential for improved gear-shift quality and fuel economy, while the pricing structure is comparable to transmission repair only but with the added benefit of a warranty underwritten by ZF Great Britain.