Case study

TALENS - Thermal management of control cabinets AND processes in laser hardening machinery.

Everything from one single source: 1 customer, 2 different cooling applications, 1 supplier.

Laser technology can be applied to harden or soften several components in a broad range of industries. TALENS XR660 is a machine that can be configured to process different sizes and types of parts for the automotive industry, e.g., gears, crankshafts, transmission components, camshafts. Engine components can be laser heat treated locally, defining the specific areas to be affected and avoiding thermal deformations. All integrated in a turnkey solution that gives you the maximum flexibility for a wide range of parts in one machine. TALENS XR660 needs a cooling unit for its control cabinet and two chillers for the laser source and optics.

The customer

TALENS Systems, a member of the ETXE TAR group and world leader in flexible crankshaft manufacturing is a Spanish enterprise committed to development and commercialization of turnkey solutions for laser applications. TALENS first success case was to develop a laser hardening application of bands for the crankshaft. With this knowledge and the machine engineering support from ETXE TAR, its staff is opening new frontiers, not only expanding the applications possibilities of laser surface heat treatment, but also introducing new processes based on laser technology.

Cooling Unit DTS 6401

The requirements

The first challenge was to ensure laser operational reliability and prevent temperature fluctuations and damages by cooling laser source and optics. If the heat they generate is not discharged, it can diminish the accuracy of the laser beam and even deform parts of the laser. UL approval for worldwide use was also essential.

The second challenge was to protect control cabinet’s electronic components from heat failures or malfunctions and keep machinery running efficiently. The cooling unit must adapt to different destination countries for both power supply and certifications.

[Picture left: Cooling Unit DTS 6401]

The solution

TALENS’ choice for cooling units has been rather simple: their end customer FORD has already made its choice by selecting Pfannenberg as an official supplier of cooling units for electrical cabinets. So TALENS had to apply either DTS 6401 (2.000 W) or DTS 3241 (1.900 W, UL- listed) to match the needs of the destination country where the specific FORD plant is located.

When TALENS realized that Pfannenberg was also able to provide chillers to cool processes – and that with the same level of reliability as for cooling units - they once again turned to Pfannenberg. After meeting our Iberian Sales Manager, they abandoned the competition product previously purchased. Following our advice, the choice fell on the EB 44 WT UL-CUS (4,4 KW) and EB 250 WT UL-CUS (25 kW) chillers.

[Picure right: Cooling unit DTS 3241, UL-listed]

The first unit providing a 4,4 kW capacity is equipped with a non ferrous hydraulic circuit, designed for laser applications; it works with deionized water having a temperature of 27-33° C at a 20 l/min flow rate.

The second unit offers a capacity of 25 kW and works with tap water 20-22° C while ambient temperature is 25°C. Guaranteed flow rate is 130 l/min.


Both chiller units use advanced components with the dual objective of ensuring maximum performance and optimum energy efficiency. Moreover, they both carry an UL approval, provided on request.

[Picture left: Chiller EB 44 WT UL]

Facts at a glance

Task

  • Thermal management of both control cabinet and processes.

Application

  • Laser hardening of bands for the crankshaft.

Solution

  • Cooling Unit DTS 6401 (DTS 3241 in UK and US)
  • Chiller EB 250 WT UL-CUS
  • Chiller EB 44 WT UL-CUS

Success factors

  • worldwide service and support
  • wide cooling units portfolio
  • one single supplier
  • flexibility of customized chillers solutions
Solution: TALENS XR660 machinery is equipped with 2 Pfannenberg chilllers and 1 Pfannenberg cooling unit.
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Case Study TALENS
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