Case study
Van den Top Mechanical Engineering
Definition
A case study is a structured account of a real-world project or collaboration, describing the background, objectives, approach, and results to show what was done and what outcomes were achieved.
From supplier of aluminium motors to integrated drive partner
Van den Top Mechanical Engineering has been successfully serving the market for mushroom harvesters and mushroom harvesting systems for many years. These machines require compact, lightweight parts, as space is limited.
Background & Assignment
The previous supplier stopped producing the aluminum motors that Van den Top employed in their machines. Van den Top was looking for another supplier who could deliver these products quickly and also offer continuity.
Van den Top’s assignment to BEGE was to supply a replacement aluminium motor and to adapt the Ströter drives in such a way that the Van den Top machines could maintain optimum performance.
Quote
“With the expertise that BEGE has in the field of drive and control technology, they are able to support machine builders like us in both the further development and optimisation of machines and equipment.”
Henk van den Top – CEO Van den Top Mechanical Engineering
Approach
As a knowledge partner, BEGE is involved in making the food industry more sustainable in terms of drive technology. This is reflected in the support we offer machine builders wishing to optimize their food production and processing machines.
On site at Van den Top, BEGE mapped out the requirements for the drive system. This analysis showed, among other things, that weight and compactness were very important.
Our engineers then selected the right components to meet these specifications. Thanks to our large stock, we were able to complete this project in a relatively short period of time.
Working method
- Defining objectives
- Mapping specifications
- Engineering services to optimize the entire construction
- Selection of appropriate drive components
- Prompt delivery of components from stock
- Close involvement in future projects
Result
Thanks to BEGE components, Van den Top is able to build powerful and innovative machines for the manufacturing of machinery.
The summarized results:
- Rapid replacement of former supplier and implementation of a suitable solution
- Assistance with the development of an innovative sorting and rolling machine
- Technical and calculation support
- Upgrading of machines used to manufacture racks and harvesters
2019: Integrated Drive Systems
Van den Top is also currently working on the implementation of an integrated drive system.
Together with BEGE, Van den Top is currently developing a machine that rolls steel profiles for the steel racks. For this, they are using a large BEGE gear unit with a main motor. There is one special steel profile that has to be formed in 24 steps.
Van den Top has built a machine with a larger ctc distance between the rollers especially for this variant. However, in order to prevent this installation with 24 sets of rollers from being too long for one gear unit, Van den Top has devised an innovative solution. Each set of rollers will be driven by a separate plug-in gear motor that is fully synchronised thanks to a frequency converter and a MIG encoder.
BEGE is closely involved in this large-scale project and its implementation is progressing well. This innovative machine is expected to be commissioned very soon.
Download the full case
FAQs
What is the main topic of this case study?
The case study describes how Van den Top Mechanical Engineering partnered with BEGE Power Transmission to replace discontinued aluminium motors and optimize drive components so their mushroom harvester machines could maintain optimum performance.
Why did Van den Top need a new supplier for aluminium motors?
The previous supplier stopped producing the aluminium motors used in Van den Top machines, so Van den Top needed a replacement supplier that could deliver quickly and provide continuity.
What was Van den Top’s assignment to BEGE?
Van den Top asked BEGE to supply a replacement aluminium motor and to adapt Ströter drives so the machines would maintain optimum performance.
What type of machines does Van den Top build for the market?
Van den Top Mechanical Engineering serves the market for mushroom harvesters and mushroom harvesting systems, where compact and lightweight parts are important due to limited space.
What factors were important in the drive-system requirements analysis?
During the on-site analysis at Van den Top, weight and compactness were identified as very important requirements for the drive system.
How did BEGE approach the project as a knowledge partner?
BEGE mapped out the drive-system requirements on site, selected suitable components to meet the specifications, and delivered components quickly thanks to a large stock.
What working method steps are listed in the case study?
The working method includes: defining objectives; mapping specifications; engineering services to optimize the entire construction; selecting appropriate drive components; prompt delivery of components from stock; and close involvement in future projects.
What results were achieved according to the summarized results list?
The summarized results include: rapid replacement of the former supplier and implementation of a suitable solution; assistance with the development of an innovative sorting and rolling machine; technical and calculation support; and upgrading of machines used to manufacture racks and harvesters.
What is described under “2019: Integrated Drive Systems”?
Van den Top and BEGE were developing a machine to roll steel profiles for steel racks using a large BEGE gear unit with a main motor. One special profile must be formed in 24 steps, and each roller set is planned to be driven by a separate plug-in gear motor synchronized via a frequency converter and a MIG encoder.
Where can the full case study be downloaded?
The full case study can be downloaded here: https://www.bege.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/BEGE_case_study_vdTop_EN.pdf