Food facility blasts off with EQM gearboxes

The Rockit food facility in Havelock North was officially opened by the Minister for Economic Development the Hon. Steven Joyce and is reportedly regarded as one of New Zealand’s best state-of-the-art fruit packing facilities.

EQM had a small but important role to play, supplying gear drives and conveyor components for the unique packing system that has been developed specially for handling Rockit apples, a small fruit marketed in plastic tubes and exported to supermarkets throughout the world.

The facility has several rotary tables at the end of its packing lanes, which are driven by a combination of STM UMI & RMI Series gearboxes. EQM recommended these to the engineering firm at the design stage as they are a smart gearbox that would easily drive the tables smoothly and prevent the tall tubes from being knocked over.

EQM technical staff guided the design engineer through the process of downloading models from the www.stmstar.com website so that the correct combination of standard worm gearboxes were used to deliver the stability required.

The UMI range of gear boxes has been developed to cut down on maintenance and therefore minimises production downtime. The outer gear case is to industry standard dimensions, but the real benefit – and where UMI stands apart – is the use of a non-corrosive input coupling bush.

This system, which connects the electric motor to the gearbox, prevents fretting of the key way, vibration and also corrosion caused by environmental conditions such as moisture.

Sizes range from .09 KW to 7.5KW and with hollow shafts from 14mm to 42mm output.

The UMI comes with many accessories including output f langes, torque arms, and single or double output shafts.

The STM RMI Series of worm gear boxes are popular with many companies, says EQM, especially those within the food processing sector like Rockit.

RMI gear boxes are often used on conveyor systems and packaging equipment, such as rotary tables.

EQM’s Anthony Bloxham says the RMI series has been round for a long time and remains popular based on the ability to add a large range of accessories.

EQM can help you by discussing your drive requirements and recommending the STM most suitable to take your innovations from design to the latest production facilities.

Freephone 0800 147 847 – Email sales@eqm.co.nz – www.eqm.co.nz