Precision and Accuracy impress innovation leader

HELL Gravure Systems is leading the way in the innovation and manufacture of pre-press engraving systems. The Kiel-based company has been using ETP hub-shaft connections for its machines since 1998. Frank Köhler, mechanic in the Research & Development department at HELL Gravure, will explain how ETP’s hydraulic hub-shaft connections help him to tackle tough technical challenges.

Its client base includes printing companies and service providers, whose gravure cylinders are imaged using engraving machines manufactured by Hell Gravure Systems.

‘The cylinder to be engraved in our machines is powered by an extremely precise belt drive,’ says Frank Köhler. ‘We can only allow very small fluctuations in the synchronization of the drive.‘

Precision and accuracy are crucial here in order to meet the strict requirements regarding the quality of the printed products.

ETP-CLASSIC and, in particular, ETP-TECHNO are the optimal products here because they enable precise calibration and positioning of the hubs on the shafts.

High concentricity quality

HELL Gravure Systems uses the ETP-CLASSIC and ETP-TECHNO hub-shaft connections to tighten the belt pulleys.

The high level of concentricity is a major advantage of ETP-CLASSIC and, in particular, ETP-TECHNO. For the latter, it is ≤ 0.006 mm, even after several installations.

‘Thanks to the high concentricity quality of ETP-TECHNO 15 and ETP-CLASSIC 60, it’s possible to satisfy the demands made of us with ease.’

The locking bushes also score points in terms of assembly and disassembly.

‘We like how easy they are to install and remove. This plays a part in the excellent serviceability of our products,’ explains Köhler.

Efficiency and simplicity

The ETP principle is impressive in its versatility and can be used in various applications and industries.

‘In 1998, the cylinder drive of these machines was converted from a complex gear drive to a less complex timing belt drive, all without compromise on precision. Since then, we’ve been using the ETP hub-shaft connections to accurately tighten the belt pulleys and have delivered a good 2,000 machines in that time.’ An ETP-TECHNO and an ETP-CLASSIC are installed in almost every machine built by HELL Gravure Systems.