Application | Pasta Production

many years of use. The copper alloy used was the ideal compromise, as it offered permanent chemical resistance against lactic acid, good EMC properties and mechanical stability. Although the connectors are slightly more expensive than the standard product, they cost much less than an alternative product made from stainless steel. In comparison, a stainless steel connector would cost three to five times as much as a standard product. “Together with the customer, we developed the connector system and tested it thoroughly for a year. In food production, it is important to consider and test for every eventuality”, said Joachim Strobel, product manager for EPIC ® connection systems at LAPP. NICE AND SMOOTH To prevent flour dust from settling, the EPIC ® connector is designed with as few edges and corners as possible in accordance with hygienic design principles. Here too, the copper alloy offers a number of advantages. It has a smooth surface, even without a coating that could flake off and fall into the product zone. Stainless steel is relatively rough by comparison and can only be made smoother through intensive processing. A CONNECTOR WITH GREAT POTENTIAL The customer tested the new connector with patented connector geometry for one year in one of its production systems. The test was successful and technical approval was granted. The new connector will be used on the fans in the coming generation of drying systems. “We see great potential in this connector design for more applications in the food industry, possibly even stainless steel variants”, said Joachim Strobel. He explained that manufacturers of machines that process foodstuffs often do not know which cleaning agents customers will use on the machines. Often, even the food manufacturers themselves do not know. This is because cleaning is often outsourced to subcontractors who do not always provide precise information about the substances they use. But this case shows that when working together with the customer, LAPP’s engineers can find the right solution.

FINISHING THE JOB There is of course more to a connection solution than just the connector, which means they are only as strong as their weakest link. In other words, attention has to be paid to the cable as well. If it is too thin or has an unsuitable surface finish, it may move around inside the connector opening and become frayed over time. Just like the connector itself, the cable also has to withstand mechanical stress, lactic acid and heat. The company chose silicon cables, which were better suited than standard products. LAPP offers silicon cables that resist plant and animal-based oils and greases, as well as temperatures of up to 180°C. To prevent errors during assembly, LAPP recommends pre-assembled cables and connectors. LAPP also refuses to take any gambles when it comes to the seals inside the connector. These are made from fluorinated rubber (FKM), a premium sealing material with a wide range of uses.

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LAPP 29 Hanover Road, Florham Park, NJ 07932 T. 800 774 3539