Wind energy is an important pillar in the renewable energy mix. Wind turbines are becoming larger and more powerful. The core elements of every system are the turbine and the gearbox. One manufacturer of such gearboxes is ZF Wind Power. Around 25% of all wind turbines are equipped with a ZF gearbox whose components are plasma-nitrided using Rübig technology. The development of a new product was the decisive factor in analyzing the existing production steps more closely. Consequently, the necessary heat treatment steps were also evaluated and plasma nitriding was selected as the preferred heat treatment technology.
This process was convincing due to its environmental friendliness and process duration. The resulting task for the plant supplier was to develop a plasma nitriding furnace for ring gears with a diameter of up to
diameter of up to 3 meters and to install it in Tianjin, China.
Rübig designed a plasma nitriding furnace with a usable diameter and usable height of 3 meters each. Lifting, traversing and cooling systems had to be completely redesigned for these impressive dimensions. In addition, Rübig established a new service location including a spare parts warehouse in Taicang, China, in order to provide the customer with the best possible local support.
