alkitronic ® – alki Technik GmbH

Have you noticed the new sticker with a QR code on your screwdriver?

Admin FDI — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:16:27 +0000

Have you noticed the new sticker with a QR code on your screwdriver?

This will be available on all new alkitronic® torque wrenches with immediate effect. The same applies to screwdrivers that have been serviced by us.

Scan this QR code and load your screwdriver into the newly revised alkitronic® app – the latest update will make your work even easier and more efficient!

What can the app do?

➨ Screwdriving cases are documented and can be read out. You can either download all the screwdriving cases you have ever done or just some of them (mode 5 required)

➨ Screwdriving cases can be saved and sent as a CSV file (mode 5 required)

➨ An export history shows which screwdriving cases have already been shared (mode 5 required)

➨ Screwdrivers can be created via QR code

➨ Calibration certificates can be read out via app

➨ Images of the screwdrivers are stored

➨ New, simple design for greater user-friendliness

Scan the QR code and download the app to try it out straight away!

Tugboat with VSP gearbox maintenance

Ngan Ha Nguyen — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 08:08:33 +0000

alkitronic®: Tugboat with VSP gearbox maintenance

Our sales partner in Israel reliably bolts any machinery using alkitronic® brand torque multipliers, especially in the mining and transport industries. After participating in a tender for the maintenance of a tugboat with Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP), we prevailed over the other competitors on the strength of our technical expertise. This has enabled us to get our foot in the door of ship maintenance.

COMPANY PROFILE
The client specialises in the transport and logistics industry. It tendered the maintenance of a tugboat with VSP, in which we were successful.

INITIAL SITUATION

The transport and logistics industry constitutes a vigorous economic sector in Israel. It covers freight shipping not only by road, rail and air,
but also by water. Tugboats are usually called in for larger ships that have to be manoeuvred to their berths in harbours, for example. They
can also be used for moving drilling rigs or as salvage tugs, depending on the model. These ships require a powerful propulsion system that can be engaged to pull or push other vessels. They also need to possess a great deal of maneuverability. Such characteristics are fulfilled, in part, by the Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP).

Our project in Israel involved VSP gearbox maintenance. Servicing such drives presents an extremely complex routine task that requires a great deal of concentration, along with the right tools.

SOLUTION
alkitronic® delivers a full range of solutions for every bolting application. Whether electric, battery-powered, or hydraulic; alkitronic® caters to every application with the right torque multiplier. The client specified a hydraulic bolting solution for VSP gearbox maintenance. We therefore opted for the hydraulic torque multiplier H-AT 20 and our alkitronic® Velox pump. Bolting processes can thus be carried out with the utmost precision, force and safety, even in the tightest of spaces. The H-AT 20 ensures repeatable and easy tightening and loosening. The alkitronic® torque multiplier is particularly suitable for use in the confined spaces of the VSP gearbox. Stacos with width across flats 55, 65 and 85 were also employed.

FURTHER INFORMATION
For any questions about our alkitronic® products and applications, please contact us at info@alkitronic.com. Our employees at home and abroad are happy to offer you tailormade solutions so you can also easily and reliably master your challenges.

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Gotthard-Tunnel

Admin FDI — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 13:02:26 +0000

The long march through the mountain

It will be the world’s longest railway tunnel: the Gotthard base tunnel has been driven through 57 km of mountain mass in Switzerland, to connect Erstfeld in the Canton of Uri with Bodio in the Canton Ticino. Its goal is to speed up passenger transport and to ease freight transport. The first blasting of the tunnel was executed in 1999, the commissioning is at present planned for the end of 2016. To ensure as much safety as possible with the intended high capacity of utilization, alkitronic®’s electric torque multiplier EFCip was used for the construction of the tracks.

COMPANY PROFILE

Building contractor of the Gotthard base tunnel is the AlpTransit Gotthard AG, a subsidiary of the Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB). In May 2007 they assigned the Arbeitsgemeinschaft (ARGE) Transtec Gotthard with the order to equip the two one track tunnel tubes as well as the following sections north and south up to the existing railway system. 200 employees were occupied to install the railway technology, and in October 2014 the last bolts were tightened on the track bed. Already for the end of 2015 and the begin-ning of 2016 the first test service runs are scheduled to go through the complete tunnel, and the wagons will go as fast as 220 km/h.

THE INITIAL SITUATION

Especially freight transport shall benefit from the new Gotthard base tunnel after the completion in 2016. According to plan, the new section will be used daily used by 220 to 260 trains, of which the major part will transport freight. This way transport capacity on the route can be increased from 20 to nearly 50 million tons each year.

Passenger trains will cross the 57 km at a max. speed of 250 km/h, reducing time of travel between Zurich and Milan by nearly an hour to 160 min. So far as many as 180 trains have to struggle on the route over the mountain every day, which is only accomplishable with less weight and with the help of a second engine. The new tunnel is nearly ground-levelled – its highest point is at 550 m above sea level, which is not much higher than the city of Munich. However, precise planning and execution of work are necessary in order to ensure high capacity of utilization.

Quality and accuracy during installation of the railway technology are a top priority to ensure the safety of trains and passengers in the tunnel tubes.

THE SOLUTION

“Quality and accuracy – these are our cues”, explains Bruno Stoll, employee at alki TECHNIK GmbH. For more than 30 years the Bavarian company has been producing bolting systems with electric, hydraulic, pneumatic and manual drive. At the track-laying construction in the Gotthard base tunnel, three electric torque multipliers alkitronic® EFCip have proven in continuous operation since May 2012: “The high robustness, ensured by compact design and cast aluminium housing of the EFC motor, makes the EFCip an ideal tool on the vast building site in the Gotthard base tunnel,” says Stoll.

Further advantages are the high repeat accuracy of ± 3% and the low-noise operation. In both tunnel tubes with each 57 km there was a total of 114 km of track work, where approx. 1.000 000 boltings were carried out. In the first step the track sleepers on the track system were automatically raised and affixed to the rails from below. The two bolts on the side were loosened and the two clamps placed over the rail base. Finally bolting was made on both sides. In the past a standard impact wrench was used for tightening and a torque wrench for retightening.

“With the alkitronic EFCip the three work steps of tightening, retightening and examination were carried out in one single work step due to the pre-adjustable torque of 160 Nm and automatic shut-off” – Georg Jaffke, construction manager at ARGE Transtec Gotthard tunnel, was most satisfied with the torque multipliers: “We were very impressed with the saved work-time, and also the accuracy of the alkitronic torque multipliers. We can only recommend the tools.” In this way 31 m of track per hour were laid through the Swiss mountains – almost with Swiss clockwork precision.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you have questions about alkitronic® products and applications or are interested in a partnership, please contact us.

Our employees and partners at home and abroad will be pleased to offer you tailormade solutions so that your challenges can be solved in an uncomplicated and reliable manner.

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Coffee machines

Admin FDI — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 13:00:53 +0000

Coffee replenishment is ensured

Next time you drink a coffee at Starbucks, take a closer look at the coffee machine: alkitronic tools have helped to build them. The electric torque multiplier alkitronic ECW 40 was introduced in the coffee machine factory Thermoplan AG that also supplies Starbucks stores. The Swiss manufacturer uses them to tighten heating rods at an exact torque.

COMPANY PROFIL

As an exclusive manufacturer of fully automated coffee machines for Starbucks as well as for other companies of the gastronomy sector, the Swiss company Thermoplan AG from Weggis is well-known in this industry. The company was founded in 1974 and currently employs more than 200 staff members. The internationally active company with subsidiaries in Germany, Austria and the US sells its products in more than 60 countries worldwide.

INITIAL SITUATION

Each year, Thermoplan AG sells around 20,000 fully automated coffee machines. An important step during assembly is to tighten heating rods at an exact torque. Since the plastic washer is vulnerable to high forces, this is a demanding task. Previously, the heating rods were screwed in with an impact wrench and tightened with a torque wrench. This approach constituted beside the increased workload due to several work steps and the difficulty to not damaging the washer another problem: The noise caused by the use of these tools was enormous and was even strengthened by the bell-shaped construction of the containers.

SOLUTION

“These problems could be solved by using the electric torque multiplier alkitronic ECW 40”, explains Bruno Stoll, who is responsible for the company in the canton of Lucerne for alkitronic as a partner. Thus, for the multiplier a hung up with a pillar guide system, a swivel arm and a spring balancer serving as a counterweight has been installed. Due to this construction, the tool can be placed accurately and the washer does not get damaged due to uneven mechanical loading.

“In addition, the ECW 40 is characterized by its angled design which offers comfortable operations even in limited spaces”, says Stoll.

Further advantages of the torque multiplier are the pre-adjustable torque in the range of 65 to 155 Nm. Moreover, the electric multiplier can process several tightening operations successively with required accuracy and a high repeatability of ± 3%, which saves time and power due to the follow-up inspection is omitted. “Thanks to the silent operation of the torque multiplier, the working atmosphere has also been improved”, reports Bruno Stoll. As long as reliable alkitronic machines support the maintenance process, you can be sure: There will always be enough coffee for you at Starbucks.

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Green Energy Storage Facility Gaildorf

Admin FDI — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:56:23 +0000

World champion of height in wind assembly

The highest wind power plant in the world and this even within the unique “Naturstromspeicher” (engl. green energy storage facility) in Gaildorf: When installing the wind turbines in this innovative pilot project, Max Bögl used the electric torque multiplier EF 300 Plus by alkitronic. The tool is easy to handle and even bolts difficult to access are no problem. So, the rotor blades could be optimally tightened.

COMPANY PROFILE

With over 6,000 highly qualified employees and an annual turnover of more than 1.65 billion euros, Max Bögl is one of the largest construction, technology and service companies in the German construction industry. Since 2010, the group has been active in the field of wind energy through its subsidiary Max Bögl Wind AG. Meanwhile it has become the market leader in manufacturing, delivering and installing hybrid towers. Naturspeicher GmbH, a subsidiary of the Max Bögl Group, is responsible for the pilot project of the green energy storage facility in Gaildorf.

INITIAL SITUATION

The idea of a worldwide unique power plant (called “Naturstromspeicher”) was developed by Max Bögl in 2011. Electricity generation and electricity storage would be combined in an innovative way. In addition to the highest wind turbine in the world, with a hub height of 178 meters and a total height of 246.5 meters, three more wind turbines and a pumped storage power plant were built.

The main challenge in wind installation is to tighten the 104 bolts per wing with a pre torque of 550 Nm plus 180 degrees in the rotor housing where space is restricted.

SOLUTION

“We use the alkitronic EF 300 Plus for several applications. In the green energy storage facility we mainly used it to tighten the rotor blades. Since it is small and easy to handle, it is very well suited for bolting connections in confined spaces”, explains Thomas Schott, site manager of Max Bögl Wind AG.

With the electric torque multiplier, bolting connections can be executed much faster compared to hydraulic systems. Furthermore, no displacement of the pumps and hydraulic hoses is necessary. This mobility plays a decisive role, especially in cramped conditions in the rotor housing. The torque/angle procedure made it possible to tighten all 1248 bolts of the four wind turbines with a torque of 550 Nm plus 180 degrees.

The pilot project in Gaildorf makes a contribution to the declared energy goal of emission-free power generation by 2050 and is an investment in our common future. Therefore, it will be supported by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation Building and Nuclear Safety with 7.15 million euros. As part of the pilot project green energy storage facility, the long-lasting, robust, reliable EF 300 Plus electric torque multiplier once again proved itself in wind installation. The rotor blades of the wind turbines are optimally bolted.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Learn more about the project in Gaildorf at http://www.mbrenewables.com/en/pilotproject/.
If you have any further questions on alkitronic products and applications or if you are interested in a partnership, please contact us.
Our employees and partners at home and broad will devise customized solutions for you. This will let you accomplish your tasks easily and reliably.

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Canadian Rail Cargo

Admin FDI — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:35:59 +0000

Alkitronic Torque Multipliers in Canadian Rail Cargo

A rail yard in Canada was searching for a torque solution that would speed up the process and remove strain on its opera-tors. The application was to assist their operators raise and lower the decks of the rail cars in preparation of loading new cars at a local automotive manufacturing plant.

INITIAL SITUATION

The rail company uses a yard about 6.5 miles from the automotive facility. The function of this rail yard is to prepare the rail cars for the different types of automobiles before the rail cars arrive at the automotive plant. There are 3 different types of rail cars being used at this yard. Two types use a manual crank to raise and lower the decks. The other rail car used a gravity weight system to raise and lower the deck.

For the rail cars that utilized a manual crank system, an operator was required to climb into the rail car and manually turn two cranks 40-50 times each in order to raise or lower it. The estimated prevailing torque for the crank handle was at a minimum of 200 Nm (150 foot-pounds). The rail yard operators could quickly prepare two to four rail cars, but their strength quickly diminished thereafter. Moreover, temperatures at this Canadian rail yard fluctuate strongly. It could reach a frigid – 26 °F in the winter season and climb up to a warm 95 °F in summer. The rail yard was looking to speed up the process of getting the rail cars prepared for loading and reduce the number of work-related injuries and accidents.

SOLUTION

An alkitronic retailer proposed an EFCip electric torque multiplier to resolve the torque application issue. The easy-to-operate EFCip electric torque multiplier is designed for precision tightening and loosening of all heavy duty fastening applications. From tightening large industrial bolts used in windmill gearbox assemblies to bolting maintenance applications for oil and gas pipelines and platforms, the electric torque multiplier achieves precision torque in a quick, cost-efficient manner. With its IP54 design, the EFCip unit can also be used in difficult weather conditions.

For the Canadian rail yard, a custom adapter was also manufactured to fit over the main coil of the hand crank. This adapter was placed onto EFCip 20 torque multiplier with a custom reaction device. The implementation of this torque multiplier provided the rail yard with a quicker turnaround time for preparing the rail cars for loading and reduced the strain for the operators while providing a safer work environment.

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Road and Bridge Construction

Admin FDI — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:34:14 +0000

Bridge Construction: High Speed Bolting with alkitronic

In modern bridge and road construction, expansion joints are used to bridge abut-ment gaps. The TRANSGRIP® finger ex-pansion joints bridge the gap with cantilever fingerplates. These massive and fatigue-proof finger elements are bolted to a solid foundation.

INITIAL SITUATION
In former times, bolting Connections were often done with the help of manual torque wrenches. The work strained the backs and knees of the specialists.

THE SOLUTION

Nowadays, our alkitronic ECip 100N handles this task faster and more comfortably. The output extension of this specialized electric torque wrench makes it the appropriate tool for tightening low-lying bolted connections. Working in crouched positions or on one’s knees becomes unnecessary.

Traffic and temperature fluctuations put high stress on these particular components. Additionally, bridge construction must meet strict security standards. We developed our torque wrenches with these requirements in mind. For instance, our tools allow predefining a specific shut-off torque level. Connected to any international electricity grid or to a portable generator, the wrenches achieve these forces precisely at any time.

FURTHER INFORMATION

You can also find out more about TRANSGRIP®, road and bridge construction at the Swiss company Hebag AG at www.hebag-ag.ch.

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SAEZ crane

Admin FDI — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:33:36 +0000

CRANE ASSEMBLY: HOW THE STEEL GIANTS ARE BOLTED

Reaching high into the sky, a crane loads several tons of materials, thus ensuring that buildings can be skyscraping. Cranes are indispensable helpers on every construction site. But how is a revolving tower crane set up? Assembly at lofty heights and in tight spaces can be a challenge for some workers. Safety, quality and production efficiency are extremely important for the assembly of cranes. The Chilean company MDIEZ LIMITADA (M10) is considered an expert in the field of revolving tower cranes. Alkitronic products were used to assemble a SAEZ crane from M10 in Santiago, Chile – thanks to consultation from our partner TecnoTorque.

COMPANY PROFILE

The company M10 from Santiago, Chile specialises in the sale, rental and operation of revolving tower cranes. The company offers its national and international customers excellent service in structural engineering. M10 is active in construction, mining, and in the shipyard, maintenance and events industries. When it comes to bolting SAEZ cranes, M10 is SAEZ’s main customer in Chile. As they needed a torque multiplier with special requirements, they turned to our partner Tecnotorque. The alkitronic dealer based in Santiago has only been selling alkitronic products in Chile since 2019. TecnoTorque’s mission is to become the leading supplier of torque tools in the Chilean market.

THE STARTING POINT

M10 has long been using electric torque multipliers from alkitronic for work in structural engineering, such as the angled electric multiplier alkitronic EFW400 with up to 4,300 Nm and the alkitronic ECWip100. The torque multiplier with their angled design are designed so that the user can work comfortably even in confined spaces. The shut-off torque multiplier impresses with its high assembly speed and low running costs, but the project could not be achieved with the electric multipliers alone. The company’s new crane model brings with it new challenges. The torque requirement exceeds the torque of the electric multiplier. Therefore, another torque multiplier from alkitronic had to be found for the TecnoTorque customer. The requirements are the bolting of M70 stud bolts using the SAEZ method with 7,200 Nm. In a user guide specifically for this crane model, SAEZ recommends electric or hydraulic torque multipliers and refers to alkitronic products. The challenge was to find the best tool and the ideal method for bolting all the connections of the huge crane. The base, which was em-bedded in concrete, also had to be bolted in place so that the large TLS 65B SAEZ crane could be assembled. The user guide recommends that all tower bolts be retightened after the crane has been in operation for two or three days. A possible loss of torque due to the material elasticity can thus be avoided. The crane model from SAEZ lifts and can move up to ten tons. No wonder that the capacity of the tools has to be large.

The safety and comfort when bolting these steel giants are important aspects for fitters and technicians. The decisive factor when working at heights is the weight of the tools and the possibility of working in the extremely tight space within the crane assembly. The space around the tool with reaction arm is generally very small. Our partner TecnoTorque saw the use of hydraulic multipliers as being the best solution. Hydraulic multipliers are usually the first choice when heavy bolting connec-tions with large threads have to be tightened with high forces in confined spaces. At first, the AT10 hydraulic multiplier from alkitronic was tested. However, given the limited space available, the multiplier was not the optimal solution.

THE SOLUTION

The best solution was finally found in the form of the hydraulic bolting system alkitronic X Driver 8 from Norwolf. We succeeded in using the alkitronic X Driver 8 with a special reaction arm for the assembly of the SAEZ rotating tower crane. The alkitronic X Driver 8 has the perfect ratio of weight and torque capacity. “The X Driver 8 was a great help while installing the crane. It is easy to replace and install in different positions. That saves time and enables safe operation at heights,” says Ricardo Cornejo from TecnoTorque. What is special about the hydraulic X Driver System from alkitronic is that the convertible hydraulic drive head snaps into the hexagonal or square housing with no need for pins and bolts. That gives maximum flexibility. In addition, the alkitronic X Driver System is ideal for working at heights and in confined spaces thanks to its flat design with no protruding edges. The convertible hydraulic drive head can be swiveled through 360° – this ensures comfort for the workers during crane assembly. The small cylinder diameter and the longer levers also ensure that all parts are subjected to less stress in order to handle bolting operations in tight and difficult to access areas. The end customer M10 was very satisfied with the hydraulic bolting system from alkitronic and the advice from TecnoTorque. The users could work well with the alkitronic torque multipliers because they are very light and have great performance.

FURTHER INFORMATION

You can find out more about the company M10 at https://www.m10.la/.

If you have any questions about our products, such as the alkitronic X Driver Sys
em, please feel free to contact us. Our employees and partners at home and abroad are happy to offer you tailormade solutions to help you solve your challenges easily and reliably.

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Crane Construction

Admin FDI — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:30:45 +0000

Safe bolting connections for crane construction with alkitronic®

“Cranes at the highest level.” This is what BKL Baukran Logistik GmbH stands for. At dizzying height, safety and optimally bolted joints are indispensable. This is made possible with the help of robust tools. Therefore BKL uses torque multipliers from alkitronic®.

COMPANY PROFILE

Founded in 1969, BKL Baukran Logistik GmbH specialises in selling and renting cranes. The portfolio also includes associated services such as logistics, assembly and a 24-hour emergency service.

With more than 500 tower cranes and over 100 mobile cranes, as well as around 300 employees, BKL Baukran Logistik GmbH is one of Europe’s largest manufacturer independent suppliers of crane solutions.

THE INITIAL SITUATION

One vitally important bolt joint in the assembly of cranes is the bolt joint of the crane elements. These are Liebherr tower bolting connections. As a rule, bolting connections with SW 55 and 2900 Nm tightening torque are used for 120/140 towers. Tower system 256 is bolted with 5830 Nm and SW 70 tightening torque. The cranes provided by BKL must be quickly assembled, dismantled and transported. To achieve this, the bolting process must be as simple as possible and always feasible. Tools suitable for all weather conditions are required, which must be easy to use in both confined and large space conditions. BKL approached alkitronic® with this initial situation in mind.

BKL has now been a customer of alkitronic® for many years. Our nearby location is a big plus point. Our area sales manager Georg Stein recommended alkitronic® torque multipliers in order to solve the problems with limited space and speed up assembly. These devices were then successfully tested by BKL and have been used since then.

THE SOLUTION

Both, electric torque multipliers and hydraulic wrenches, are suitable for these applications. In crane assembly, the all-weather housing with IP 54 standard is particularly important. Die-cast aluminium housings are robust and therefore suitable for construction sites.

The standard support and the heavy-duty motor housing of the ECWip 100 make it a very robust tool. This simplifies and accelerates the assembly of the crane. It offers several advantages such as 1-finger operation and freedom from maintenance. In addition alkitronic® offers a mobile service and a reliable customer service.

The EFCip 100 is equipped with a custom support, specially developed for SAEZ and Liebherr.

Valuable time is saved by using the hydraulic pump alkitronic® Nova including the multibox. The Multibox has a factory certificate. In combination with the Multibox, the alkitronic® Nova is therefore suitable for use in the areas of crane suspension or crane transport. With 100-253 V / 45-66 Hz and up to 700 bar it works very fast and has a very short set-up time.

The hydraulic torque wrench X-Driver 8 with A-Drive SW 70 and IN/Out nut is used for Liebherr bolting connections. The special feature is the flat design without protruding edges. These make it easy to reach narrow places without great effort.

The tool can be swivelled through 360°, it simplifies assembly and disassembly. Since the tool does not have to be dismantled beforehand it also saves time.

FURTHER INFORMATION

You can also find out more here www.bkl.de/en/.

If you have questions about alkitronic® products and applications or are interested in a partnership, please contact us.

Our employees and partners at home and abroad will be pleased to offer you tailormade solutions so that your challenges can be solved in an uncomplicated and reliable manner.

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Makkah-Clock

Admin FDI — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:29:26 +0000

The Tower Clock of superlatives

One of the five pillars of Islam is the pil-grimage to Mecca that every Muslim should do at least once in their lives. An-other pillar are the ritual prayers at fixed hours. In order to meet these hours also during the pilgrimage, the company Perrot GmbH & Co. KG from Calw in Germany together with the architect Dr. Bodo Rasch and his team has built the biggest tower clock in the world in Mecca. The bolts were tightened with the electric torque multiplier alkitronic EFCip.

COMPANY PROFILE

The company Perrot GmbH & Co. KG Turmuhren und Läuteanlagen from Calw (Germany) was founded in 1860 and is one of the leading manufacturers of tower clocks, electronic bell systems, carillons and special clocks. The family company today is managed by the fifth generation and development, production, installation and maintenance for all products are done by the company itself. Perrot clocks can be found in Germany and all over the world.

INITIAL SITUATION

The Makkah Clock Royal Tower of the Fairmont Hotel in Mecca, Saudi-Arabia, is more than 600 meters high – that makes it six times as high as London’s “Big Ben”. It is part of a 1.5 million square meter shopping mall that was built especially for the Muslim pilgrims. To help them stick to their prayer times and see the time even from among a crowd of sometimes two million people, the world’s biggest tower clock was installed at this tower, 426 meters above the earth. There is a clock face on each of the four sides of the tower and these dials can be read from a distance of up to eight kilometers.

SOLUTION

The responsibility for this gigantic chronometer is with the company Perrot GmbH & Co. KG from Calw and with the architect Dr. Bodo Rasch and his team from Leinfelden-Echterdingen in Germany. They developed a clock face with a diameter of 43 meters as well as accessible hour hands with a length of 22 meters, and minute hands that are 17 meters long. Each of these weighs approximately seven tons. Furthermore, the clock is equipped with a lightning rod and is run with solar energy.

Mounting this clock of superlatives was a challenge for the designers and the technicians: The great weight of clock face and clock hands had to be fixed up high, making sure their resistance to all possible weather conditions.

Not only strong winds can arise in the Saudi Arabian desert, but heavy thunderstorms and sandstorms are also frequent. Also, the clock should show the time reliably for at least 100 years. In order to fulfill all these conditions, the altogether 16 plain bearings of the clockwork play a special role. In the minute hand, these bearings have a diameter of 350 mm, whereas the ones in the hour hand have a diameter of 750 mm.

To install these parts as precisely as possible, the technicians used the electric torque multiplier alkitronic EFCip. “The advantage of this torque multiplier is its precision when reaching the torque. This can be pre-set in the range from 60 to 6,500 Nm. A second important characteristic is the repeat accuracy with the screw connections“, explains Alexander Kipfelsberger, CEO of alki TECHNIK GmbH. Furthermore, according to him the EFCip is the perfect tool for big construction sites due to its robust built and the protection art IP 54, which makes it possible to use the tool even in bad weather conditions.

Also of importance are the time and power, which can be saved using the torque multiplier. As the torque value can be pre-set and there is an automatic shut-off mechanism when reaching this value, the three work steps of tightening, re-tightening and examination were carried out in one single work step.

So, the alkitronic torque multipliers play an important part in fastening the hands of the world’s biggest tower clock and in moving them – 60 times per hour, 1440 times per day and 525.600 times per year.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information on Makkah Clock please refer to: Perrot and Online Report

Pictures (C) SL Rasch

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alkitronic ® – alki Technik GmbH

Have you noticed the new sticker with a QR code on your screwdriver?

Have you noticed the new sticker with a QR code on your screwdriver?

Recent Posts

Tugboat with VSP gearbox maintenance

alkitronic®: Tugboat with VSP gearbox maintenance

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Gotthard-Tunnel

The long march through the mountain

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Coffee machines

Coffee replenishment is ensured

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Green Energy Storage Facility Gaildorf

World champion of height in wind assembly

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Canadian Rail Cargo

Alkitronic Torque Multipliers in Canadian Rail Cargo

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Road and Bridge Construction

Bridge Construction: High Speed Bolting with alkitronic

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SAEZ crane

CRANE ASSEMBLY: HOW THE STEEL GIANTS ARE BOLTED

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Crane Construction

Safe bolting connections for crane construction with alkitronic®

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Makkah-Clock

The Tower Clock of superlatives

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