Developments and innovations for kilns and controllers
ROHDE at the Ceramitec 2018 in Munich
Ceramitec, the world’s leading trade fair for the ceramics and powder metallurgy sector, was the meeting place for the international ceramic industry once again this year. Developments and innovations in the ceramic sector as well as issues for the future such as digitalisation and Industry 4.0 determined the exchange of expertise in the trade fair halls from 10 to 13 April 2018.
The new ELS Ergo Load System, two innovative Controllers and the introduction of the new ROHDEAPP were the highlights that ROHDE presented on its stand in Hall 5:
- ELS Ergo Load System
ROHDE lived up to its reputation as an innovative manufacturer of kilns and furnaces by presenting two further developments in its range of frontloaders. The revised Ergo Load System Comfort Stop is the result of continuous development of the ELS Ergo Load System that has proved efficient for more than ten years. The kiln floor can be pulled out and pushed in smooth and safely. The new, hydropneumatic damper allows the car to slow down smoothly before reaching the stop position regardless of how heavy the furniture and load are or how fast the car is moving. Abrupt stopping of the kiln floor is a thing of the past. The additional brake secures the car as soon as the handle is released and locks the kiln floor at any required position.
The revised ELS eDrive is a fully-featured frontloader with an electrically operated kiln floor. Controlled movement speed in both stop positions guarantees smooth and safe pulling in and out even with large and unstable furniture material. The electrical drawer floor is available for models with volumes of 330 to 1,000 litres, thus making it easier to load large kilns and furnaces.
- Controllers
There have also been new developments for controllers. In addition to the proven models of the TC series, ROHDE presented two new controllers at the Ceramitec. These new units supplement the existing controller range and will probably be available in May. In addition to 16 and 32 firing programs, room temperature monitoring and USB interface for data export have been integrated into the ST series.
- ROHDEAPP
The presentation of the ROHDEAPP was the highlight in the field of digitalisation. Existing controllers are being extended with the ROHDEBOX which allows smart phone control. The box provides for safe communication between the controller and the smart phone using the internet. The intuitive and appealing mobile user interface allows the user to create, edit and save firing curves and offers remote monitoring of running firing processes. Visual processing of firing curves and clear storage of firings contribute significantly to user comfort.
In addition to the many specialist trade visitors, local specialists and partners during the trade fair, the party held on Wednesday evening was a complete success! Conversations in a relaxed atmosphere on the trade fair stand were very well accepted as at the previous Ceramitec. We would like to thank our visitors and are looking forward to Ceramitec 2021!
