 When
Svenska Uni-Cardan AB launched the globally unique Aquadrive, it won the
justified attention of the marine industry. An annoying corrosion problem,
however, with the Aquadrive’s fasteners upset the picture. The solution
came from Bulten Stainless – in the form of the acid-proof, high-strength
BUMAX screw.
Håkan Persson, purchasing manager at Svenska Uni-Cardan
AB, is extremely pleased with the acid-proof Bumax screws from Bulten Stainless. The screws are used in the globally unique Aquadrive –
an anti-vibration system which is connected to the engine and propeller
shaft of boats.
Aquadrive is an anti-vibration system enabling the propeller
shaft to be angled against a boat’s engine with the following advantages:
- Simpler installation of the propeller shaft
- Less vibration on board the boat
- Lower noise level
The fitting of the propeller shaft to the engine is
a difficult stage of boat building. The engine and the propeller shaft
must be positioned with extreme precision in order to be exactly in level
with each other. Aquadrive provides space for easier fitting, which saves
time and money.
From Carbon steel to stainless
“We underestimated the effect of salt water on the fasteners in
the product. Initially, we used the conventional Carbon steel screws which
eventually resulted in the corrosion problem,” says Håkan
Persson, purchasing manager at Svenska Uni-Cardan in Stockholm.
Since the Aquadrive unit is painted
dark green, a gold-chromed screw was sourced; a “golden yellow”
colour. “We thought it would go well with the new green colour.
But we had quality problems with the screw, so we started looking
for an acid-proof alternative,” relates Håkan Persson.
The stresses on a product in a marine environment can be enormous,
not least regarding corrosion attack. Svenska Uni-Cardan contacted
several suppliers of stainless, high-strength screws. “But
it was really only Bulten Stainless in Svartå that could supply
the whole range we needed.”
Not a single complaint
The solution was Bumax – a wide range of fasteners with unique
properties and high strength qualities. Stainless and acid-proof
properties are as good as imperative in the marine industry, which
is very much a sales argument for Svenska Uni-Cardan.
“We are very pleased. We haven’t had to send a single
screw back,” says Håkan Persson.
In fine company
Aquadrive is designed mainly for pleasure boats measuring 30-80
feet with engines of up to 1,500 kW. Some of the world’s best-known
boat builders – Fleming Yacht, Hinkley, Grand Banks to name
but a few – use Aquadrive as standard. Bumax also meets all
other requirements set by Svenska Uni-Cardan.
“The first positive impression has been confirmed and reinforced.
Bulten Stainless took exemplary good care of us. Delivery reliability
is extremely high which is very important to us,” says Håkan
Persson. |
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A typical adapter kit for connecting Aquadrive
to the reverse gear flange of the boat. Six stainless Bumax screws
do the job – year after year.
Svenska Uni-Cardan used to have corrosion problems
on the screws in the Aquadrive unit. Since using Bumax from Bulten Stainless, not one screw has had to be returned. Uni-Cardan’s
customers include some of the world’s best-known boat builders. |
| Products
from Bulten Stainless AB
Number of screw types: 36 Steel grade: Conforming
to Swedish SS 14.2343, EN 1.4436 with low carbon content
Also: All fasteners supplied are class Bumax 109
and 88.
Facts about Svenska Uni-Cardan
AB
Owned by: Part of the British GKN Group which also
owns Westland Helicopters
Own products: Aquadrive - anti-vibration system
for boats. Bonair – Air conditioning for driver environments
(trains, tractors, cranes etc.)
Other products: drive shafts, clutches and various
parts for the transfer of mechanical force in vehicles and in industry.
Sites: Stockholm (production and sales) and Malmö
(sales)
Turnover: Approx. SEK 110 million (1998)
No. of employees: 65
Facts about Aquadrive
Area of application: boat engines up to 1,500 kW
Positioning: unit between reverse gear and propeller
shaft enabling the propeller shaft to be angled against the engine
Effect: vibration and noise-damping
Launch: 1982
Markets: 80% export, mainly the USA, then Holland,
the UK, Singapore and Taiwan.
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