⎪ Products and industry news ⎪
30 MVA transformers for Botswana
with the company’s production targets. “We are now in the final stages of manu - facturing, with the transformers fully built and only a few minor tasks remaining before Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). Our team is working closely with the mining house to ensure full alignment with their operational timelines,” says Thoka. Initial site assessments and preparatory work have already begun, and the delivery and installation plan is scheduled to roll out in the coming weeks. While no significant challenges have arisen to date, LHM anticipates logistical complexities due to the site's remote location. “To mitigate this, we have implemented a robust supply chain protocol and are leverag- ing our local expertise to ensure smooth de- livery and installation. Any future challenges will be managed through proactive commu- nication and the support of our experienced project management team. At this stage, we do not foresee any issues that could impact the project’s successful completion,” he adds. “Our sub-Saharan presence and deep in- dustry expertise enable us to deliver tailored solutions that drive operational success while fostering long-term partnerships. We are proud to contribute to the growth and sustainability of the mining sector across the SADC region,” Thoka concludes. https://actom.co.za
company to seek a more robust solution that could ensure uninterrupted performance and long-term efficiency. “They conducted a competitive tender process to identify a supplier capable of meet- ing their stringent technical and operational requirements. LHM was ultimately selected after a comprehensive evaluation, a deci- sion that reflects our strong reputation and proven expertise in delivering tailored, high- performance power solutions,” says Thoka. “Our deep understanding of the unique operational challenges within the mining industry further strengthened the client’s confidence in our solution. Our ability to meet the required technical specifications, com - bined with our commitment to local support, after-sales service, and competitive pricing, positioned us as the preferred partner.” The project required LHM to deliver two 30 MVA transformers, engineered to handle high-voltage demand with exceptional reli- ability and efficiency. The transformers need - ed to integrate seamlessly with the mine’s existing infrastructure, comply with stringent safety and environmental standards, and support long-term operational sustainability. In addition, the solution had to be delivered within a strict timeline to ensure alignment
LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM, is completing the manufacture of two 30 MVA transformers for a mining house in Botswana. The mine was facing several challenges with its existing power infrastructure, which was no longer able to meet the demands of in- creased production capacity and operational reliability. Chris Thoka, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager at LHM, explains that ageing equipment, coupled with the growing need for stable, high-capacity power to sup- port critical mining operations, prompted the
LHM is about to deliver two 30 MVA transformers, engineered to handle high- voltage demand with exceptional reliability and efficiency, to a mining client in Botswana.
Knife-edge rollers for high-speed production
Polymer-component specialist manu- facturer igus has developed a range of lubrication-free, long-life knife-edge roll- ers designed to improve product transfer between conveyor belts in high-speed production environments. The company’s knife-edge rollers are specialised guide rollers for use at the transfer points between conveyor belts. They allow conveyor belts to wrap around a very small radius so that products can transfer smoothly from one belt to an- other with the smallest possible gap. This prevents snags and stops smaller items from dropping between conveyors. Knife-edge rollers are commonly used in automated production lines, packaging equipment and food processing systems, where seamless and efficient product transfer is required for applications such as baked goods, packaged foods, small goods and sensitive electronics. According to igus product specialist, Juan-Eric Davidtz, igus uses its world-re- nowned tribologically optimised polymer materials for the rollers, which deliver low-friction, lubrication-free operation while enabling extremely tight belt de- flection. “Machine builders and conveyor
system designers rely on our knife-edge rollers to maintain consistent product flow while keeping conveyor layouts compact. The smaller the belt deflection radius, the smoother the transfer between conveyors, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing product losses. “This is what sets igus knife-edge roll- ers apart, as our iglidur materials are en- gineered specifically for industrial motion applications and contain embedded solid lubricants. As a result, the rollers operate completely dry with no need for grease or oil lubrication,” he says. Davidtz adds that the lubrication-free design prevents contamination, reduces maintenance and exponentially increases the longevity of the rollers, enabling them to be used in hygienically sensitive environments, such as pharmaceutical, engineering and food and beverage pro- cessing plants. The igus knife-edge rollers are also tougher than steel alternatives. They offer higher wear resistance and lower friction, which allows them to operate smoothly in continuous-duty conveyor systems. Their polymer construction also provides good chemical resistance and corrosion pro-
tection in chemical processes, while the lightweight design can reduce drive loads compared with conventional metal rollers. With a broad selection of standard sizes and customised configurations, OEMs and machine builders can pre- cisely match roller geometry and dimen- sions to their conveyor systems. “This is important in high-speed production environments where any reduction of downtime equates to improved profit- ability,” Davidtz concludes. https://www.igus.co.za/ Lubrication-free long-life knife-edge bearings are ideal for use at the transfer points between conveyor belts.
40 ¦ MechChem Africa • May-June 2026
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker