4 Principles of Hansen Industrial Gearboxes P4

4 Axes of innovation

The HIG Vision: Quality & Innovation.

Throughout the company's history, 4 generations of standardised gear units were developed. HIG engineers have always respected the basic principles of David Hansen, inventor of the standardisation concept.

Also the latest generation of HIG gear units -P4- is based on 4 major principles with focus on user- and environmental friendliness.

1st Principle

Compliance with application requirements

The P4 brings new standards on how gear units are matched to market applications. The results? Simplified product selection; gear units fine-tuned to specific applications; accessories more easily integrated; special features included as standard.

The development of P4 is based on the fundamental principles that where established with the launch of Hansen Patent-I. The revolutionary aspect-setting new standards for the industry is how gear units are matched to market applications.

The P4 product range is refreshingly straightforward. For each size, a horizontal and a vertical gear unit is available, matching horizontal and vertical applications. Optimal product selection is immediately easier for customers.

The split into horizontal and vertical units leads to other advantages:

  • For the horizontal housings, accessories - such as motor bases - can be mounted more easily; options are more readily available.
  • For the vertical housings, the extended bearing span of the low speed shaft is now offered as part of the standard range, absorbing external loads for cooling fan drives, mixers and aerators.

2nd Principle

An Innovative approach to customer - friendliness

Using creative industrial design techniques, P4 offers low noise levels, 100% oil tightness, easy handling and simplified maintenance.

From the very outset, a key principle in the development of P4 was to offer a product which is considerate to both people and environment.

Creative industrial design led to:

  • HIG's unique Oil-lockTM system for maintenance-free sealing of the gear unit. (Oil-lockTM keeps oil in and dirt out!).
  • Low noise levels through precision grinding, low noise gear geometry and rigid housings and pinion shafts.
  • A horizontal split for easy service and maintenance.
  • Easy handling and installation.
  • The rounded design avoids the formation of water pockets and the accumulation of dust (reduces corrosion).

3rd Principle

A balanced line - up of components for excellence in service

Reduced number of pinion shafts (patent pending); fewer spare parts; standardised components; proven well-known brands for accessories; greater availability of spare parts. Combine all these features and you get an unparalleled commitment to customer service.

In-house research enabled HIG's engineers to design a balanced product line. This breakthrough in standardisation of components is exemplified by a 50% reduction in the number of pinion shaft types (patent pending).

The clear benefit for the customer:

  • Fewer spare parts are necessary
  • Spare parts are more readily available.

This in turn increases the overall availability of the product. Standardising on pinion shafts with highest stiffness, together with the most rigid housings, results in the best boundary conditions for highest power and lowest noise. The important principle of standardisation has also been applied to accessories.

Improvisation is of the past. Now, carefully selected accessories are listed in the catalogue, enabling the customer to buy a complete drive package i.e. gear unit with the auxiliary equipment required. Again, the customer benefits from reduced downtime and increased availability of a gear unit through improved concept quality.

4th Principle

Power and reliability through quality and technology

State-of-the-art technology results in the most powerful gear units on the market. Development and manufacturing according to ISO 9001 standards leads to quality in all aspects.

Over 7% of HIG's world-wide turnover is spent on the development of new products, processes and services. In-house research is complemented by cooperation with leading universities and international research centres. The result of this investment can be seen in the end product, both in terms of performance and reliability.

As expected from the leader in its field, HIG makes full use of CAD/CAM, flexible manufacturing systems and the latest state-of-the-art CNC machines. At its Belgian production centre, all gears - bevel and helical - are case carburized and finish ground to the highest torque and lowest noise geometry.

The company's commitment to quality is displayed by the fact that in January 1991 Hansen Industrial Transmissions was the first gear manufacturer to obtain an ISO 9001 quality certification. Consequently, the complete design, development and manufacture of the P4 (launched in 1993) was performed under this most stringent quality system.

Thanks to an upgrading of up to 25%, the P4 range now offers the highest power rating on the market. Coupled with new levels of reliability and performance, Hansen Industrial Transmissions has set new standards for many years to come.