Adjustable chocks from SKF will play an important role in the world’s largest visible/near-infrared telescope, the ELT, which is currently under construction in Chile. An unsung product from SKF’s catalogue – the adjustable chock – has played a key role in the construction of a huge telescope.
The European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope (ESO’s ELT), now being built in Chile, will be the world’s largest visible/near-infrared telescope on completion in 2028. Its 39 metre wide main mirror comprises 798 separate hexagonal pieces, attached to a base structure using steel flanges and SKF Vibracon adjustable chocks.
“Each flange sits on four adjustable chocks,” says Marco Colussi, a structural engineer at Italian engineering firm Cimolai, which is responsible for assembling the mirror. “The ability to readjust each mirror segment is key to the success of the telescope.” Each low-profile Vibracon unit typically allows up to 12 mm of adjustment.
However, the application needed up to 15 mm of adjustment, meaning several design tweaks were needed.
Firstly, Cimolai inserted extra washers, allowing the adjustment range to be extended to 15 mm. This had to be performed with a positioning accuracy of tenths of a millimetre across the 39 metre span of the mirror. The chock also had to fit into a limited design space, which was restricted to 25 mm in height. In addition, the chocks were installed upside-down to help Cimolai meet the stiffness requirements of the system. The high stiffness helps to reduce the weight of the mirror, improving the telescope’s stability and performance.
Overall, the main mirror will use more than 9500 SKF Vibracon SM 16 ELP-ASTR low-profile chocks,12 for each mirror segment. Chocks are individually surface treated to give them consistent quality and extend their performance in such a demanding environment.
The ELT will cost an estimated €1,4 billion to build. It will search for exoplanets and study early galaxies. It is hard to think that, for its vast size and cosmic ambitions, its success will rely partly on adjustable chocks just 7 cm in diameter.
Next-gen battery-driven grease gun SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF’s innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs, by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a smart, rugged design.
Read more...Autonomous robots provide green logistics DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
In 2007, Heinrich Amminger and Martin Trummer from Austria had an idea for revolutionising warehouse logistics. They developed the automated small part warehouse – an intelligent and very environment-friendly logistics system that is winning an increasing number of customers for Ylog, a startup company.
Read more...Precision drives on the Red Planet DNH Tradeserve t/a DNH Technologies
Motion Control & Drives
More than 100 electric motors from maxon have been used on the Red Planet, and have withstood cosmic radiation, dust storms, and temperature fluctuations. The key to success is standard industrial products.
Read more...Solar-powered drive solution for water pumps Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Schneider Electric South Africa has launched its Altivar Solar ATV320 variable speed drive (VSD), a solar-powered drive solution that is compatible with a wide range of water pumps, catering for water challenges and decarbonisation of irrigation pumping and agriprocessing machinery.
Read more...Dependable belt rip detection
Motion Control & Drives
Becker Mining has launched the newly developed BRS4.0 belt rip detection system, with advanced features for greater durability, higher efficiency, and improved safety.
Read more...Flat face and flat face screw couplings for mining
Motion Control & Drives
Quick couplings are the critical connectors that keep mining systems running. Within the mining industry, the choice of coupling can significantly impact equipment performance, downtime, and maintenance costs. Stucchi offers flat face and flat face screw couplings that are designed to withstand mining’s unique challenges.
Read more...New-generation drill rig
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc is launching the new-generation PowerROC T35, offering both increased fuel efficiency and faster operations.
Read more...Compressed air treatment do’s and don’ts Artic Driers International
Motion Control & Drives
As a long-established importer and manufacturer of air dryers, Artic Dryers often sees the results of poor installation and issues with aftercoolers that create serious problems in air drying systems.
Read more...Understanding standby, prime and continuous gensets WEG Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The increasing reliance of South African businesses on generator sets to mitigate power disruptions highlights a crucial need for proper selection based on specific operational demands. Despite their growing usage, there is still widespread confusion about how to choose the appropriate genset, often leading to inefficient and costly decisions.
printer friendly version