STAUFF Form EVO: Titelstory in the July 2022 Issue of the German Trade Magazine 'fluid'

26 fluid · technik 2022 Hydraulics Objective: saving costs while maintaining the same safety levels Why do we continue to develop products when eve- rything is working perfectly, there are no problems, and the system is used worldwide? There was no need for technical optimisation but there was a need for econo- mical optimisation. Jernej Pisnik reports from the day- to-day use of the products: “Of course, mechanical and plant engineering users are very aware of the safety and long service life of tube connections. But they are also parts for which price also plays a major role – especially when hundreds of tube connec- tions are called for with larger plants. In the past, we were often not best placed in price negotiations.” This position has improved significantly with the in- troduction of Stauff Form Evo. Viton sealing ring replaces the combined me- tal elastomer product Whereas the sealing ring in the first generation of Stauff Form consisted of a combination of two materials – the metallic adapter ring and a vulcanised elastomeric seal – the evolved product uses a much cheaper sealing ring, as only one material is used. Jernej Pisnik explains: “This is exactly the right step. The forming system is now significantly cheaper. The new sealing ring is several times cheaper than its prede- cessor. This has a very positive impact on the overall costs. At the same time, the product‘s high level of safety and the long service life are fully retained, as is its ease of assembly.” The Viton sealing ring can be used for both steel and stainless-steel connections, eliminating the need for double stock levels. It is also difficult to remove from the tube when installed, as it is slightly re-coated. Because of its identical profile, it cannot be attached back to front – all minor benefits that pay off in day-to-day assembly of hydraulic pipe systems. No need to replace forming machines Another advantage from which Pisnik also benefits: machine builders, service providers and repair compa- nies who wish to convert to the new system can continue to use the existing machines that are now used worldwi- de. Only two steps are needed to use Stauff Form Evo: a software update is required and there is a need to replace the tube shaper, as the forming contour has been adap- ted to the geometry of the new Viton sealing ring. However, users also benefit from another advantage if the user also replaces the clamping jaws: the clamping lengths of Stauff Form Evo are considerably shorter compared to Stauff Form and other forming systems on the market. In numbers: 52 to 126 mm depending on the tube diameter. It means that exceptionally compact tube systems with tight radii can be achieved. The extremely short assembly distances in the old and new Stauff Form sys- tem also help with this. Ease of assembly – reliable connection However, both systems are as simple as they are safe to assemble. Insufficient and excessive tightening is virtually impossible. The installer tightens the union nut to the point where the force increases noticeably and completes the installation with another turn of 15° to 20° beyond this point. A clearly identifiable increase in torque signals the end of assembly, which is why assembly based on torque is also possible. The short, defined assembly path once the fixed point has Stauff Form EVO is based entirely on standard compo- nents, all with a high-quality zinc/nickel surface coating. Stauff Form EVO with cost-effective Viton sealing ring is just as reliable as the first generation of the forming system. Photo caption at the bottom of page 26: Product experts and application engi- neers are out on the road with the Stauff Liner to explain the further development of the Stauff Form EVO forming system.