16 fluid · 04 2024 diameters of between 6 and 89 mm and/or between 1/4 and 3 inches. Their innovative design is based on a polypropylene clamp body that complies with the Standard Series according to DIN 3015 (Part 1), combined with a specially shaped two-part elastomer insert. The contour of this insert produces a minimal contact area between the tube and clamp body, dampening vibrations much more effectively than previously known solutions. The re- versible tongue-and-groove contour of the insert and clamp body offers flexibility and versatility, as it enables the system to be used for a wide range of tube dimensions for each clamp size. Specific material expertise Fastening components also had to be continuously developed and differentiated with the increasing complexity of hydraulically operated systems. This also includes the continuous expansion of the range of materials. Stauff supplies clamps made of flame-retardant plastics, which comply with international guidelines and standards, for safety-relevant areas in shipbuilding. Different Shore hardnesses are also called for in shipbuilding. Softer elastomers absorb vibrations and impacts better, while harder plastics offer greater structural integrity and resistance to mechanical wear. The chemical resistance and thermal properties of the materials are also taken into account. These various criteria must be carefully weighed up against each other when selecting the optimum fastening solution. If required, Stauff is able to develop customised solutions and also produce them in small series. Saving time with the ‘2+5 system’ There is often very little installation space available in hydraulic systems in the maritime industry. The connectors are generally worked on site and need to be configured precisely to the installation conditions on site. Stauff’s 2+5 system offers a space-saving and flexible solution for fastening pipes with diameters of between 6 and 42 mm for this specific scenario. The system enables size 2 and 5 clamp bodies to be fastened on a single welding plate. The system is complemented by single and multi-clamps with elastomer inserts, which can be flexibly inserted into the clamp halves to securely fix all tube diameters. Stauff offers special safety locking plates for the multi-clamps to ensure their stable installation in ‘metal cages’. Economic benefits with Stauff Form Evo Tube preparation workflows have been greatly simplified since the Hardinxveld tube experts switched over from welding to forming. Marcel De Bruin: “Previously we had to prepare, weld, clean, X-ray and possibly rework the tubes, and then zinc-plate or paint them. Personnel outlay, processing times and costs were high. We now simply measure the tube, saw it, and deburr it. It is then bent and formed and can be installed directly. ”Using the Stauff Form Evo machine in Hardinxveld, eight tubing experts prepare around 8,000 ready-to-install hydraulic tubes each year. This means that the machine is used for some 16,000 connecting operations with 8 to 42 mm diameter tubes – 95% of which are made of carbon steel and 5% stainless steel. rso n 1 Forming systems are the safest form of detachable tube connectors under extreme conditions. 2 The 2+5 system is used to attach tubes to a welding plate in a space-saving manner. 3 The Stauff Viton ring additionally seals the positive-fit connection. Damen Shipyards has switched over to the Stauff Form Evo forming system. Hydraulics 2 1 3
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