Member Article

Allspeeds - What’s in a name?

Allspeeds Limited are best known for their two main brands, Webtool hydraulic cutters and Tangye hydraulic jacks and pumps, but it is little known that the company name is derived from one of the other product ranges, that being Kopp variators.

As the name suggests, variators control speed drives or transmissions, allowing input speeds of a shaft to be increased or decreased as required.

If you can imagine a ball rotating on its axis and two other components contacting the periphery of the ball, each at an angle of 45o to the axis. The diameter and peripheral speed of the ball at points of contact will be identical. Inclining the axis of the ball to the left however, results in a larger diameter at the points of contact with the cone on the right-hand side and smaller diameter at the points of contact on the left-hand cone. This results in a speed differential between the two drive cones in contact with the balls.

It is on this basic principle that the Allspeeds variator operates. The difference between the input and output speeds being dependent on the geometric position of these components. With a speed variation of 9:1 (one third to three times the input speed) and an input speed of 1500rpm, a variation in output speeds of 500rpm and 4500rpm are achievable.

The operator is therefore able to achieve all speeds between the upper and lower limits.

Kopp Variators are mechanical variable speed drives or transmissions used to control speeds on industrial machinery. They are constant power torque converters with extremely accurate speed holding and reset ability. Modern technology demands the ability to change speeds frequently, whether by manual methods or automatic control systems. The Kopp Variator is ideally suited to these requirements as:

• The control mechanism is light, positive and extremely accurate.
• Predetermined speeds can be quickly selected and accurately maintained.
• Readily adaptable to remote control and to applications requiring reverse rotation or braking.
• Compact design with in-line shafts combining easily with standard electric motors and gearboxes.
• Low in cost yet precision built for quiet operation and durability.
• Totally enclosed for use in wet or dusty environments or in hazardous locations demanding explosion proof work.

As well as manufacturing new variators to meet customer requirements, Allspeeds also offers a comprehensive repair service, to include:

• Replacement or refurbishment of all drive components (balls, cones, etc.)
• Replacement of any bearings if required
• Cleaning and repainting

All repairs will be covered by a 6 month warranty, giving the customer peace of mind that in the unlikely event that any fault occurs it will be rectified.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by iCONQUER Ltd .