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Innovation essential for growth in vacuum pumps
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feature vacuum pumps
Innovation essential for growth in vacuum pumps Innovation is an important factor in the health of the pump industry, particularly in areas such as the compressors/vacuum pump sector where demand is currently in decline. In 2002, UK precision engineering firm Archfact Ltd launched the worldwide patent-pending Aims range of innovative air compressors and vacuum pumps. Co-inventors Archfact’s marketing director Mike McGrath and engineering director Steve McGrath discuss the details of their pumps’ design and operation, together with the UK market scenario. Though times are uncertain, they believe their company’s strategy for success will ensure the long-term future for this product.
A
ccording to a leading industry report and forecast agency, the total UK market for pumps, spare parts and support services increased from an estimated £743.6 million in 1996 to £847.7 million in 2000, and that is not including compressors. Sales have increased by about 3% annually while profits have risen by an impressive 7%. As a whole the industry experienced a stable three-year financial period between 1998 and 2001. However, the significant sales increase of 14% (based on manufacturers’ selling prices) from 1996 to 2000 is likely to be hard
Figure 1. Archfact’s low-noise, low-vibration Aims vacuum pump.
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0262 1762/03 © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
to repeat over the next few years. Pump sales are forecast to increase by only 2% by the end of this year and a small decline is predicted for 2004.
Difficult markets In fact, certain specialist areas within the pump sector are already feeling the impact of weaker world economies and fluctuating stock market prices. Specifically, the compressor segment performed significantly worse than overall manufacturing output during the year 2002. In 1998 the segment’s growth was only 1% and its recent declines have largely reflected the exposure of the segment to other markets such as mechanical engineering, which were among the weakest performing engineering areas during 2002. It also seems that the large number of distributors operating in the compressor market, accounting for 77% of the volume sales in the UK, is larger than in other areas. This leaves only 13% for direct sales and the remaining 10% for direct distribution to end users, where larger profits are possible. Market conditions in the compressor sector are expected to remain difficult in the short term as the engineering industry continues to recede and reduce its output. However, experts are predicting light at the end of the tunnel for 2005
when current trends are likely to start to recover.
Import threat Imports are one of the greatest threats to UK products and innovations; large manufacturers including ITT, Ebara and Nitto, who account for more than 10% of world demand, are able to produce industry-targeted products in massive quantities that retail at very competitive prices. The world pump industry has experienced consolidation over the past decade with some of the less competitive players being squeezed out. Further consolidation is expected and supplychain management could be the new downfall. According to Archfact’s marketing director Mike McGrath, innovation and export will be the most important factors deciding who will ‘sink or swim’. “We have spent years and thousands of pounds on research and development to ensure the Aims Pump range of compressor/vacuum pumps was ready for launch to compete on the international stage, including appointing professional marketing strategists to assist with the brand development and launch strategy”, he says. The only remotely comparable product to the Aims Pump range is manufactured in Japan, which has obvious disadvantages – notably
WORLD PUMPS July 2003
p24-27.qxd
25/06/2003
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feature vacuum pumps the delivery lead-times and minimum order quantities – but nonetheless offers a very real obstacle to new ideas from smaller countries. However, Archfact’s in-house management team took advice from external professionals and produced a plan that has proved a success.
motor-driven air compressor or a vacuum pump, Archfact’s engineering director Steve McGrath explains. Operation consists of a piston assembly supported by a spring system, working in harmony with the alternating mains input supply frequency through an electric coil linear motor.
Archfact’s strategy
The AC power supply energizes an electromagnet, which in turn attracts the piston, thus compressing its return spring system. This action draws air through the inlet valve and into the main cylinder. When the electromagnet is de-energized, the return spring system propels the piston back. The air is compressed and expelled through the outlet valve, which operates under pressure.
From the very beginning of Archfact’s product research it became apparent that relatively high vibration and noise, along with high maintenance, had become accepted as normal for conventional motordriven pumps and compressors. The company recognized this as a niche area for development. The simplicity of its final design and structures removes the need for complex component parts such as rods and bearings, which gives the pivotal benefits of minimal noise, low vibration and negligible, oil-free maintenance. Archfact decided not only to emphasize the benefits of the Aims Pump product in terms of its ability to cut down noise and vibration, but also to push the hands-on CRM (customer relationship management) advantages of using a UK designed product that is also manufactured here, and is therefore available much more readily. “We decided to target UK specialist industries,” explains Mike McGrath. “Initial research showed the product was highly attractive to medical markets, amongst others, and that is where we launched, with a strategy in place that would then transport our product to other industries and into other countries.” The company also ensured its precision engineering business was not neglected to ensure stability at the foundations.
Simplicity provides advantages The pumps’ design (see box) and structure offers a simple mode of operation without the need of complex component parts such as cranks, rods, bearing, oil or grease. The very quiet and low vibration features are achieved by the variable displacement piston system and motor. This also means that maintenance is simplified and the life of the pump is longer. Maintenance is straightforward and inexpensive. By undoing four screws and removing the cylinder head cap, it is easy to replace the piston and spring system with a new assembly. The Aims pump utilizes very smooth bearing seals, which provide excellent abrasion resistance and long-life operation.
Aims’ market introduction
The Aims pump’s “natural doubleaction technology” creates either a
The Aims pump was first introduced to Archfact’s existing medical
July 2003
Figure 2. The Aims pump features a simple design and structures such as these pneumatic air inlet/outlet points or connectors (a) and electrical terminations (b).
The shorter piston stroke reduces the current as well as the power consumed and therefore eliminates any possible failure due to overload.
Aims pump operating details
WORLD PUMPS
(a)
(b) clients and “was immediately adopted with enthusiasm”, according to Mike McGrath. “We have just secured our first major contract with Andover-based Novamedix and are delighted to be working with such a prestigious organization”, McGrath continues. International medical technology firm Novamedix, whose products have been used to treat more than 2 million patients worldwide, placed its first order for thousands of Aims pumps for use in its own unique
www.worldpumps.com 25
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feature vacuum pumps
Design features of the Aims pump Cross flow cooling Cool filtered incoming air is drawn through an orifice and travels over the electromagnetic coils before passing into the cylinder. This closed-seal construction prevents the escape of operating noise.
Noise With few moving parts and no transmission system, noise is maintained at minimal levels. The absence of rotating parts and ball bearings dispenses with vibration and drone. Other noise sources are dampened by the Aims pump’s sealed construction.
Air pulsations These are synchronized to the alternating input power frequency – independent of load. This equates to 3000 cycles of 50 Hz or 3600 cycles of 60 Hz. With such high frequency of operation each individual discharge volume is extremely low and this removes problems of pulsation.
Low power The piston and spring are the only moving parts. Therefore energy loss is minimized. Being without components for the transmission means greatly improving the Aims pump’s efficiency.
Over-pressure prevention As the output pressure rises above its rated value the piston stroke automatically diminishes and therefore prevents situations of over-pressurizing. The shorter piston stroke reduces the current as well as the power consumed and therefore eliminates any possible failure due to overload.
Start up reaction Units will start at low current and support short cycling when suffering frequent switching ON and OFF especially under high back-pressure situations.
Low vibration With few moving parts and the closely sealed assembly, any remaining vibration is absorbed by the special rubber foot design.
Durability The grease- and oil-free design together with few moving components adds up to a consistent and durable performance over long periods. Service is simple assuring continued life for all other component parts. The Aims pump is designed to withstand bumps and knocks without detriment to performance.
device that offers help to people suffering from circulation problems. Now a Japanese firm is buying the machines from Novamedix, which hopes to offer them around the world. Ian Brown, managing director of Novamedix says, “After so many years of dealing with a far eastern supplier we were very pleased to link up with Archfact who designed, manufactured and tested the product as well as providing training for our Japanese distributor”.
26
www.worldpumps.com
Looking ahead Archfact is confident about the future and believes its business and product strategy will successfully ride the uncertain short term. A selection of pump variants is now available in addition to the standard Aims range. The company says that the alternative options incorporate different design features and specifications that will enable more customers from other industries to benefit from the technically advanced pump.
Purchasers can now pick from a highpressure vacuum pump, a highflow/low-pressure pump and a lowflow/high-pressure pump. For applications that require low noise control and mobility, a low voltage DC variant is also available upon request. ■ CONTACT Archfact Ltd Unit 10, Pipers Wood Waterlooville, PO7 7XU, UK. Tel: +44-2392-240-700 Fax: +44-2392-230-157 E-mail: [email protected] www.aimspump.com
WORLD PUMPS July 2003
25/06/2003
15:32
Page 24
feature vacuum pumps
Innovation essential for growth in vacuum pumps Innovation is an important factor in the health of the pump industry, particularly in areas such as the compressors/vacuum pump sector where demand is currently in decline. In 2002, UK precision engineering firm Archfact Ltd launched the worldwide patent-pending Aims range of innovative air compressors and vacuum pumps. Co-inventors Archfact’s marketing director Mike McGrath and engineering director Steve McGrath discuss the details of their pumps’ design and operation, together with the UK market scenario. Though times are uncertain, they believe their company’s strategy for success will ensure the long-term future for this product.
A
ccording to a leading industry report and forecast agency, the total UK market for pumps, spare parts and support services increased from an estimated £743.6 million in 1996 to £847.7 million in 2000, and that is not including compressors. Sales have increased by about 3% annually while profits have risen by an impressive 7%. As a whole the industry experienced a stable three-year financial period between 1998 and 2001. However, the significant sales increase of 14% (based on manufacturers’ selling prices) from 1996 to 2000 is likely to be hard
Figure 1. Archfact’s low-noise, low-vibration Aims vacuum pump.
24
0262 1762/03 © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
to repeat over the next few years. Pump sales are forecast to increase by only 2% by the end of this year and a small decline is predicted for 2004.
Difficult markets In fact, certain specialist areas within the pump sector are already feeling the impact of weaker world economies and fluctuating stock market prices. Specifically, the compressor segment performed significantly worse than overall manufacturing output during the year 2002. In 1998 the segment’s growth was only 1% and its recent declines have largely reflected the exposure of the segment to other markets such as mechanical engineering, which were among the weakest performing engineering areas during 2002. It also seems that the large number of distributors operating in the compressor market, accounting for 77% of the volume sales in the UK, is larger than in other areas. This leaves only 13% for direct sales and the remaining 10% for direct distribution to end users, where larger profits are possible. Market conditions in the compressor sector are expected to remain difficult in the short term as the engineering industry continues to recede and reduce its output. However, experts are predicting light at the end of the tunnel for 2005
when current trends are likely to start to recover.
Import threat Imports are one of the greatest threats to UK products and innovations; large manufacturers including ITT, Ebara and Nitto, who account for more than 10% of world demand, are able to produce industry-targeted products in massive quantities that retail at very competitive prices. The world pump industry has experienced consolidation over the past decade with some of the less competitive players being squeezed out. Further consolidation is expected and supplychain management could be the new downfall. According to Archfact’s marketing director Mike McGrath, innovation and export will be the most important factors deciding who will ‘sink or swim’. “We have spent years and thousands of pounds on research and development to ensure the Aims Pump range of compressor/vacuum pumps was ready for launch to compete on the international stage, including appointing professional marketing strategists to assist with the brand development and launch strategy”, he says. The only remotely comparable product to the Aims Pump range is manufactured in Japan, which has obvious disadvantages – notably
WORLD PUMPS July 2003
p24-27.qxd
25/06/2003
15:32
Page 25
feature vacuum pumps the delivery lead-times and minimum order quantities – but nonetheless offers a very real obstacle to new ideas from smaller countries. However, Archfact’s in-house management team took advice from external professionals and produced a plan that has proved a success.
motor-driven air compressor or a vacuum pump, Archfact’s engineering director Steve McGrath explains. Operation consists of a piston assembly supported by a spring system, working in harmony with the alternating mains input supply frequency through an electric coil linear motor.
Archfact’s strategy
The AC power supply energizes an electromagnet, which in turn attracts the piston, thus compressing its return spring system. This action draws air through the inlet valve and into the main cylinder. When the electromagnet is de-energized, the return spring system propels the piston back. The air is compressed and expelled through the outlet valve, which operates under pressure.
From the very beginning of Archfact’s product research it became apparent that relatively high vibration and noise, along with high maintenance, had become accepted as normal for conventional motordriven pumps and compressors. The company recognized this as a niche area for development. The simplicity of its final design and structures removes the need for complex component parts such as rods and bearings, which gives the pivotal benefits of minimal noise, low vibration and negligible, oil-free maintenance. Archfact decided not only to emphasize the benefits of the Aims Pump product in terms of its ability to cut down noise and vibration, but also to push the hands-on CRM (customer relationship management) advantages of using a UK designed product that is also manufactured here, and is therefore available much more readily. “We decided to target UK specialist industries,” explains Mike McGrath. “Initial research showed the product was highly attractive to medical markets, amongst others, and that is where we launched, with a strategy in place that would then transport our product to other industries and into other countries.” The company also ensured its precision engineering business was not neglected to ensure stability at the foundations.
Simplicity provides advantages The pumps’ design (see box) and structure offers a simple mode of operation without the need of complex component parts such as cranks, rods, bearing, oil or grease. The very quiet and low vibration features are achieved by the variable displacement piston system and motor. This also means that maintenance is simplified and the life of the pump is longer. Maintenance is straightforward and inexpensive. By undoing four screws and removing the cylinder head cap, it is easy to replace the piston and spring system with a new assembly. The Aims pump utilizes very smooth bearing seals, which provide excellent abrasion resistance and long-life operation.
Aims’ market introduction
The Aims pump’s “natural doubleaction technology” creates either a
The Aims pump was first introduced to Archfact’s existing medical
July 2003
Figure 2. The Aims pump features a simple design and structures such as these pneumatic air inlet/outlet points or connectors (a) and electrical terminations (b).
The shorter piston stroke reduces the current as well as the power consumed and therefore eliminates any possible failure due to overload.
Aims pump operating details
WORLD PUMPS
(a)
(b) clients and “was immediately adopted with enthusiasm”, according to Mike McGrath. “We have just secured our first major contract with Andover-based Novamedix and are delighted to be working with such a prestigious organization”, McGrath continues. International medical technology firm Novamedix, whose products have been used to treat more than 2 million patients worldwide, placed its first order for thousands of Aims pumps for use in its own unique
www.worldpumps.com 25
p24-27.qxd
25/06/2003
15:33
Page 26
feature vacuum pumps
Design features of the Aims pump Cross flow cooling Cool filtered incoming air is drawn through an orifice and travels over the electromagnetic coils before passing into the cylinder. This closed-seal construction prevents the escape of operating noise.
Noise With few moving parts and no transmission system, noise is maintained at minimal levels. The absence of rotating parts and ball bearings dispenses with vibration and drone. Other noise sources are dampened by the Aims pump’s sealed construction.
Air pulsations These are synchronized to the alternating input power frequency – independent of load. This equates to 3000 cycles of 50 Hz or 3600 cycles of 60 Hz. With such high frequency of operation each individual discharge volume is extremely low and this removes problems of pulsation.
Low power The piston and spring are the only moving parts. Therefore energy loss is minimized. Being without components for the transmission means greatly improving the Aims pump’s efficiency.
Over-pressure prevention As the output pressure rises above its rated value the piston stroke automatically diminishes and therefore prevents situations of over-pressurizing. The shorter piston stroke reduces the current as well as the power consumed and therefore eliminates any possible failure due to overload.
Start up reaction Units will start at low current and support short cycling when suffering frequent switching ON and OFF especially under high back-pressure situations.
Low vibration With few moving parts and the closely sealed assembly, any remaining vibration is absorbed by the special rubber foot design.
Durability The grease- and oil-free design together with few moving components adds up to a consistent and durable performance over long periods. Service is simple assuring continued life for all other component parts. The Aims pump is designed to withstand bumps and knocks without detriment to performance.
device that offers help to people suffering from circulation problems. Now a Japanese firm is buying the machines from Novamedix, which hopes to offer them around the world. Ian Brown, managing director of Novamedix says, “After so many years of dealing with a far eastern supplier we were very pleased to link up with Archfact who designed, manufactured and tested the product as well as providing training for our Japanese distributor”.
26
www.worldpumps.com
Looking ahead Archfact is confident about the future and believes its business and product strategy will successfully ride the uncertain short term. A selection of pump variants is now available in addition to the standard Aims range. The company says that the alternative options incorporate different design features and specifications that will enable more customers from other industries to benefit from the technically advanced pump.
Purchasers can now pick from a highpressure vacuum pump, a highflow/low-pressure pump and a lowflow/high-pressure pump. For applications that require low noise control and mobility, a low voltage DC variant is also available upon request. ■ CONTACT Archfact Ltd Unit 10, Pipers Wood Waterlooville, PO7 7XU, UK. Tel: +44-2392-240-700 Fax: +44-2392-230-157 E-mail: [email protected] www.aimspump.com
WORLD PUMPS July 2003