Varvel delivered last 19th December a talk on possible use of nanoparticles to optimize the efficiency in worm gearboxes with bronze worm gears, as part of the Characterization of nanostructures course in the Physics Department of the italian University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. The direct contact with Varvel’s r&d department gave students a glimpse into research as applied to real industrial production needs (pictured, Elena Ferramola, r&d Varvel).
Varvel added a special nanoadditive to enhance tribological performance of the lubricant, leading to an improvement in gearbox functionality without any impact on production, nor having to modify any standard component, and with only a negligible increase in cost. The Bologna-based Group, specialized in the production of gearboxes and mechanical speed variators, attaches a great deal of importance to links with universities, and for 10 years now has enjoyed a close and fruitful collaboration with leading universities in Emilia Romagna, in the context of many schemes and projects of national and international meaning. The collaboration also led to the creation of new jobs and to the employment of new qualified professionals. Some of the students and researchers who have participated in joint projects have gone on to join Varvel’s r&d department.