Lightweight, aluminum drive units treated with NORD’s nsd tupH surface conversion system provide durable protection against corrosion and harsh cleaning agents.

NORD’s nsd tupH sealed surface treatment is available as an option with a variety of their modular products and provides an easy to clean surface suited for harsh processing and manufacturing environments.

Many industries including the food and beverage, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries require intensive cleaning, strict washing, and disinfection processes to meet the highly regulated, hygienic standards that are required for their applications. To prevent material destruction by cleaning agents and disinfectants, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS developed nsd tupH – a sealed surface conversion system that ensures easy yet safe cleaning, ultimate surface durability, and wear resistance.

When compared to stainless steel, nsd tupH is a lightweight, cost-effective alternative. Stainless steel products provide high corrosion resistance but are costly and dissipate heat poorly. The advantage of using aluminum with nsd tupH is the material’s inherent low weight. This enables the finished product’s overall weight to remain low and the cost economical. The combination also results in superior drive performance as the gear load itself is lower and heat can be evenly dissipated.

Unlike conventional methods where paint is only applied superficially, the nsd tupH system uses a chromate-free chemical process that permanently penetrates the aluminum housing – transforming the metal’s physical properties and creating a surface that is up to 7 times harder than the original aluminum. A clear sealant is then applied to the bound substrate material to create a smooth surface that is easy to clean and maintain. The sealant also provides further resistance to acids and alkalis, will not spread corrosion even if damaged, and unlike paint, will not blister, flake, or chip. Along with the strengthened housing, nsd tupH units are equipped with stainless steel shafts and hardware to further protect against rust and corrosion. 

Special shaft sealing rings are also installed to prevent unwanted moisture from entering the gearbox and damaging components. Synthetic or mineral food grade lubrication is optionally available for food and beverage applications.