Zamboni
Electrified ice rink machines boost sales
After many years of servicing and maintaining ice rink machines, the partners decided to develop their own product. With their industry knowledge, they knew exactly what a really good ice rink machine should look like and how it should work. However, the electric drive train was a challenge that threatened to jeopardise the entire project. Thanks to close collaboration with ETP, the first product was completed in record time.
"Perfect ice is the product we sell, and all systems must work together to achieve this," explains Jörgen Åström, CEO of Zamboni Europe. In addition to perfect ice handling, an ice resurfacing machine needs driving characteristics that make it easy to manoeuvre, which is not entirely straightforward given the surface and the weight of the vehicle.
From service to in-house manufacturing
Five years ago, it was not obvious that Zamboni Europe would become one of the world's leading manufacturers of ice resurfacing machines. At that time, the company was called Izomaskin and worked exclusively with service and maintenance. The company had only three employees when Jörgen one day put forward the idea of manufacturing its own machines:
"We decided on the spot to manufacture our own ice resurfacing machine. We knew exactly how it should be designed. It would have an electric drivetrain with simple and direct steering for a completely new driving experience," explains Jörgen.
"I remember that day like it was yesterday," Jörgen continues. It was 12 June, so the product name felt obvious. The new product name became 612.
Drive train and steering system – a tough challenge
Work on the first prototype got underway quickly, but the drivetrain was a challenge.
"We knew exactly how we wanted the machine to feel to drive and how much power was needed. But it was difficult to get the electrical components to work together. Individually, they were good, but to create a safe and effective solution, we needed external expertise," explains Jörgen.
After a few initial attempts with different suppliers, they were recommended to contact ETP, which, according to Jörgen, was the key to success. The basic model comprises seven motors: one in each wheel and additional motors for the snow blower, snow transport and hydraulics. Each motor unit is fully optimised for its task in the system. With a modular basic design, the drivetrain and functions can be easily adapted for different purposes.
To ensure the development work, ETP built its own electrical cabinet at its main facility in Partille, just outside Gothenburg. Here, components and systems were tested to ensure that everything could be delivered with full precision directly to the customer.
"We wanted a completely unique solution, and programming control systems is no easy task," Jörgen continues. Fortunately, ETP was able to solve this with the help of its sister company, Mobile Integrator. We got in direct contact with them and they developed the control system exactly as we wanted it.
Within a year, the company went from idea to finished product. Sales were not long in coming.
Advice for those who are going to electrify
Electrifying a powertrain requires in-depth knowledge of components, systems, safety regulations and legislation.
"If I were to give you one piece of advice as you face the task of electrifying the drivetrain, it would be to talk to an expert," Jörgen emphasises. Buying components is one thing; you can do that easily online. Getting the parts to work safely and efficiently with each other is quite another matter. Do it right from the start and spend your time thinking about the characteristics of your product – how fast it should go, how often it should be used and how it should be assembled. Then let others figure out the best and safest design for your powertrain.
"We see a very bright future for our ice rink machines," concludes Jörgen. Quality and knowledge always pay off. And we are incredibly grateful for all the expert knowledge we have gained from ETP.
More reference cases from ETP
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