We’re centrally located in Northwest Arkansas, making it easy for us to get your machinery to you fast when you need it. Until recently, we used to be in agricultural zone 6. Agricultural zone 6, as defined by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), is a designation on the Plant Hardiness Zone Map. This map indicates average annual minimum winter temperatures across the United States, helping gardeners and farmers choose suitable plants for their specific location.
Zone 6 is characterized by average minimum winter temperatures ranging from -10°F (-23.3°C) to 0°F (-17.8°C). This implies moderately cold winters with occasional dips below freezing but not reaching extreme low temperatures.
That’s what we used to be. Now, however, we are in zone 7.
A wide variety of plants can thrive in zone 6, including fruit trees like apples, pears, cherries, and plums. Ornamental trees like maples, oaks, and dogwoods can also flourish. Lilacs, hydrangeas, roses (with winter protection in some cases), and azaleas are popular choices for zone 6 gardens.
Magnolias are happy in zone 7 and we can grow tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and melons. We didn’t move; it just got hotter.
Besides the garden
It’s important to know your planting zone so you can grow the right kind of plants for your region. But there’s something more significant for manufacturers. A change in our plant hardiness zone tells us that our ambient temperatures are higher than they used to be. This can affect your Rexroth motion control systems.
As temperature rises, most materials expand slightly. In high-precision motion control systems like those from Rexroth, even minute dimensional changes can affect positioning accuracy. This can lead to issues like misalignment, binding, and reduced repeatability in movements controlled by Rexroth components.
Rexroth motion control systems often rely on lubricants to reduce friction and wear. The viscosity of lubricants changes with temperature. At higher temperatures, lubricants can become thinner and less effective, increasing friction and potentially leading to reduced efficiency or accelerated wear of components. Conversely, at very low temperatures, lubricants can thicken and become sluggish, hindering smooth operation.
Rexroth motion control systems usually include electronic components like sensors, drives, and controllers. These components have optimal operating temperature ranges for peak performance. Excessively high or low ambient temperatures can stress these electronic components, potentially leading to malfunctions or reduced lifespan.
Safety and reliability
Rexroth motion control components can generate heat during operation. High ambient temperatures can exacerbate this heating, increasing the risk of overheating and potential component failure. Overheating can also create safety hazards.
The strength and other properties of materials used in Rexroth components can be affected by temperature. For instance, some materials might become weaker or more brittle at extreme temperatures, raising safety concerns.
In some cases, high ambient temperatures can lead to increased energy consumption in Rexroth motion control systems. For instance, cooling systems might need to work harder to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
To ensure optimal performance, accuracy, safety, and efficiency when using Rexroth motion control products in a factory setting, it’s crucial to consult Rexroth product specifications: These specifications outline recommended operating temperature ranges for each component. Continuously monitor the ambient temperature within the factory to ensure it stays within the recommended range for the Rexroth products being used.
If your Rexroth components were installed many years ago, they may have been set up for different ambient temperatures from the ones they’re facing now. By taking appropriate measures, you can ensure your Rexroth motion control system functions optimally within a factory setting — even as it gets hotter.