The Varvel Group, an Italian gearbox design and manufacture company, is currently developing two groundbreaking components utilising nano-technology facilities and expertise provided by European funded Open Innovation Test Bed Newskin. Varvel's aim is to optimise lubrication efficiency, minimise oil consumption in products, and enhance the overall energy efficiency of systems giving this an eco-edge over their previous gearbox technology. This initiative is supported by Confindustria Emilia Area Centro, a key partner of NewSkin OITB.

With a strong commitment to innovation, industrial advancement, and energy conservation, the Varvel Group came to work with the NewSkin OITB team, who focus on designing, upscaling and testing high-performance surface functionality using nano-technology. By integrating these novel nano-surface and nano-coating designs, Varvel seeks to significantly improve the energy efficiency of their gearboxes, while simultaneously reducing maintenance, downtime, and oil usage. This will result in products that are more reliable, durable, competitive, and environmentally friendly.

Through advanced techniques such as laser texturing of contact surfaces and vacuum coating of gears, Varvel aims to increase gearbox performance, lower lubricant consumption, prevent oil leaks, and further improve system-wide energy efficiency.

Currently in the testing phase, these innovative solutions, if successful, will be integrated into Varvel’s range of speed variators and gearmotors, which serve various industries such as Food & Beverage, Automotive, Textile, Renewable Energy, Construction, and more.