Wire Roller Coasters Safely

Do you know the steepest roller coaster in the world? It is located in Japan and has a total travel distance of over 1000 meters. However, it was developed and manufactured in Germany. Gerstlauer is the name of the company that builds roller coasters and ferris wheels in Münsterhausen. Perhaps you were already sitting in one of the company's rides: for example in the "Gold Rusher", a roller coaster in the Zoo and Tierpark Tatzmania in Löffingen?

Safe roller coaster ride seven days a week

When building roller coasters and ferris wheels, safety is the top priority: "We transport people and want to give them pleasure, so we don't compromise on reliability and safety," explains Erwin Haider, who works in the field of electrical engineering and technical purchasing at Gerstlauer. The rides have been in use for 20 years or more and must always work, seven days a week. Gerstlauer therefore places high demands on the quality of its suppliers. The company does not place orders with the cheapest provider, but with the one they can rely on.

That is why the company mainly relies on local suppliers from southern Germany. The close proximity results in a close personal relationship. This is important because it creates long-term partnerships in which both sides pay attention to consistency and reliability.

Control, servo and data lines from Lapp

This also applies to the cabling. Gerstlauer has relied on the Lapp product range for more than ten years and obtains everything from control, servo and data lines. Gerstlauer Kabel, which covers all international standards, needs to withstand all weather and ensure long-term functionality, is required for the rides in demand worldwide. For example, the VDE-registered oil-resistant PVC control cable Ölflex Classic 110 and the shielded servo cable for highly dynamic use in energy management chains Ölflex Servo FD 796 CP play central roles in the wiring of the Gold Rusher in Tatzmania Park.

Gear drive

Race with an interactive roller coaster

At Gerstlauer there is practically no routine in purchasing. Every project has its own requirements, to which Lapp, as a supplier, has to react quickly and reliably. Gerstlauer therefore orders through the Lapp e-shop. "Gerstlauer is one of our most important customers in the digital environment," says Manuel Richter, Digital Sales Manager at Lapp. "For this reason, it was a matter of course that we adapt our processes entirely to specific needs."

Cable purchase with the smartphone

Gerstlauer employees can use a smartphone to access the e-shop's mobile website - even from the construction site if more or different cables are required at short notice. "We usually don't know 100% what to expect on the construction site," explains Erwin Haider. "It is important that we can react quickly and flexibly and that we have partners who also support us." To order a cable, the employee scans a barcode. The Lapp e-shop shows the product immediately and without confusion, including its availability.

Lapp pre-numbers the ordered cable drums for its customers and delivers them to any desired location, usually the next day - including weekends. In this way, Gerstlauer can avoid a detour via central purchasing. "This service saves resources and allows the customer to concentrate fully on their rides," emphasizes Manuel Richter. Erwin Haider can only confirm this: “Lapp covers all of our needs, with sensational delivery reliability and an order process that is optimal for us. That's exactly what we want from a supplier.”

Additional information on the particularly energy-efficient ferris wheel

In addition to roller coasters, Gerstlauer also builds giant wheels. The next hit could be the first "green", particularly energy-efficient ferris wheel in the world. It recovers braking energy and feeds it into an energy store for the electric drive, which significantly improves the energy balance. "For us, this project is just as exciting as a spectacular roller coaster," reports Erwin Haider, head of the electronics department at Gerstlauer.

Fast ordering and delivery processes

Despite the modern digital distribution channel, the personal relationship is not neglected, says Manuel Richter. Hermann Robl, who works in the Lapp field service, advises Gerstlauer on site about the optimal solutions.

"At Gerstlauer, our cables bring dreams to life that make people's hearts beat faster," says Richter, "and we notice that we are completely satisfied with our ordering and delivery process." Digital Sales sees such customer-specific solutions -Experts the future. For Gerstlauer this is already the case with Lapp.

Connectors

Safe thanks to the Olympic looping

Motion control

Roller coaster feeling with virtual reality and servo drive

On virtual paths against the corona crisis

In view of the latest developments relating to the corona virus, events are being canceled or postponed in a row. The future can belong to digital platforms that can compensate for this development. With the "Industrial Generation Network", the Vogel Communications Group presents a solution for professionals in the industry. As a digital supplement, the platform enables extensive networking: the focus is on digital encounters and establishing contacts, as well as product presentation and thematic exchange. Tools such as making appointments and video conferences enable professionals to network, make appointments and do research close to the respective branch. The platform thus replaces the currently severely restricted face-to-face communication, especially at trade fairs.

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