Crankshafts

The Invisible Force Behind the Everyday and the Extraordinary

Whether in marine engines, power plants, or high-performance compressors, crankshafts are the heart of countless machines. They transform the linear movement of pistons into rotational power, ensuring efficient energy use. Without them, many essential processes would come to a halt: transporting goods across the oceans, generating electricity in power plants, or compressing gases in industrial applications. Crankshafts are the unsung heroes, powering both everyday life and extraordinary achievements.

 

Maximum Performance for Maritime Applications

Ocean-going vessels require engines that operate reliably and efficiently for decades. A prime example is the new series of fuel-flexible engine types specifically developed for marine applications. These four-stroke engines, demanding high performance and fuel efficiency, require exceptionally robust and durable crankshafts. This is where GMH Gruppe comes in: our high-performance crankshafts not only withstand immense loads but also contribute to optimizing fuel consumption and reducing emissions—a crucial advantage in an industry increasingly focused on sustainability.

 

World-Class Energy Supply

GMH crankshafts are also essential in power generation. Modern power plants worldwide rely on powerful gas engines with robust and efficient drive trains. These engines must deliver maximum efficiency while withstanding extreme thermal and mechanical stresses. Our specially manufactured crankshafts ensure a long service life and compatibility with alternative fuels—key elements in the energy transition.

 

Precision and Performance in Industry

Beyond shipping and power generation, GMH crankshafts are indispensable in high-performance compressors. These machines endure extreme pressure and dynamic loads daily. GMH crankshafts are engineered to meet these rigorous demands, ensuring maximum operational reliability.

One notable application of high-pressure compressors is the production of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), a polymer used to encapsulate solar cells in solar modules. EVA protects photovoltaic cells from moisture and dirt, enhancing the longevity and performance of solar panels. Particularly impressive are hyper compressors that compress gases at extremely high pressures, forming tiny pellets essential in plastics production. Some of these machines are as large as a house and require highly durable components. GMH supplies crankshafts up to 6.5 meters in length, capable of withstanding the most demanding mechanical stresses.

 

High-Quality Steel Production and Manufacturing

Every GMH crankshaft starts as a high-quality steel block, produced through sustainable processes—often entirely scrap-based. This eco-friendly production reduces the carbon footprint while ensuring optimal material quality for extreme applications.

Once the steel is produced, the crankshafts undergo precision machining through multiple complex stages. Advanced forging, hardening, and machining techniques optimize the mechanical properties and guarantee maximum durability. GMH Gruppe’s vertically integrated production chain—from steel production to the finished crankshaft—enables the creation of crankshafts weighing up to 25 tons and measuring up to 9 meters in length. Specially developed heat treatments enhance strength and wear resistance, ensuring reliability even under the harshest conditions.

 

A Component that Moves the World

Crankshafts are more than just mechanical components—they are the key to powerful, efficient, and sustainable drive systems in diverse industries. Whether at sea, on land, or in industrial settings—with high-quality materials and precise manufacturing, GMH Gruppe ensures that the world keeps moving. Often, it’s the invisible components that make the biggest difference.

 

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