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| The new SkatePal: a smaller, portable, compact, simpler and more elegant machine for maintaining a good edge! |
Strong position
Eriksson Teknik is one of the leaders in it´s niche in Europe today with a strong position also in North America. Under the brand name Prosharp, Eriksson Teknik has marketed its machines together with NHL star Peter Forsberg and his father Kent, one of Sweden’s leading ice hockey managers.
Two large machines have now been complemented by a compact, portable and simpler model for maintaining a good edge. This machine is primarily aimed at teams as it combines user friendliness with guaranteed professional results. Sharpening ice skates involves grinding the skate’s cross section from glidesurface to a so-called hollow grinding as well as the skate’s longitudinal contour or radius. For elite hockey players, this is usually done before each match.
New approaches
To develop the new SkatePal machine, Eriksson Teknik looked for new approaches. The rest of the company’s range consists of machines built in part of tubular and sheet steel which involved time-consuming welding, bending and assembly.
With SkatePal the company took a major step in the development of a new generation of machines based on aluminium extrusions. The experience gained here will also be useful in developing the rest of the product range with aluminium extrusion technique!
Integrated functions
SkatePal’s casing consists of two extrusions that are fitted into one another to create the outer casing. The extrusions have a large number of mechanical and electronic functions built in. They have been designed for simple and efficient assembly and create a modern, attractive appearance. Furthermore, aluminium is better than steel at dampening the vibration that occurs during sharpening.
Hydro supplies aluminium extrusions to the new SkapePal– machined, surface treated and cut to right length – ready for final assembly.
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1. Track for the sliding hatch
2. Track for fastening the skate/ grinding disc track (CNC milled)
3. Increased extrusion thickness during recessing for extra durability
4. Angled panel for push buttons
5. Track for dust seal
6. Screw recess for fitting the end cover
7. Split extrusion to facilitate installation and final assembly
8. Décor grooves for surface protection
9. Track for the printed circuit boards and battery pack
10. Track for fastening the rack drive
11. Track for linear control of the moving grinding unit
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The rest of the company’s range consists of machines built in part of tubular and sheet steel which involves time-consuming welding, bending and assembly. Future improvement and development of these machines will be done utilizing aluminum extrusion technique!
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