Why VAHLE?
Our history dates back to 1912 when Paul Vahle, a maintenance engineer at a steel mill, invented the Copperhead Conductor. Over the past 85+ years VAHLE has been an industry leader with numerous technological advances and patented products. VAHLE systems are sold throughout the world and are renowned for their quality and reliability. VAHLE components are manufactured in Kamen, Germany and VAHLE is ISO 9001 Certified. VAHLE, Inc. was established in 1973 in Houston, TX and has been providing VAHLE components, systems and installation services in North America.
Industry Leaders
We have specialized in the mobile electrification industry since our inception. By keeping our focus consistent we have been able to develop the most proven and reliable components in the industry. The majority of our customers are repeat customers or referrals. OEMs know that our products enhance the operation of their systems and End Users appreciate the reliability and low maintenance and longevity of our systems. Our customers also know that when all factors are considered, the cost of a VAHLE system is more economical than competitive systems.
Customer Service and Support
At VAHLE we offer the following services:
- Same day shipping on in-stock/standard components; orders placed by 1pm.
- Immediate quoting; Line item quoting on in-stock/standard components.
- Same day of next day quoting for systems on in-stock/standard components.
- We recommend the proper and most economical system based on your requirements.
- Supervision and installation services.
- We stock a broad range of components and spare parts.
- Friendly, courteous and responsive sales associates.
THE Mobile Electrification DIFFERENCE
The best way to see the difference in VAHLE quality is to compare our components side by side with our competitor’s components. You will see that VAHLE has quality and design superiority in all key areas including:
Type of Conductor Material...
Solid Copper Conductors
Reduced voltage drop; Minimized sparking; Will not peel, crack or deteriorate under normal operating conditions.
Quality and type of joints (plug-in vs. bolted)...
We offer plug-in joints when mechanically reliable only. We feature rigid bolted joints for most of our systems.
Joint reliability is key to a low maintenance system. Our joints are quality designed for reliable operation.
Consistency, construction and integrity of conductor housing...
Our housings are made to specific quality standards to ensure uniformity and consistency.
The quality of construction is very important especially as it pertains to safety and resiliency to outside influences.
Type of guiding method for collector assembly...
VAHLE collectors are designed to guide on the conductor not the housing or shroud.
Shroud guided collectors will eventually wear and crack the shroud / housing causing safety and maintenance issues.
Construction and build quality of collector assemblies...
VAHLE collectors are engineered with lift and swivel tolerances, and are of advanced mechanical design.
Collector assemblies are critical to system reliability and VAHLE offers the best.
Ability to replace collector parts (wheels, neck etc.)
Individual collector components are replaceable.
Better materials and design offer longevity but is also practical and economical to offer replaceable components. Many of our competitors’ offer throw away collectors.
Ability to replace contact brushes only...
VAHLE contact brushes are designed as a wear item. We use a brush quality and design that promotes long life between changes.
Many competitors’ offer cheaper brushes but they must be changed frequently costing maintenance dollars.
Longevity of system...
VAHLE means quality! Our systems last many years and require minimal maintenance.
The Contactless Power Supply Difference
Several companies offer inductive technology but VAHLE offers practical experience and expertise with a number of operating installations.
Other advantages of VAHLE CPS:
- The CPS system uses a standard cable that can be mounted as required including in a flat surface or in a wet environment.
- We offer flat pick-up coil units that ride above the primary cable.
- CPS operates at unity power factor.
- The system uses standard inverter and primary cable.
- The system can be configured for the customers power supply and required out-put power supply.
- Out-put power can be configured for constant voltage (one user) or constant current (multiple users).
The Data Communication Difference
The VAHLE SMG (Slotted Microwave Guide) system offers state of the art technology that is not available or offered by any other company. There are over 1500 installations worldwide and many more in the planning stages.
The SMG system is immune from RFI and EMI and is suitable for communication up to 10 Mbts. Multi-channel function offers the possibility of simultaneous transmission of video, voice and Emergency Stop. The E-Stop is TÜV certified. SMG is FCC certified and requires no site licensing.
THE VAHLE Powercom® system has been refined into a compact integrated communication unit that is used with the very popular and dependable VAHLE conductor systems.