ZOLLER has added two new models to its powerShrink induction heat shrink range: the powerShrink 200 and the powerShrink 300. Both sit below the established 400 and 600, and both are available to order now through ZOLLER UK.
That takes the range from two models to four, and it changes who powerShrink is for. Until now, the system was aimed squarely at high-volume toolrooms. The new models bring the same ZOLLER induction technology within reach of smaller workshops, single-cell setups and anyone who wants to shrink tools at the machine without the footprint or the investment of the larger systems.
Here is a closer look at the two new machines, what sets them apart, and how to decide which one fits your operation.
powerShrink 200: Compact Induction Shrinking at the Machine
The powerShrink 200 is the compact model in the range. It is built to sit on a workbench right next to the machine tool, so tools can be shrunk where they are needed rather than walked back to a central toolroom. It weighs around 35 kg in its base form.
Despite being the smallest model, it uses the same 14 kVA induction coil as the rest of the range. The coil has two separately controlled windings, so heat goes into the clamping zone and not into the rest of the holder. Shielding discs are available in five sizes covering 3 mm to 32 mm shank diameters, and the software checks that the correct disc is fitted before it will let the heating cycle start.
You also get the full 13.3-inch industrial touchscreen and ZOLLER pilot software. That is the same interface used on the 600, so an operator trained on one machine can use any of them.
Also worth noting:
- Height-adjustable tool holder with a quick-change system for holder rings
- 400 mm linear axis on a THK guide with weight compensation
- Optional air cooling beneath the coil, with a low-noise nozzle design
- Optional fume extraction that switches on automatically during heating
- Storage for shielding discs, reducer rings, shaft tools, brushes and gloves built into the unit
The 200 does not include water cooling or cooling bells. It is a heating station first and foremost, with air cooling available as an option. If you need to cool several tools at once, the 300 is the better starting point.
powerShrink 300: Built for the Busy Toolroom
The powerShrink 300 is the first model in the range with integrated water cooling. It adds water cooling, a coil axis for long tools, and a hand scanner, and it carries TUV and UL/CSA certification to IEC/EN 61010-1.
The headline difference is cooling. The 300 comes with three standard cooling bells for holders from 6 mm to 32 mm, and the pilot software monitors all three at once so the operator can see which tool is ready. Cooling bells use contact cooling, which brings holders down quickly without risking run-out accuracy.
The induction coil gets an ergonomic handle with buttons for moving the coil and starting the heating cycle, so the operator does not need to go back to the screen between steps. The coil runs on a THK linear guide with electromagnetic axis clamping and a counterweight, and handles tools up to 600 mm long.
The hand scanner reads the DataMatrix code on a ZOLLER idChip or idLabel and loads the right shrink parameters straight into pilot. It works with any manufacturer’s holder as long as it carries a DataMatrix code, and pilot can count shrink cycles per holder and warn when one is nearing its wear limit.
The 300 is available as a workbench version (around 143 kg, plus 42 kg for the water cooler) or on a floor-standing table (around 274 kg). The table version can be specified with rollers and a handle so it can be moved around the shop.
The Same ZOLLER Technology, Whichever Model You Choose
What makes the new models worth a close look is that ZOLLER has not stripped the technology back to hit a price point. The core of every powerShrink is the same.
The induction coil. Two parallel windings can be switched on separately or together depending on the holder, so energy goes where it is needed. ZOLLER quotes a performance factor of nearly 1 to 1, meaning almost all the power drawn arrives at the holder. Compared with the previous generation that works out at up to 30 per cent less energy per shrink cycle, shorter heating and cooling times, and less thermal stress on holders.
pilot software. Every model runs the same 13.3-inch touchscreen and the same step-by-step operating dialogue. Pick the holder type, pick the diameter, fit the disc, and the software will not start heating until it can see the right disc is in place. Heating and cooling progress are shown on screen as a percentage and a countdown.
Fume extraction. Available on all four models, the suction system pulls flue gas from directly above the coil and from inside the coil housing, then routes it to a filter unit stored in the table or under the bench.
Which powerShrink Is Right for You?
If you shrink a handful of tools a day and want to do it at the machine, the powerShrink 200 is the one to ask about. If you run a toolroom where cooling throughput is the bottleneck, start with the 300. The 400 and 600 remain the choice for shops that want light-guided operation, larger diameters or a route towards automated tool preparation.
All four models are available now, and our team can help you work out which one fits your tool preparation process. If you would like to see the shrink and cool cycle for yourself, we can arrange a demonstration at our facility in Foston, Derby.
Download the full powerShrink brochure, including installation dimensions and the complete options list, from our Downloads page, or visit the powerShrink product page to explore the range.