Contact Details

ZF Padova SpA

Via Penghe 48
Caselle di Selvazzano
I-35030 Padova
Italy

Tel: +39 049 8299-311
Fax: +39 049 8299-550

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ZF Marine (Propellers)

ZF Marine Propellers

ZF Marine offers an extensive range of fixed pitch and controllable pitch propellers to suit all applications.

Fixed Pitch

Class 1 and Class S (according to ISO 484) fixed pitch propellers are produced by ZF Faster Propeller System Co. Ltd at their headquarters in Kaohsiung, Taiwan and a second factory at Zhuhai in P.R. China.


These propellers, with diameters up to 3 metres, are produced using a special casting technique and are then accurately machined on CNC machines using 3D CAM (Computed Aided Machining) software before being finished by grinding and hand-polishing. This means the propellers can be custom built to exactly match the vessels hydrodynamic characteristics, as well as the engine’s characteristics, to provide optimum efficiency and vessel performance. Design flexibility is assured by a wide selection in number of blades, diameter, pitch, expanded area ratio, propeller series, foil section and other geometrical features such as skew, rake, cupped and blade section thickness for different strength requirements. The high precision in the design and manufacture of these propellers leads to high efficiency, minimizing cavitation and vibration and therefore reducing noise.

The blade designs include standard KCA, skew KCA, NR, KA and NACA as well as ZF –FPS own “New Foil” (NF) design which ensures optimum efficiency even at relatively high propeller shaft rake angles. For sub-cavitation applications (vessel speed less than approx. 33 knts) the theoretical design method according to NACA 66 is the optimal solution when the shaft is inclined at less than 10 degrees. For higher angles, and fast vessels running with partial cavitation (non-uniform flow) the NF section is more advantageous. For these vessels (>33 knts), empirical result data is needed – e.g. from a cavitation tunnel. Every year, ZF-FPS tests a new NF design section with modified blade area ratio, pitch ratio and/or camber ratio. By this means, a wealth of data has been collected which can be used to develop NF section propellers for the most demanding applications.

ZF-FPS has been quality approved by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) according to ISO 9001 and has been certified according to OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management system) and in general the company implements the same quality standards as required by the ZF Group. Applications include motor yachts, commercial vessels, ferries, military vessels and all types of work boats.

Controllable Pitch Propellers

Design simplicity and ruggedness are the main features of the ZF Marine KH CPP. The solid hub has larger port bearings to ensure that the high thrust loads and wake-induced, alternating stresses are safely absorbed. This results in reduced maintenance low through-life costs. Moderate hydraulic pressure maximises system integrity and minimizes environmental risk. A double-blade sealing system further enhances the ecological attractiveness of these propellers.

The hub body is formed from a single, robust, nickel-aluminium-bronze casting and is designed to absorb the centrifugal and bending loads exerted by the propeller blades. FE (finite element) technology is used, enabling local stresses to be minimized, thereby reducing wear and tear on the bearing surfaces. A strong, cast-steel yoke is centrally located in the hub body with integral yoke pins and piston rod. Bronze, sliding blocks, specially shaped to accommodate the largest possible yoke pin eccentricity within the hub confines, are fitted on the yoke pins. The hub body also contains slotted blade carriers which are bolted to the propeller blade feet. This so called “pin-slot” mechanism translates the axial motion of the server piston into pitch rotation of the propeller blades.

ZF Marine After-Sales network provides a 24/7 service and there are over 500 Sales and Service offices world wide. See also ZF Marine products in sections “Gears” and “Propulsion Systems” on this web site.

For further details about all ZF Marine products, companies and dealer addresses, please visit our web site at www.ZF-Marine.com