Atlas Copco engineer awarded the Ljungström Prize for developing turbine-driven grinding tools
25 jun 2002
Stockholm, Sweden, June 25, 2002 - Rolf Jakobsson of Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly systems, Stockholm, has received the prestigious Ljungström Prize for developing industrial grinding tools with turbine motors. Awarded every third year by the National Association of Swedish Mechanical Engineers (SMR), the Ljungström Prize is given for outstanding contributions in the field of mechanical engineering.
Rolf Jakobsson received the Ljungström Prize for his pioneering tool designs. “A highly innovative and creative designer, Jakobsson developed a successful series of industrial grinders with pneumatically driven, axial turbine motors. The tools have unusually high levels of efficiency and performance,” says Jan-Gunnar Persson, chairman of SMR. The low weight and high power of hand-held turbine grinders remove a large amount of physical strain from the operator. These features have revolutionized grinding in heavy applications such as foundries and shipyards. In addition to making life easier for grinder operators worldwide, Jakobsson’s work has put Atlas Copco far ahead in the field of industrial grinding. As a result of his innovative thinking, Atlas Copco’s first generation of turbine grinders went into serial production in 1993 and was a major success in the market. The second generation was released in 1998. CONTACT: Inger Brahme, Communications Manager, Atlas Copco Tools and Assembly Systems, + 46 8 743 9574, mobile: +46 70 308 9574, [email protected] Cathrine Gustafsdahl, Communications Manager, Atlas Copco AB + 46 8 743 8074, mobile +46 70 3498074, [email protected] To the editor: The Ljungström Prize was founded in 1971 by the National Association of Swedish Mechanical Engineers in memory of two of Sweden’s most prominent inventors, Birger and Fredrik Ljungström. Birger Ljungström (1872-1948) invented a bicycle with a free wheel and a rear-wheel brake. With his brother Fredrik Ljungström (1875-1964) he invented high-pressure steam boilers and a new type of steam turbine. Atlas Copco is an international industrial Group with its head office in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2001, the Group had revenues of SEK 51 billion, with 98 percent of revenues outside Sweden, and close to 26,000 employees. The Group produce and market compressed air equipment and generators, construction and mining equipment, electric and pneumatic tools, assembly systems, and offers related service and equipment rental. The Group owns famous brands like RSC, Milwaukee, Chicago Pneumatic and AEG Power Tools. More information can be found on the web site: www.atlascopco-group.com.