Interrupting a continuous manufacturing process occasionally because of a bearing failure can be irritating, but when the failures become more frequent the costs in lost production start to mount up. For one large producer of fish products, repeated bearing failures on a heat exchanger unit demanded attention, which led to NSK delivering a huge annual saving through the installation of improved bearing technology.

Combating contamination in bearings is one of the single most effective ways to extend bearing life and consequentially to reduce the maintenance requirement of the machinery they are fitted to. When high quality band saw manufacturer Prosaw found that bearings were regularly failing on automated saws that had been supplied to a prominent manufacturer of building insulation, both Prosaw and the end user needed a solution quickly.

A compact, 48-page booklet has been published by NSK that explains bearing designations in concise and clear terms, thus making it easier for engineers to choose bearings and order spare parts.

When a global manufacturer of bus gearboxes was unexpectedly faced with having to replace roller bearings in a series of helical transmission gears due to failures within the warranty period, NSK was invited to assess the cause of failure and suggest a solution.

NSK EPS system meets ISO 26262 specification

Designed specifically to suit steel industry converters and continuous casting lines, optimised cylindrical roller bearings from NSK deliver benefits that include the use of up to 30% wider cylindrical rollers for accommodating greater loads. The bearings also provide longer replacement intervals, helping end users reduce downtime.

Faced with high maintenance costs relating to bearings on a plate rolling mill, a major steel manufacturer has witnessed significant benefits following an application specific product replacement from NSK. Until recently, a daily maintenance routine was required on the rolling mill’s existing open roll bearings to ensure sufficient lubrication. However, analysis by NSK led to the proposal, and subsequent installation, of advanced Sealed-Clean bearings, which are designed specifically for use in heavily contaminated environments and offer 2.7 times longer life than conventional roll neck bearings.

Michael Preinerstorfer, the recently appointed Managing Director of the European Industrial Business Unit (EIBU) at NSK, explains how he is aiming to extend further the company’s position of strength through superior added value for customers. In fact, NSK’s AIP added value programme, is already driving huge benefits and savings at customers worldwide, largely through a commitment to 100% in-house product development, extensive service provision and a pledge of total quality. Mr Preinerstorfer also emphasises on the relevance of next year’s centenary celebrations, and reveals that the company’s turnover target for 2016 is 7 billion euros.

Twice as durable as previous generation models (LH/LS series), the new NH/NS linear guides have the same dimensions but feature a 30% higher basic dynamic load rating thanks to geometrically optimized ball grooves. They also support up to three times higher maximum speeds, from 150 to 300 m/min.