Keywords
Citation
(2003), "NSK extends operating parameters for bearings in normal and vacuum environments with new design allowing operation to 400°C", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 55 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2003.01855aad.009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2003, MCB UP Limited
NSK extends operating parameters for bearings in normal and vacuum environments with new design allowing operation to 400°C
NSK extends operating parameters for bearings in normal and vacuum environments with new design allowing operation to 400°C
Keywords: NSK, Bearings, High temperature
NSK is redefining the operating parameters for high temperature bearings in all areas of manufacturing and processing technology with a new, patent pending bearing design that provides outstanding levels of performance in normal atmospheric and vacuum environments at temperatures up to 400°C.
The new SJ bearings (see Plate 7) are the latest addition to NSK’s SPACEA series, a unique range of bearings and lubricants that provide high performance and reliability under all types of demanding operating conditions: super-clean, vacuum, non-magnetic, corrosive, high/low temperature, nuclear and high speed.
Plate 7
The new SJ bearings
Central to the high temperature performance of SJ series is a patent pending design, integrating a special cage pocket containing a solid lubricant spacer joint positioned between two specially treated balls. This arrangement, resembling a peapod, overcomes the problems of high temperature environments as encountered in kilns, vacuum deposition equipment, and on heat treatment conveyors, with the added benefits of extended maintenance-free performance and longer operating life.
The longer life performance of the bearings is achieved due to the steady supply of lubricant – a sintered molybdenum disulphide material, provided by the spacer joint. This ensures added durability in high temperature atmospheric conditions – up to six times longer compared to bearings using solid lubricant paste. In addition, the lubricant demonstrates minimal outgassing performance, eliminating concerns over production pollution when the bearings are used in vacuum environments.
Equally important for the SJ bearings groundbreaking levels of performance, is a materials specification that employs martensitic stainless or bearing steel for bearing inner rings, outer rings and balls (the latter can also be ceramic for added durability), and austenitic stainless or cold rolled steel for the special pressed cages used in the bearings.
The balls are one element in a two-part synergy designed to ensure excellent torque stability from the SJ series bearings over extended operating periods. They are coated with the same molybdenum disulphide material used for the spacer joints. This results in a symbiosis, in which both balls and spacer combine to achieve torque stability exceeding that of conventional silver coated bearings, even under demanding vacuum conditions.
The continuous drive to improve technology in all areas of manufacturing, processing, communications, power generation and transport is placing increasing demands upon bearings to operate in special environments and under adverse conditions. NSK is meeting these requirements with the SPACEA series. SPACEA bearings achieve this wide range of technical requirements with a programme of high performance materials, surface finishes and specially developed lubricants, including solid types. SPACEA bearings can be manufactured from martensitic and austenitic stainless steels for corrosive environments, ceramics or a combination of both. Hybrid SPACEA types can have any combination of ceramic inner rings, outer rings or balls, however, the range also includes all ceramic bearings for use in highly corrosive and high temperature environments.
For further information, contact: Michelle Reed, NSK Europe Ltd, European Bearings Business Unit, Northern Road, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2JF, UK. Tel: +44 1636 605123; E-mail: info-uk@nsk.com; Web site: www.eu.nsk.com