Bearings prevent failures at can manufacturer
January 2024
Motion Control & Drives
When the world’s largest beverage can manufacturer was experiencing regular, unexpected production stoppages due to the premature failure of spray-head bearings in its coating machines, the company turned to the expertise of NSK. Recommending NSK deep groove ball bearings featuring VV series non-contact seals helped the plant to eliminate failures and achieve impressive annual savings of €240 000.
NSK engineers conducted a full evaluation of the application, including comprehensive bearing and grease analysis. They deduced that the bearings were seizing due to the ejection of bearing grease by high-pressure air needed for the process. Inadequate bearing seals were failing to prevent this unwanted effect.
As part of a complete value proposal, NSK recommended the adoption of its deep groove ball bearings with VV series non-contact seals and C3 internal clearance geometry. Offering high performance in contaminated environments, this innovative configuration seals effectively without increasing either torque or operating temperature. Notably the non-contact lip design reduces bearing drag, an important advantage where power loss is critical.
The NSK solution resulted in excellent grease retention while still allowing high-pressure air flow through the bearing as part of the machine’s operating procedure. Most importantly of all, the can manufacturing plant witnessed a dramatic increase in bearing life: from seven to 110 days of operation, after which routine maintenance took place. The customer is benefitting from extended bearing life, alongside increased productivity and reduced maintenance costs, resulting in annual savings of €240 000.
Further reading:
Bearing failure analysis transforms operations of battery manufacturer
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Persistent bearing failure on a centralised extraction fan motor was negatively impacting operational efficiency for a leading battery manufacturer in East Africa. SKF Kenya conducted a bearing analysis and solved the problem.
Read more...
Why turbomachinery should break free from vendor lock-in
Schneider Electric South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Today’s modern turbomachinery control systems form an important of operational efficiency, be it in heavy industries, traditional power generation or renewables such as hydroelectric facilities. Independence is the name of the game, and turbomachinery stands to gain lot from this newfound freedom.
Read more...
Bearing strategy maintains production for cement manufacturer
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF South Africa and its Authorised Distributor, Bolt & Engineering Distributors Klerksdorp successfully remanufactured a double-row tapered roller bearing assembly for a vertical mill within a two-week timeframe, offering the customer a cost-effective 50% cost-saving alternative which keeps the plant operational while they await the supply of new bearings.
Read more...
Lubrication solutions for cranes
Motion Control & Drives
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa provides a comprehensive range of lubrication solutions that meet the specific needs of mobile cranes.
Read more...
SKF lubrication team assists iron ore producer in Liberia
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The highly skilled team of specialised lubrication technicians from SKF South Africa has demonstrated its exceptional onsite expertise through the seamless installation of Lincoln Lubrication systems for a key customer, ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Read more...
Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.
Read more...
World’s largest production capacity mine hoist
Motion Control & Drives
BB has been selected by global mining company BHP to deliver, install and commission three friction hoists and a further electrical system for a Blair service hoist to its Jansen Potash project in Canada.
Read more...
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
Motion Control & Drives
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
Read more...
New torque sensors for fastening applications
Spero Sensors & Instrumentation
Motion Control & Drives
Sensor Technology, a global leader in innovative torque and load measurement solutions, has launched its latest advancement in torque sensing technology.
Read more...
Versatile variable speed drive for efficient motor control
iTek Drives
Motion Control & Drives
The Invertek Optidrive is a versatile variable speed drive designed for efficient motor control in various applications.
Read more...
printer friendly version