As the next generation Very Large Array navigates towards its key science goals, SKF’s technology is playing a pivotal role in charting the stars. SKF is providing key components for the next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), a $2 billion telescope system that aims to peer deeper into the universe than ever before.
The US National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is planning the ngVLA to replace the highly successful Very Large Array, a group of 28 radio telescopes that have been operating in the New Mexico desert for more than 40 years. The new, more advanced and ambitious project will include 244 antennas arranged in a series of spiral arms on the current VLA site. Another 30 dishes will extend these arms more than 1000 km across the Southwest, with additional dishes positioned across the continental United States, Hawaii and Puerto Rico to create a truly continental virtual telescope.
Image copyright: Sophia Dagnello, NRAO/AUI/NSF.
SKF technology will be integrated into the elevation control system of the prototype ngVLA antenna currently under construction by mtex antenna technology, a specialist in advanced radio telescope projects based in Germany.
SKF and mtex have worked together for more than two years, and defined a bearing solution that could meet the telescope’s requirements for high load capacity, low friction and extreme precision. In use, the system must be able to point the antenna with an accuracy of less than one thousandth of a degree, while continuously adjusting its position to compensate for the effects of wind and the Earth’s rotation.
The prototype elevation control system includes two 720 mm SKF spherical roller bearings manufactured to unusually high accuracy, to minimise thickness variations that could cause the antenna to wobble during motion. The bearings are mounted on tapered sleeves that allow the final clearance to be precisely adjusted during assembly to further reduce radial runout during operation. Finally, an SKF automatic lubrication system will minimise stick-slip, and reduce friction and wear during telescope operation.
The prototype antenna will be installed at a test site in New Mexico later this year before undergoing extensive testing over the next 18 months. If all goes according to plan, the NRAO will begin large-scale production of antennas for the ngVLA project in 2027, supporting a construction process that is expected to take a decade.
SKF is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions that help industries become more competitive and sustainable. By making products lighter, more efficient, longer lasting, and repairable, it helps its customers improve their rotating equipment performance and reduce their environmental impact. Its offering around the rotating shaft includes bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring, and services.
Automatic lubrication systems drive mobile mine machine reliability and uptime SKF South Africa
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
SKF’s Lincoln P203 progressive lubrication systems are improving reliability and uptime on mobile machines at a Zambian gold mine, with installation of 45 units completing by October 2026.
Read more...Mammoet supports critical heavy lift and marine activities for topsides
Motion Control & Drives
Mammoet provided specialised heavy lift and marine logistics support for the Munin topsides on Aker BP’s Yggdrasil North Sea development, including a complex transshipment operation and a tidal-window load-out classified as a Class 1 operation.
Read more...High voltage need not mean high complexity
Motion Control & Drives
Kollmorgen has extended its Essentials motion platform into 400 to 480 V high-voltage applications, allowing machine builders to right-size their motion systems without stepping up to unnecessarily complex or over-specified solutions.
Read more...Sinamics G200 frequency converter for general applications Siemens South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Siemens has expanded its Sinamics portfolio with the G200, a compact general-purpose frequency converter that supports Profinet, TIA Portal integration and built-in safety and cybersecurity functions for a wide range of industrial drive applications.
Read more...Drive solutions helping refurbish the Elleringhausen Tunnel
Motion Control & Drives
RUD Ketten’s Tecdos Omega Drive chain drives are powering the specialised cutting assembly used to refurbish the 1,4 km Elleringhausen Tunnel in Germany, combining linear and radial motion in a configuration that performs reliably under constant wet-cutting conditions.
Read more...Enhanced manufacturing expertise in large-dimension hydraulic cylinders
Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK has expanded its manufacturing capabilities to produce hydraulic cylinders with internal diameters of up to 300?mm, extending its portfolio into large-dimension ballast and support cylinders for demanding heavy machinery applications.
Read more...High-performance linear guides igus
Motion Control & Drives
igus continues to expand its drylin range of lubrication-free polymer linear guides, including PFAS-free and EHEDG-certified variants for food safety applications. The tribo-optimised iglidur polymer technology eliminates maintenance while offering corrosion resistance and load capacity up to 600 kg.
Read more...New motion platform for tube laser processing
Motion Control & Drives
Aerotech has announced the LaserTurn280, a motion platform for laser machining of cylindrical medical device components, offering calibrated accuracy of plus or minus 1 micrometre and designed for integration into high-volume production lines.
Read more...Functional safety in modern factory automation
Motion Control & Drives
Functional safety in modern factory automation allows machines to operate at controlled speeds or hold axes at standstill rather than shutting down entirely. Kollmorgen’s Safe Motion monitor software now supports additional safety-rated encoder protocols, extending these capabilities to precision and linear motion applications.
Read more...Improving material handling with autonomous mobile robots Rockwell Automation
Motion Control & Drives
Autonomous mobile robots offer flexible, AI-driven material handling that adapts to shifting demand, fills labour gaps, and generates the operational data needed to optimise end-to-end facility performance.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
Image copyright: mtex antenna technology.
printer friendly version