Servomotor bearing with low particle emissions
September 2024
Motion Control & Drives
NSK is introducing a high-performance bearing for servomotors that reduces the emission of particles such as grease and oil. This breakthrough will contribute to the stable operation of vital industry machines such as robots.
To find a way of overcoming the issue of particle emissions from bearings, NSK undertook research into the mechanism behind this longstanding industry problem. Alongside the implementation of a more precise evaluation and test machine with a configuration and environment similar to an actual servomotor, the company was able to design an entirely new bearing structure featuring advanced design elements.
Using its extensive experience in tribology, which controls friction and wear via lubricants and material surfaces, NSK developed a bearing with new grease and seal technology and half the particle emissions of conventional products. The grease also provides double the conventional lifespan, while the rubber seal delivers lower torque.
With many countries enduring a shrinking labour pool, the market for industrial robots continues to grow. However, robot users require high levels of reliability, and this depends on the robot’s components. A typical articulated arm robot, for example, might feature up to six servomotors to facilitate robot positioning and speed in its various axes. Each servomotor houses two bearings: a load-side bearing supporting the shaft where it exits the servomotor and a counter load-side bearing located between the brake disc and encoder disc.
In high-temperature environments such as servomotors, bearings tend to scatter tiny particles of grease and oil as they rotate. These emissions stick to the discs and cause issues such as encoder read errors and brake slippage. The need for low particle emission in bearings is clear in applications of this type, which is why NSK set about developing anti-scatter grease and seals that provide a high level of hermeticity.
The new NSK grease restrains evaporation in high-temperature environments such as servomotors and uses superior thermally resistant components to ensure low particle emissions and better resistance to seizing. NSK’s new rubber seal features a redesigned lip shape that again supports low particle emissions, while also facilitating 10% lower torque. Aside from servomotors, NSK’s new bearing is also suitable for other products that require low particle emissions, contributing to stable operation in a wide range of industrial machinery.
For more information contact NSK South Africa, +27 11 458 3600, [email protected], www.nsk.com
Further reading:
A world first in maintenance
Motion Control & Drives
Lutz Pumpen has therefore developed a filling tool called Lutz Lube Drive, which considerably simplifies the maintenance process. The idea is that a commercial cordless screwdriver becomes the motor of a pump tube.
Read more...
The future of robotics
Motion Control & Drives
Research into robotics and autonomy uncovers some of the up-and-coming industrial uses and applications within the sector, including for automotives and logistics, as well as for personal and commercial use.
Read more...
Customised electromechanical systems for Africa’s toughest industrial environments
Motion Control & Drives
Hexagon Electrical, a South African-based manufacturer of specialised electromechanical equipment, is reinforcing its position as a leading custom solutions provider to the mining, utilities, industrial and renewable energy sectors.
Read more...
Epiroc strengthens productivity and sustainability
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc is accelerating the transformation towards more productive and sustainable mining operations with the introduction of the new Minetruck MT22. The new 22-ton underground truck is designed for mining operations with small drift sizes, delivering increased effectiveness, reduced exhaust emissions, lower fuel consumption and extended service intervals.
Read more...
Hoist gives better load control
Motion Control & Drives
An important criterion for lifting equipment is that it is correctly loaded and balanced in order to avoid mechanical failures and accidents. More importantly, operator safety is enhanced as a result of correct load control, which reduces the possibility of damage to the materials and goods being lifted.
Read more...
PC-based control in window and door production
Beckhoff Automation
Motion Control & Drives
Belgian machine builders CNC Solutions and Calvet are automating previously manual processes in aluminium window and door production. High-performance drive technology, motion control and electric cylinders from Beckhoff proved crucial in equipping the machine with the necessary finesse when pressing the window frames.
Read more...
World-class hoist maintenance
ABB South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
In underground mining, hoists are among the most significant investments a company can make. ABB has developed ABB Care for Hoisting, designed to help mining companies transition from reactive or even preventive maintenance approaches to a truly predictive model, maximising hoist performance, extending asset life, and safeguarding operational continuity.
Read more...
Large-scale green hydrogen plant
Motion Control & Drives
As Europe’s first large-scale green hydrogen plant, Shell’s Holland Hydrogen 1 is a landmark renewable energy project. Mammoet was involved to plan and manage the road movements and key lifts that would bring the facility to life.
Read more...
Planetary gear units for high torque requirements
SEW-EURODRIVE
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Packing a compact design, along with high torque and low-speed outputs, the new SEW PPK and SEW P2.e planetary gear units from SEW-EURODRIVE offer new capabilities in continuous heavy-duty applications where space is at a premium.
Read more...
Robotic filling systems for the pharmaceutical industry
Motion Control & Drives
Pharma Integration, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, aims to replace traditional mechanical filling lines with compact, fully automated systems that are 100% robot-driven using machines known as Azzurra. Their integrated Faulhaber drives play a crucial role in the fill-finish process, ensuring the highest precision and safety across multiple production steps.
Read more...