A new high-performance, two-piece polymer cage pushes SKF’s Hybrid deep groove ball bearing into new limits, and gives more flexibility in the design choices. By allowing higher rotational speeds, it operates more quietly and efficiently than bearings with common cages. Furthermore, it enables higher power density, leading to more power output from the same size electric motor.
SKF has developed a new hybrid deep groove ball bearing for high-speed applications. The new bearing is aimed at applications such as rail industry traction motors, and electric machines and drives. SKF already has three pilot customers, all of them OEMs.
A new lightweight cage helps to boost the limiting speed by at least 60% compared to traditional designs. Additionally, the polymeric cage helps to reduce friction, leading to quieter operation and allowing higher power density in the application. “Our new cage design helps our customers to get more power from electric motors, which enables downsizing,” says Andreas Pichler, business and project engineer at SKF.
By improving the efficiency of electric machines and drives, the new bearing can cut energy consumption, increase reliability and reduce the total cost of ownership. Its two-piece cage is made from PEEK and PA66, making it 80% lighter than a brass cage. As well as running more quietly, the bearing operates at a lower temperature, which prolongs grease life and extends relubrication intervals. This can give engineers more flexibility in their design choices.
In addition, its limiting speed is twice that of a single-piece polyamide cage, and 60% higher than a brass one.
Rigidly connected cage bars ensure robustness, which helps to lengthen service life in harsh conditions. The optimised geometry also eliminates radial deformation from high centrifugal forces, the ‘umbrella effect’, that typically occurs on snap-type cages running at high speed. The new bearing is targeted at OEMs in rail, off-highway vehicles, E-mobility, and industrial/electrical applications.
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.
printer friendly version