World’s first bioplastic retaining piece for ball screws
Technews Industry Guide: Sustainable Manufacturing 2023
Motion Control & Drives
NSK S1 is the first bioplastic retention piece for ball screws to appear on the global market. Made from 100% renewable biological resources (mainly plants), the use of bioplastic for the new retaining piece reduces carbon footprint by 90% over its lifecycle, in comparison with using conventional materials. The development therefore represents an environmentally sustainable choice for any European manufacturer looking to reduce CO2 emissions and meet increasingly stringent regulations.
To emphasise the growing need for sustainable solutions, the European Commission released its Net Zero Industry Act in March 2023. A key part of the European Green Deal Industrial Plan, the Act proposes a framework of regulatory measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero product manufacturing ecosystem. Many countries are now looking to up their game on carbon-neutral initiatives, meaning that low-carbon and environmental measures are increasingly required in a wide variety of industrial machinery.
NSK is committed to realising a carbon-neutral society. As part of this ethos, the company is increasing its use of bioplastics, which are more effective in reducing carbon emissions than conventional fossil fuel-based plastics. Ball screws are a key focus area due to their popularity in all kinds of industrial machines and systems.
Ball screws are highly efficient at transmitting force and converting motion (from rotational to linear), delivering significant energy savings. In recent years, injection moulding machines and servo presses are among many machine types switching from hydraulic to electric drive systems using servomotors and ball screws as a means of reducing power consumption. Considering such industry trends, the demand for ball screws is set for ongoing growth, particularly if sustainable solutions are available.
NSK’s development of its S1 bioplastic retaining piece for ball screws (50 to 200 mm diameter) makes a further contribution to achieving carbon neutrality. Drawing on its expertise in materials technology, NSK selected and validated DSM’s EcoPaXX bioplastic (a plant-derived high-performance polyamide) as the retention piece material.
To optimise and expedite the development process, NSK deployed its digital twin technology. This advanced process enabled the creation of a bioplastic retaining piece with the same performance as a conventional product in a short period of time through the simulation of key parameters such as dimensions, shape, deformation and strength. In short, customers can now leverage the benefit of far lower CO2 emissions while enjoying the same excellent performance levels associated with NSK ball screws.
For more information contact Geraldene Govender, NSK South Africa, +27 11 458 3600, [email protected], www.nsk.com
Further reading:
More movement on the market
Motion Control & Drives
If you want to move something, you have to be able to control the movement. When positioning in the nanometre range everything matters and requires high performance motion control. Six years ago, Aerotech therefore set itself the goal of revolutionising the market for precision motion and machine control systems.
Read more...
Highly customisable robotic hand
Motion Control & Drives
NSK and the German Aerospace Centre are developing a robotic hand system that will help automate manual tasks. The concept centres on a customisable robot hand comprising individually configurable finger modules, an industry first.
Read more...
Electrically-operated diaphragm pumping solutions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
BMG has extended its range of Ingersoll Rand ARO fluid handling products to include the new EVO series electric diaphragm pumps, designed to enhance energy efficiency and improve fluid handling productivity.
Read more...
Surface drill rigs for Navachab in Namibia
Motion Control & Drives
Epiroc South Africa recently delivered five of six FlexiROC drilling machines to key customer, Navachab Gold Mine.
Read more...
Grease degradation diagnosis technology
Motion Control & Drives
NSK is developing a world-first: a high-accuracy way of rapidly and accurately diagnosing the remaining life of lubricant grease. The company will provide the solution as a mobile app, enabling users to perform the onsite analysis of lubricant condition in bearings and linear motion systems.
Read more...
New compact VFDs with higher power ratings
Motion Control & Drives
Invertek Drives has revealed the extension of its industry-leading Optidrive Coolvert variable frequency drive with the launch of two new compact frame sizes with higher power ratings.
Read more...
Asset reliability care field dominated by WearCheck
Wearcheck
Motion Control & Drives
Condition monitoring specialist, WearCheck has solidified its position as a leading player in the asset reliability care sector.
Read more...
Revolutionising manufacturing: the impact of machine learning in robotics
Motion Control & Drives
The integration of machine learning (ML) into robotics has the potential to revolutionise many industries, in particular the manufacturing sector. Yaskawa South Africa is at the forefront of embracing this transformative technology to optimise innovation and propel the manufacturing industry forward.
Read more...
Chain hoist friction clutch tester
WIKA Instruments
Motion Control & Drives
WIKA’s FRKPS chain hoist test set is a reliable and efficient way to test the friction clutch on your chain hoist.
Read more...
Why artificial intelligence matters in robotic technology
Motion Control & Drives
Andrew Crackett, managing director of Yaskawa Southern Africa, gives his insight into the role of AI in robotics technology, with its advantages and challenges, and makes predictions for the future.
Read more...
printer friendly version