Insulation plant saves R13 million a year with NSK bearings
October 2023
Motion Control & Drives
A leading manufacturer of insulation products for the construction industry turned to NSK for help in solving repeat bearings failures on its band saws. Thanks to NSK’s intervention and subsequent proposals, the plant is witnessing impressive annual savings of R13 million.
The manufacturer of insulation solutions for the construction sector had recently completed the commissioning of a new automated production line, and was looking forward to the benefits that its investment would offer. However, production proved erratic due to repeated failures of bearings on the blade guide rollers of the production line’s three band saws. The situation escalated and soon became critical, with bearing changes taking place on a daily basis. On occasions, the blade guide bearings were lasting only three hours, leading to costly downtime and increased maintenance. Some bearing failures were even resulting in damage to the saw blades.
NSK received a request on behalf of the band saw manufacturer to help identify the root cause of the failures and offer solutions. An engineering team from NSK reviewed the application at the customer’s site, performing a comprehensive failed bearing analysis. This activity revealed that bearing failures were occurring due to the ingress of contaminants. As a result, the team recommended NSK’s deep groove ball bearings with high-performance DDU sealing, using a patented full contact sealing mechanism. The contact seal design offered maximum protection against all contaminants, including dust and water, while simultaneously ensuring good grease retention.
A trial showed a significant improvement in bearing life. Whereas before around one third of the blade guide roller bearings would fail every day, now the plant changes its NSK bearings every three to four months as part of a planned maintenance schedule. Reductions in production downtime, maintenance labour, replacement bearings and damaged saw blades is resulting in significant annual cost savings of R13 million.
Further reading:
WEBER-HYDRAULIK modernises warehouse in record time
Motion Control & Drives
WEBER-HYDRAULIK is a leading international specialist in customised hydraulic solutions. After its old buffer warehouse had become outdated and was partially worn out mechanically, the decision was made to completely renovate it.
Read more...
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput ten times
Motion Control & Drives
OMC, a pioneer in optoelectronics design and manufacture, is investing to introduce innovative cobot technology onto its fibre optic production line.
Read more...
Yaskawa Southern Africa launches laser welding cell
Motion Control & Drives
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Industrial Manufacturing Systems South Africa to introduce the Megmeet laser welding cell, a breakthrough solution combining precision robotics with cutting-edge laser technology.
Read more...
Next-gen planetary gearboxes
SEW-EURODRIVE
Motion Control & Drives
Leading the way in planetary gear unit innovation, SEW-EURODRIVE is extending its reach across a growing range of industries, delivering the advantages of this powerful technology through locally engineered solutions that ensure faster lead times.
Read more...
Record-breaking dragline relocation
Motion Control & Drives
Draglines are key pieces of equipment in open-pit mining. BHP Mitsubishi Alliance entrusted Mammoet with the relocation of a 3100 ton Marion 8050 dragline from one end of the Peak Downs coal mine in Queensland, Australia to another, a full 27 km away.
Read more...
igus expands 3D printing capabilities
igus
Motion Control & Drives
Motion plastics specialist, igus South Africa has introduced a new 3D printing service capable of producing custom parts in two engineering-grade polymers with exceptional strength and without the need for lubrication.
Read more...
Bühler adds new die refurbishment machine
Motion Control & Drives
Bühler has reinforced its commitment to customers in southern Africa with the installation of a new die refurbishment machine at its Johannesburg workshop.
Read more...
Reimagining rotation for a circular and sustainable future
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
Through the design and manufacture of components with sustainability at their core, SKF is reimagining the future of rotation, rolling away from traditional, consumable-based thinking toward a smarter, more sustainable circular approach.”
Read more...
Optimising operational efficiencies through advanced filtration systems
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Motion Control & Drives
Filtration is the only effective defense against wear and tear when contaminants are present. It is therefore critical that effective filter components are correctly used to ensure dependable performance, high efficiency and extended service life of machinery and vehicles.
Read more...
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...
printer friendly version