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.
Further reading:
Osterwalder launches multi-plate, fully electric powder press
Motion Control & Drives
Osterwalder Technology has launched the MPneo 480, a 480 kN fully electric multi-plate powder press with up to six cross-pressing modules. Designed for hard metals, ceramics and advanced engineered materials, the press supports complex geometries and offers optional
Read more...
Ground helical racks for superior precision and durability
Motion Control & Drives
KHK USA has announced its ground helical rack series, engineered for smooth operation, high torque transmission and long-lasting performance in precision motion systems. The racks are designed for demanding environments such as machine tools, high-speed automation equipment and precision positioning systems.
Read more...
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 active magnetic bearing controller
Motion Control & Drives
SpinDrive has launched the Magma X100, a new active magnetic bearing controller platform for applications up to 150 kW. The platform brings oil-free, frictionless bearing technology to mobile machinery, semiconductor equipment and other high-speed rotating equipment at a cost comparable to conventional bearing solutions.
Read more...
Sealed split spherical roller bearings deliver rapid installation and reduced downtime
SKF South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings combine a split design with premium engineering to enable rapid installation and simplified maintenance, reducing mean time to repair by up to 70% and keeping operations running in sectors from mining to food and beverage.
Read more...
Inclination sensors for motion control
ifm - South Africa
Sensors & Transducers Motion Control & Drives
The JBC dynamic inclination sensor from ifm offers accurate angle measurement in the most demanding conditions, filtering out motion disturbances such as vibrations, shocks and vehicle dynamics to deliver reliable inclination values via IO-Link or programmable switch outputs.
Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Motion Control & Drives
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.
Read more...
Drives cut energy use by up to 30% amid rising costs
Motion Control & Drives
Rockwell Automation’s PowerFlex 755TS variable frequency drives are delivering energy reductions of 10 to 30% in Africa’s industrial operations, with adaptive control and predictive maintenance features that cut downtime by up to 50%.
Read more...
Proportionate specification for hazardous locations
Motion Control & Drives
As automation spreads deeper into processing, handling and transport operations, motors are increasingly required to operate in spaces that sit on the edge of hazardous zones.
Read more...
Keep your turbines spinning
Motion Control & Drives
No turbine is immune from wear and tear. Unexpected downtime or poor performance can quickly degrade its value and lifespan, but strategically maintained turbines can deliver decades of performance.
Read more...
Linear drive architectures deliver versatility without complexity in medical technology
Motion Control & Drives
Linear drive architectures provide a straightforward, configurable way to deliver precise linear motion, making it an increasingly valuable solution in medical motion designs.
Read more...
printer friendly version