NSK, Motion & Control

Bearing News

NSK Develops Spherical Roller Bearings for Papermaking Machinery That Eliminates Micro-Seizing

NSK Ltd. announced today that it has developed papermaking machinery bearings that prevent micro-seizing (smearing). With the improved smearing resistance achieved by coating the bearings’ rolling elements with NSK’s proprietary diamond-like carbon (DLC*), the newly developed product will contribute to more stable operation of papermaking machinery and extend maintenance intervals.

In recent years, the drive to move away from the use of paper has led to a reduction in small-scale production equipment and a greater need for high-volume production on large, high-speed equipment, and large-variation/small-lot production on medium-size, medium-speed equipment. This situation demands more stable operation of equipment and greater ease of maintenance.

The phenomenon of smearing—or micro-seizing—caused by slippage between the raceway surface of the inner and outer rings and the roller surface may occur in bearings used in light-load areas inside papermaking machinery and areas with poor lubrication conditions. If not addressed, smearing can lead to flaking and fracture that result in production line stoppage. Stopping the production line causes paper quality to vary until stable operation is resumed, creating defective goods, and resulting in significant energy loss at the production site, including electricity and steam.

NSK developed the new product to improve energy savings, extend maintenance intervals, and prevent early damage to bearings with light loads, such as those use in soft calender rolls (which are used to make paper surface smooth) and suction rolls (which are used to remove water), and bearings used in areas with poor lubrication conditions. With the launch of this new product NSK is expanding its lineup of bearings for the papermaking industry.

Product features

Proprietary DLC coating for bearings

NSK independently developed a DLC coating for bearings. The coating follows the base metal’s elastic deformation even better than before, since its elastic modulus is close to that of the substrate base metal. Further, the adhesion between the coating and base metal was improved, making it less likely to come off, even under high surface pressure.

NSK drastically improved the anti-smearing performance of the new product compared to conventional products by applying the DLC coating to the rolling elements. This will enable more stable operation of papermaking machinery and extend maintenance intervals.

About NSK Americas

NSK is a world-class producer of ball and roller bearings. Established in 1916, NSK became one of the leaders in the bearing industry because of an intense commitment to engineering research, dedication to modern manufacturing processes and an obsession with quality. NSK Corp.’s worldwide network of modern manufacturing facilities and distribution centers is linked by an elaborate computer network that gives the company the ability to provide fast service and delivery to its customers.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, NSK Americas is a U.S. industry leader in the marketing, design and manufacture of anti-friction bearings, precision machinery and parts, mechatronics and automotive products. For more information on NSK, visit www.nskamericas.com

About NSK Limited

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, NSK Limited is a world-class producer and innovator of motion and control products. Established in 1916, NSK became a world leader in the industry because of an intense commitment to engineering research, modern manufacturing processes and superior quality.

Today, the company is one of the world’s largest bearing manufacturers, employs over 20,000 people worldwide, has more than 47 global manufacturing facilities and over 100 sales operations, operates 13 technology centers and produces and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products.
For more information, visit www.nsk.com.

For more information, please contact:

NSK Americas
4200 Goss Road
Ann Arbor, MI  48105
1.88.ThinkNSK (1.888.446.5675)
http://www.nskamericas.com