A number of key improvements to the online engineering tools provided by NSK, a
global leader in motion control solutions, serve to boost the work efficiency of
customers. For instance, easy-to-use tools such as NSK Online Catalogue, Technical
Calculations and 2D/3D CAD Data (all previously independent) are now linked.
Design engineers can therefore select bearings, confirm specifications and
download CAD data as part of a one-stop solution. In another improvement, a new
function in Technical Calculations allows the one-time calculation and display of
multiple factors that include bearing life, bearing fits/clearances and bearing
frequencies, again helping NSK customers to reduce their work time.
A notable underlying change is the application of NSK’s revised basic dynamic load ratings,
a parameter used to calculate the estimated life of rolling bearings. The revision, which
extends the basic rating life for the company’s main types of rolling bearings, including
include deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, self-aligning ball bearings,
cylindrical roller bearings and tapered roller bearings, now feature in the NSK Online
Catalogue.
The new estimates derive from applying NSK’s highly accurate (patent-pending) bearing life
prediction method based on ultrasonic testing, a world-first process announced by the
company in March 2023. NSK developed a quantitative evaluation method that can
determine which factors influence the process of crack propagation in a bearing material,
and to what extent.
By combining the new method with an ultrasonic inspection technique that scans the non-
metallic inclusions in a large volume of steel, the company is able to predict bearing life with
far higher accuracy. NSK has therefore revised the basic dynamic load rating of many
bearings with no change in design or materials, while still applying the appropriate safety
margin to any uprated values. With this revision, the estimated life of radial roller bearings,
for example, is up to twice that of previously.
As the basic dynamic load ratings of bearings improves, they are suitable for use in higher
load conditions, facilitating the selection of smaller bearings that perform the same function.
Benefits include machine downsizing and weight reduction. By way of example, machines
that used NSK’s HR32306J tapered roller bearing can now adopt the smaller HR33206J.
This change delivers a 14% reduction in bearing outside diameter, a 13% reduction in width and approximately 38% less weight.
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Those seeking carbon neutrality also gain. Smaller bearings require fewer resources to
manufacture. They also yield lower torque, resulting in less power consumption and fewer
CO2
emissions during use. With the same aforementioned change of bearing, users will see
a reduction in bearing torque and power consumption of approximately 18% (around 48
kWh per annum). According to NSK calculations, this converts to approximately 22 kg of
CO2 emissions savings.
Press pictures
1) NSK’s enhanced online engineering tools are accessible via PC or smartphone
2) Easy-to-use tools such as NSK Online Catalogue, Technical Calculations and 2D/3D
CAD Data are now linked
About NSK Europe:
NSK Europe Ltd. is the European organisation of the Tokyo-based bearing manufacturer NSK, which was founded in Japan in 1916 and today employs nearly 25,600 people in its worldwide operations. The products and solutions provided by the industrial and automotive supplier can be found wherever things move. In addition to nearly all types of rolling bearings, the company’s portfolio includes housed bearings, linear technology,
wheel bearing units, transmission and engine bearings. The company is oriented to perfection in all of its business activities. Its aim is quality leadership in its industry, which it strives for through a continuous process of improvement, excellent product development, optimised production processes and customer-oriented service processes. In fiscal year 2023, the more than 3,200 employees of NSK Europe Ltd. generated sales of over €
662 million.
