Wood and plastic? Is that a good combination? The motion plastics specialist igus has researched the idea in a recent design study and tested the friction and wear behavior of its plastic linear bearings on a wide variety of wood, and the result is impressive. The igus econ J4 plain bearing has demonstrated its exceptional […]
MIBA relies on EMCO for process machining of plain bearing bushes
Sustainability in energy production Wind power has become more socially relevant in recent years, and it contributes significantly to energy transition. However, wind farms need to become even more efficient in order to conserve resources. This is precisely where Miba Gleitlager Austria GmbH comes in with its hydrodynamic bearings for wind turbines. Miba uses a […]
Schaeffler exhibits advanced bearing and condition monitoring innovations
Leading global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler is presenting a variety of advanced innovations for electric motor manufacturers and rebuilders at the EASA 2023 Convention and Solutions Expo, which takes place June 25-27 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Commenting on Schaeffler’s array of products and innovations on display […]
Mechanical sub-assemblies from AST
AST goes beyond supplying standard bearings, we also provide precision mechanical sub-assemblies. We specialize in rotary assemblies that incorporate precision bearings and components manufactured to the most exacting specifications. AST can conduct design reviews and provide assemblies manufactured to your specifications or ours. Our highly skilled technicians know the correct way to handle and install […]
Thordon tailshaft package
Ecuador’s foremost tuna fishing operator NIRSA has completed a project to convert the tailshaft seals and bearings aboard the 1973-built tuna vessel BP EL Marquez to a seawater-lubricated package from Thordon Bearings. In total, four Thordon SXL propeller shaft bearings and a pair of TG100 mechanical shaft seals, each of which features Thordon’s emergency-safe-return-to-port (SRTP) […]
Bearings for improved patient safety
Precision bearings are among critical components in medical devices that are vital to ensuring patient safety. Yet, according to the 2022 Recall Index by Sedgewick, medical device recalls have reached a record number over the last three years, with safety issues being the top reason. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB […]
Thermal power station refits pumps with Vesconite Hilube
The largest New Zealand gas-fired thermal power station continues to use no-swell self-lubricating Vesconite Hilube bearings in its cooling water feeder pumps. The power station did a full refurbishment of these pumps in December 2022 and installed Vesconite Hilube bearings, which currently have a life of nine years in the application. Vesconite Bearings’ association with […]
SMB Bearings: bearings in space
“Space is a risky business,” once said Aaron Cohen, the Acting Deputy Administrator of NASA. “I always considered every launch a barely controlled explosion.” With several new space projects expected in the near future, these risks must be avoided at all costs. This puts a greater onus on engineers to create high-performing components that can […]
New igus xiros ball bearing materials stand up to chemicals and temperatures of 150°C
igus, the Germany-based manufacturer of motion plastics, announced it is adding two new materials to its range of ball bearings for high-temperature use. Machines and systems have to withstand temperatures above 200°F and aggressive chemicals. For more machine reliability and less maintenance, igus has developed the dry-running xiros A500 deep groove ball bearing specifically for […]
Schaeffler thin section bearings
Thin-section bearings are high-precision products with very little running noise and a high load-carrying capacity. These bearings are available in three different designs with extremely small, predominantly square cross-sections. Within each series, the cross-section remains constant even in the case of larger shaft and housing bore diameters. The bearings are therefore also described as constant […]
Smart, solar-powered trash bin with igus plain bearings
A clean cityscape is what many large cities around the world long for. Finbin, a Finnish company, has engineered an innovative trash receptacle to bring that dream closer. This advanced trash bin employs a solar-powered compactor that increases waste collection capacity by six times. Self-lubricating igus plain bearings incorporated into the design ensures a long […]
Isotech air bearings, bushings, and guides
AIR BEARINGS, BUSHINGS & GUIDES Zero Friction-indefinite operating life Contaminant free, clean environments Zero friction – No heat generation at high speed High accuracy components High accuracy motion High speed Position accuracy better than 0.1 micron Ultra-precise linear and rotary motion Through recent technical advances, air bearings offer inherent advantages over traditional bearings as well […]
Low-friction bearings reduce energy losses in free-stream turbines
A hydro turbine company based in Portland, Maine, USA, has chosen Vesconite Bearings’ lowest-friction material for the thrust bearings on its free-stream turbines. The material, Vesconite Superlube, has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any plain bearing material available, with a coefficient of friction lower than virgin PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). “Thrust bearings made from […]
Schaeffler experts discuss sustainably future mobility at the US CTI symposium
At the upcoming 17th CTI Symposium USA, Schaeffler experts will discuss the future of mobility. This year’s event, held May 24 and 25 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Mich., will focus on strategies and technologies on the path to carbon-free mobility. Schaeffler President, E-mobility & Chassis Mechatronics Americas, Patrick Lindemann, is serving as […]
Simpler aeration pump design reduces maintenance requirements
There are times when a simple pump design and less maintenance are preferred by pump users, especially in messy dirty wastewater applications. Such was the case with one wastewater plant operator in South Africa, which was being called in every couple of weeks to remove, disassemble, and clean wastewater pumps at one or other of […]
New Hampshire Ball Bearings’ medium to large cylindrical roller bearings
Specialized solutions engineered for reliability under heavy radial loads, medium to high speeds, and maximum operating temperatures. Design Basics Our high-precision cylindrical roller bearings are designed for small to large mechanical systems characterized by heavy radial loads, medium to high speeds, and extreme operating temperatures, such as aero-engine main shafts, RAM air turbines, and helicopter […]
Indian dam project demonstrates Vesconite creep, abrasion resistance
Indian hydroelectric projects offer unique challenges: they are exposed to monsoon floods for a few months of the year and then a dry spell for the rest of the year. After being dormant for long periods, bearings associated with these projects have to cope with a deluge of water containing debris from the floods. These […]
CCS certification beneficial for significant future Chinese bearing supply
Vesconite Bearings has received its China Classification Society (CCS) Certificate of Works Approval. This was announced by Vesconite Bearings Quality Control Manager Jaco Prinsloo, who notes that the certification is valid for four years and is one of the certifications that clients request to confirm that Vesconite and Vesconite Hilube rudder bearings and stern tubes […]
Thordon wins composite bearing deal
SIGMA Group, one of Europe’s leading industrial pump manufacturers, has specified Thordon Bearings’ grease-free bearings for installation to the specialized pumping sets destined for flood defense and irrigation projects across Egypt. In total, Thordon is supplying 64 of its water-lubricated Composite bearings for use in 49 SIGMA BQBV vertical diagonal pumps specified for projects along […]
SKF joins forces with CAKE to implement bearings with lowest possible carbon emissions
SKF has signed a letter of intent with CAKE, the Swedish maker of premium, lightweight, electric motorcycles, to explore how it can incorporate bearings produced with the lowest possible carbon emissions. CAKE and Vattenfall have committed to producing the Cleanest Dirt Bike Ever by removing carbon emissions from every part of the electric CAKE Kalk […]
Heavy loads are no problem for the new igutex TX3 fiber-wound material
In applications with loads of more than 80Mpa, plain bearings made of thermoplastic materials can push their limits. igus, the world leader in motion plastics, has expanded the existing range of standard plain bearings with the new igutex fiber-wound plain bearing series. The series displays its strength in heavy-duty areas such as construction machinery or […]
Bearings in mining, aggregates face tough obstacles
At the recent Conexpo/ConAgg show in Las Vegas, Dennis Ducalo, an industry manager for mining, cement, and aggregate at Schaeffler Group USA, talked a bit about his company’s bearings that can be used in vibratory screens, including an exciting new product update. There are basically two types of series of spherical roller bearings that are […]
Vesconite Hilube wicket gate bushings replace bronze
A San Diego hydroelectric plant has been operating with Vesconite Hilube wicket gate bushings since August 2022. Hollow bar for the bushings was ordered from Vesconite Bearings’ warehouse in Richmond, Virginia, by a Washington State hydro company that specializes in servicing and overhauling older hydro-electric turbines. The Washington company machined the wicket gate bushings and […]
NKE Austria announces partnership with Kugler Bimetal
Bearing manufacturer NKE Austria GmbH is entering into a strategic partnership with Kugler Bimetal SA, a Swiss producer of bimetallic components and tribological surface finishes. The cooperation was announced at the Hannover Messe in April 2023. “In the context of this strategic partnership, NKE, and Kugler will cooperate in the development and manufacture of solutions […]
“USDA-certified stand-off bearing flange blocks
FDA/USDA Certified, two, three, and four post, Stand-Off Bearing Flange Blocks are setting a new standard for performance and Hygienics. These new Stand-off bearing flange blocks now available from LM76 reduce the surface area where mold and bacteria can thrive, even from the most through sanitizing operations. Long-life Hybrid Stainless Steel Si3N4 Silicon Nitride Ceramic […]