By combining SKF and SMT’s technical analysis and optimization capabilities, engineers can now have a seamless experience when designing transmission systems. The SMT MASTA software helps engineers to accurately and rapidly design and predict performance characteristics. It also helps them to identify potential failure modes and undertake full-system (including time-domain MBD) simulations for any gearbox […]
Sizing and selecting bearings with software in 2020
By Travis Shive | Analytical Tools Expert • SKF USA Inc. Bearings are a fundamental part of any machine — which is why the design of their moving elements can mean the difference between an efficient machine and one that continually wears out and breaks down. So now, some manufacturers offer bearing-simulation software tools to […]
SKF wireless sensors for automated machine monitoring
Product Line Manager at SKF, Chris James, says: “Industrial plants are under increasing pressure, and as a result, production hours are increasing. At the same time, our customers need to avoid unplanned downtime, while reducing their capital investments. Enabled by the new SKF Enlight Collect IMx-1 they can easily get started with a fee or […]
What are the potential problems with preload?
1. Excessive preload: Excessive preload can have a sharp reduction in life due to increased load on the rollers which in turn increases friction, damages the lubricant and can cause high operating temperatures. 2. Variation between target preload value and actual preload value: When adjusting preload in a bearing system, it is also important that […]
Preload: How much is too much?
The answer to this question would vary on a case-by-case basis and would depend on bearing type, size and operating conditions. For general applications, the operating clearance range should be within the recommended zone shown in the diagram below. As seen in the diagram, the bearing life improves with slight preload but excessive preload can […]
SKF — better data collection from hazardous areas
A sensor that monitors rotating equipment performance is now certified for use in hazardous areas, extending condition monitoring into new applications and industries. SKF has gained hazardous area approval for its QuickCollect sensor, which collects vibration and temperature data. The new approval, to both European and International standards, allows the sensor to be used in […]
What are the best methods for preload in a bearing system?
Springs The simplest method of applying preload is to use a wave spring. The spring acts on the outer ring of one of the two bearings. This outer ring must be able to be axially displaced. In the diagram below, the bearing arrangement comprises a preloaded, single-row, deep groove ball bearing at each end of […]
SKF on fee-based business models
In the traditional transaction-based model, suppliers’ profits depend on numbers of parts sold and not on improvements in machine performance. There’s a fundamental conflict of interest, as longer component life means fewer sales for the supplier. SKF is now offering a fee-based Rotating Equipment Performance (REP) service, in which both SKF as a supplier and […]
SKFs Generalized Bearing Life Model (GBLM)
Called the Generalized Bearing Life Model (GBLM), its development will ensure that SKF customers and distributors choose the right bearing for the right application, every time. Until now, it has been difficult for engineers to predict whether a hybrid bearing will outperform a steel one in a given application, or whether the possible performance benefits […]
Complex bearing design simplified
Bearings are a fundamental part of any machine: designing the moving parts properly can mean the difference between an efficient machine and one that continually wears out and breaks down. For this reason, bearing manufacturers are keen to help their customers get this part of the design absolutely right. This takes many forms, from providing […]
SKF split spherical roller bearings offer replacement benefits
SKF Cooper has introduced a range of split spherical roller bearings that offers multiple customer benefits, while being more robust and reliable than competitor products. The 231 series of split spherical roller bearings, available in shaft diameters of 240-450mm, is typically used in mining conveyor and stacker/reclaimer applications. “Split bearings are ideal for use in […]
SKF showcases advanced bearing technology for electric vehicles
Sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to increase dramatically. According to a recent report from IHS Market, these vehicles will account for more than 30% of new cars sold in key markets by 2040 – up from just 1% in 2016. Anthony Simonin, EV and HEV Competence Centre Manager at SKF, said: “In order […]
Celebrating 100 years of the spherical roller bearing
Originally developed in 1919 by an SKF engineer, Arvid Palmgren, the spherical roller bearing (SRB) has since made its mark worldwide. Created to complement the self-aligning ball bearing, due to its ability to accommodate misalignment under heavy loads, the initial SKF design has now become part of the largest family of products in the industry. […]
New portable sensor and mobile app from SKF
SKF Pulse combines an easy-to-use handheld sensor with a new mobile app, allowing users to quickly monitor rotating equipment and machine health to predict issues and improve reliability before operations are impacted. For more advanced analysis, users can request an SKF Pulse Check directly via the app. The request goes to an SKF diagnostics center […]
What is an adapter bearing (Y-bearings)?
Adapter bearings are used in ball bearing units which consist of a precision wide inner ring bearing assembled into a housing made of cast iron, pressed steel, or rubber. The precision wide inner ring bearings are called y-bearings because their typical locking mechanism, two grub screws 120° apart. The induced direction from this locking forms […]
What is a mast guide bearing?
Industrial truck mast guide ball bearings are a family of special bearings tailored to meet application requirements. These bearings must be able to accommodate heavy radial loads, withstand heavy shock loads, and handle overturning moments produced by combined radial and thrust loads. Special lubricants are selected to meet the rigorous demands of industrial truck service. […]
What is an oil leveler?
As we have learned, lubrication failures are a leading cause of bearing damage. Oil levelers are designed for automatic adjustment of the optimal lubricating oil level within a bearing housing, gear box, crank case or similar oil bath lubrication application. Some oil levelers even allow for effective adjustments during running conditions, optimizing machine performance and […]
What are bearing heaters and what are they used for?
If bearings are mounted using the cylindrical mounting process, it can take considerable force to achieve the necessary interference fits to prevent the bearing from spinning on the rotating component. Heating bearings is a good way to temporarily expand the bearing rings to facilitate mounting without the use of excessive force that could damage bearings. […]
What are double direction angular contact ball bearings?
Double row angular contact ball bearings correspond in design to two single angular contact ball bearings, but take up less axial space. They can accommodate radial loads as well as axial loads in both directions. They provide stiff bearing arrangements and are able to accommodate tilting moments. SKF www.skf.com
What are bearing withdrawal sleeves?
A tapered bore bearing can be mounted onto a cylindrical stepped shaft through the use of a tapered withdrawal sleeve also. The sleeve is pressed into the bearing bore that abuts a fixed component. The sleeve is then located on the shaft by a nit or an end plate. For larger bearings, large forces are […]
What are bearing adapter sleeves?
In adapter mounting, a tapered bore bearing is mounted onto a cylindrical shaft through the use of a tapered adapter sleeve. Many typical split pillow block applications use an adapter sleeve to mount. The shaft seat does not need to be machined to the precision tolerances for cylindrical mounting and heating is not required. Driving […]
What are angular contact thrust ball bearings?
Angular contact thrust ball bearings are separable, i.e. the washers and ball and cage assemblies can be mounted independently. Although originally designed to support the rotary tables of drilling rigs, they are also suitable for other applications where high axial stiffness and high-speed performance is necessary with low friction. They are available in a single-direction […]
SKF on recognizing bearing danger signs
SKF Training Solutions has added a new video to its Technical Tip Video Series. In this video, Joe Conyers covers, danger signs for bearings to help engineers and technicians achieve their personal Education/Training requirements. The Technical Tip Video series is specifically targeted to all plant/facility personnel involved with rotating equipment, machine reliability, and predictive maintenance. SKF www.skf.com
What characteristics are specific to yaw grease?
Yaw bearings are operating with heavy loads and moments, but should provide smooth rotation and resistance to corrosion and wear. Along with these conditions, long-lasting, economical bearings are also a market expectation. Yaw greases are specially designed for extreme conditions observed involving very low speeds, high loads, low temperatures and oscillating conditions. This type of […]
SKF Explorer tapered roller thrust bearings
The oil and gas industry continues to push the limits of technology. Deeper wells, harsher environments and more sophisticated drilling approaches all place additional demands on equipment, calling for larger, more powerful and more robust solutions. Top drives, which power the drilling process, are right at the front line of that technological race, and when […]