SKF launched two new super-precision cylindrical roller bearings series, which meet the machine tool industry’s demand for higher speed capability with low friction. The new bearings were showed for the first time at EMO Milano 2015

SKF, the knowledge engineering company, launched two new SKF super-precision cylindrical roller bearings series at EMO Milano 2015. Both of these new series deliver superior bearing performance compared with existing SKF offerings, accommodating higher speeds and lower friction as well as providing a variety of other operational benefits to the machine tool industry.

Mauro Merlo, SKF Super Precision Bearings Product Manager at SKF, explains, “The new SKF super-precision cylindrical roller bearings are optimised solutions for OEMs that require greater load carrying capacity and higher speeds. While the SKF super-precision single row cylindrical roller bearings have a higher speed capability, the SKF super-precision double row cylindrical bearing are more suitable for heavier loads. Visitors at EMO Milano 2015 got an exclusive first look at both of these new series, which are available for order.”

The single row cylindrical roller bearings series is equipped with an outer ring centered cage, window-type, made of carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The reduced number of rollers, together with the optimised cage, enable the bearings to accommodate higher speed, attain lower operating temperature and lower friction. The range is suited for use where shaft diameters range from 40 to 80 mm.

The new single row series represents the optimal solution for applications like the non-tool end of a motorised spindle, where the requirement for higher speed outweighs that for higher rigidity, high-speed milling machines, high-speed machining centres, lathe electro-spindles. The new double row super-precision cylindrical roller bearings series provides a unique balance between load carrying capacity, rigidity and speed.

This series allows higher speed capability in conventional high stiffness belt-driven CNC lathe spindle. It features three integral flanges on the inner ring and no flanges on the outer ring. In addition, the series has an optimised internal geometry and a new glass fiber reinforced, prong-type, roller centered PEEK cage, which enables the bearings to accommodate higher speeds and minimize the amount of frictional heat generated. The range is ideal for shaft diameters from 25 to 130 mm.

SKF possesses extensive experience of specifying bearings for specific applications. The company utilised its advanced knowledge of the machine tool sector to support OEMs to evaluate the total cost of ownership and benefits of the new SKF super-precision series, ensuring the correct bearings are specified for the application.

SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in more than 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2015 were SEK 75 997 million and the number of employees was 46 635. www.skf.com