Research & Development
In order to further extend our technological advantage, we protect NSK´s new developments through a strong patents network. We not only concentrate on the development of new technologies, but also constantly improve the quality of existing patented technologies.
- More than 1,700 patent applications in Japan and 2,000 elsewhere in the fiscal year 2008: NSK maintains the lead in corporate patent applications in the mechanical parts field.
- NSK concentrates not only on filing patents for new technologies, but also on improving the quality of existing patented technologies through close coordination between technology departments and the intellectual property department.
NSK promotes company-wide measures in collaboration with relevant authorities to combat counterfeit products in various countries.
INNOVATIONS FOR THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY
- The world’s first lightweight, cold-formed hub unit bearings for passenger vehicles.
- Idler bearings that achieve longer service life.
- The world’s thinnest drawn-cup needle roller bearings with seal rings.
- Compact high-power output electric power steering with high-strength gear.
- Ultra-light, highly rigid, and tilt-telescopic steering columns for passenger vehicles.
- Next generation steering columns with improved safety and comfort.
- Highly efficient brushless motor and motor control technology for use in electric power steering (EPS) systems of passenger cars.
- Bearings prepacked with nanoparticle grease for automotive throttle and EGR valve motors.
DUAL PITMAN ARM, STEER-BY-WIRE SYSTEM (DPASS) ENABLING INDEPENDENT STEERING CONTROL OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT WHEELS
Utilising information from multisensor hub unit bearings, the DPASS system controls steering of the left and right front wheels independently of each other; this advanced active steering control makes the reality of automated driving in the future a real possibility. In addition, cabin space is expanded, enhancing fuel economy and safety.
INNOVATIONS FOR THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Quiet-running, long life ball bearings for motors operating in high temperature environments.
- Ultra high accuracy, ceramic, angular contact ball bearings for machine tool main spindles.
- High speed, long life cylindrical roller bearings with automated grease-replenishing system.
- A new series of long life split cylindrical roller bearing units for segmented drive rolls that contribute to a cleaner working environment for use in steel mill applications.
- A new series of highly corrosion-resistant self-aligning ball bearings.
- The world’s thinnest microactuator pivot ball bearing assembly for ultra-thin 2.5mm HDDs.
- New Spinshot II ultra high-speed angular contact ball bearings of the ROBUST series for machine tool main spindles.
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC WITH SUPERIOR HEAT RESISTANCE
Biodegradable plastic is increasingly used in everyday consumer goods. We have developed a high-strength, biodegradable plastic with superior heat resistance that is adaptable to a wide array of applications.
INNOVATIONS FOR PRECISION MACHINERY AND PARTS
- High-speed linear motion actuators for clean environments.
- Extension of the NSK RA series roller linear guides lineup available in single unit quantities with preload.
- A high-speed, high capacity long lead series of ball screws for clamping units of injection moulding machines.
- The TW series of ball screws for twin-drive systems used in machine tools.
- The BSL series of ball screws for small lathes.
- HMC series ball screws for high-speed machine tools.
