Distributor Finder

Product Finder
MENU NSK - Motion & Control
SEARCH
CONTACT US

Success Story

Industry: Machine Tools

Application: Horizontal Machining Centre

Cost Savings: € 24 096

Introduction

A specialised metals machining company were experiencing continuous performance problems with their horizontal machining centre. Bearings were prematurely failing causing unplanned down time and significant production problems. NSK performed a detailed analysis of the machine spindle, including a failed bearing investigation and grease condition review, and found that both cutting fluid and machining debris were entering the bearings. This caused the lubricant to fail and resulted in premature bearing failure. NSK proposed a Sealed Super Precision Bearing with a higher contact angle to improve the bearing arrangement due to high axial load and counteract the debris. Lifetime was increased from 15 days to 6 months.

Key Facts

  • High axial loading
  • Machining Centre Performance Issues
  • Debris and cutting fluid contamination
  • Grease condition and Bearing Failure Analysis highlighted root the root cause of failures
  • NSK Sealed Super Precision Bearings proposed
  • Increased contact angle for axial load capacity
  • Lifetime improvement from 15 days to 6 months
  • Heat Exchanger End Plate
  • Sealed Super Precision Bearing

Value Proposals

  • Bearing Failure Analysis and grease condition checks showed that cutting fluid and debris were causing bearing failure
  • NSK recommended the use of Sealed Super Precision Angular Contact Bearings
  • An application review also revealed that a larger bearing contact angle would improve axial load carrying capacity
  • Trials were set up on 3 machines and bearing life increased from 15 days to 6 months
  • With these results a subsequent cost saving was presented and signed by the customer for €24.096
  • Customer benefited from increased productivity and reduced maintenance costs on his machining center

Product Features

  • Non-contact seals provide valuable protection; reducing raceway and ball surface wear, noise and vibration, lubricant breakdown
  • Time saving: Bearing mounting time 4 x faster & contamination through poor handling eliminated
  • No speed reduction due to non-contact seals
  • Improved spindle performance
  • Operates in horizontal and vertical positions
  • Sealed bearings prevent grease migration in vertical spindles, promote temperature stability and provide higher accuracy machining
  • Longer grease life: extended by 50% with sealed bearings

Product Sheet >>

Cost Saving Breakdown

Before Cost p.a. NSK Solution Cost p.a.
Bearing life – 15 days Bearing life – 6 months
Original bearing × replacements / year × brgs. / spindle
 €27.216 Sealed bearing × replacements / year × brgs / spindle €3.120
Total Costs € 27 216 € 3 120

Reference:SS-E-7016