Hot Strip Mill

A large manufacturer of rolled steel in Russia wanted to extend the bearing replacement intervals on the finishing section of its hot strip mill. Due to severe operating conditions, the standard 4-row tapered roller bearings were only lasting 1,400 hours, with replacements and maintenance costing 442,000€ per annum.

Why are bearing replacement and maintenance costs so high?

The company wanted to improve its competitive performance by extending service intervals and reducing costs – all without compromising reliability.

NSK inspected the machine and operating conditions.

Comprehensive analysis revealed that the existing bearing solution was inadequate for the application. NSK set about devising a way to extend bearing replacement intervals safely.

More cost-effective bearing replacement and maintenance

NSK recommended replacing the previous bearings with new 4-row Tapered Roller Bearings featuring a modified internal design, contact angle and steel composition. Bearing lifetime was duly increased, safely, to 2,200 hours, leading to a saving of 154,000€.