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Designed to improve the reliability of large gearboxes used in wind power generators and other industrial machines, NSK has introduced a long-life, large-size roller bearing. The principal innovation of the new bearing is a combination of special heat treatment technology and proprietary NSK material that delivers superior flaking resistance, including that of white structure flaking. The result is seven times longer service life than that provided by a standard steel (SUJ2) bearing.NSK´s roller bearings for large gearboxes offer seven times more life.

The gearboxes found in wind power generators and mining, steelmaking and construction equipment, require roller bearings that are able to support heavy loads. In addition, such bearings must demonstrate excellent reliability in order to cope with the increasing size of wind power generators being produced, and the harsh operating conditions of industrial machinery.

It was these factors that prompted NSK to create a robust, large bearing capable of class-leading reliability. This task demanded the development of a special heat treatment process that was able to delay the occurrence and propagation of cracks.

As a result of these innovations, NSK´s roller bearings for large gearboxes demonstrates seven times longer white structure flaking life than a conventional standard steel bearing. Furthermore, surface originated flaking life is three times as long, while substrate originated flaking life and fracture toughness are both double. As an additional benefit, the rate of dimensional change offered by NSK´s roller bearing for large gearboxes is 50 times less than that of conventional alternatives.

In conclusion, today´s large gearbox designers should consider the use of NSK´s long-life large roller bearing for improved reliability in harsh environments. NSK is anticipating global annual sales for this product of around €8 million by 2017.

About NSK

Established 100 years ago, NSK (Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha) is a Japanese-listed company that has evolved from a regional ball bearing supplier to a roller bearing specialist and automotive supplier with a global market presence. Today, NSK employs more than 31,000 employees in 30 countries. As per March 2015 NSK achieved a turnover of 975 billion Yen. This result has been driven by ever-increasing investment in research & development, enabling the company to continuously improve the quality of its products and services. This investment supports NSK´s objective of »No. 1 in Total Quality». In addition to a complete rolling bearing portfolio, NSK develops and manufactures precision components and mechatronic products, as well as systems and components for the automotive industry, including wheel bearing units and electric power-steering systems.

In 1963, NSK´s first European subsidiary, Düsseldorf, Germany, was opened and in 1976, the first European production facility in Peterlee, England. Today, NSK Europe supports pan-European sales with production locations in England, Poland and Germany, logistics centres in the Netherlands, Germany and England and technology centres in Germany, England and Poland. In 1990, NSK purchased the UPI Group including the renowned European bearing manufacturer RHP, with its factory in Newark (UK). Additionally, NSK has developed a comprehensive network of authorised sales distributors. NSK Europe is divided into application-based business divisions: Industry rolling bearing technologies & linear and precision technology (EIBU) as well as bearing modules and steering systems for the automotive industry (EABU & ESBU). In this organisation, NSK Europe’s 3,500 employees achieved a turnover of over 1,000 million Euros as per March 2015.