NSK receives tribology technology award for technology enhancing bearing durability
NSK has received the “ Japanese Society of Tribologists (JAST) *1 Technology Award ” for new technology improving the durability of bearings by strengthening the rolling elements (steel balls).
The award-winning rolling element reinforcement technology is already being used in bearings for automotive transmissions and machine tools, contributing to improved reliability in a wide range of machinery.
Moving forward, NSK will continue to draw on its world-class research and development capabilities to create a safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly society, and support industrial development and the advancement of machinery.
*1: JAST was established in 1956 for the purpose of improving technologies relating to tribology (the science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion and of related subjects and practices). JAST website: http://www.tribology.jp/indexe.htm
NSK engineers awarded for development of new technology.
(From left) Hiroki Komata, Sho Hashimoto, Yasuhiro Iwanaga, Toru Ueda
Award Details: Enhanced Rolling Element Technology for High Performance Rolling Bearings
In recent years, the demand for energy savings in industrial machinery has been increasing in order to achieve carbon neutrality, and rolling bearings are required to meet the needs of society by achieving further weight reduction and lower torque. Against this backdrop, the loads applied to rolling bearings and lubrication conditions are becoming more severe, and there is concern about the occurrence of flaking damage or failure due to rolling contact fatigue.
NSK's ongoing research on rolling contact fatigue has led to the discovery of a new strengthening mechanism that extends the durability life of the bearing itself by strengthening the rolling elements. Based on the research, NSK developed a rolling element (steel ball) with high resistance to surface degradation by forming fine precipitates in the surface structure of the steel. The crystal structure of the precipitates is different from that of the steel matrix, and thereby give the superior resistance against wear and dent formation. The use of this new rolling element makes it possible to increase the durability of bearings.
About NSK
NSK began its journey manufacturing the first bearings in Japan in 1916, and has since developed into a global organization researching, designing, and manufacturing Motion & Control™ solutions essential for mobility and industrial applications. NSK is the top supplier of bearings in Japan and is the third largest supplier in the world by market share.
Our responsive products and technologies enhance automotive performance and industrial productivity while reducing energy consumption to unprecedented low levels. In the early 1960s, we set our sights outside Japan and have established over 200 business locations in 30 countries alongside a vast network of joint ventures and partnerships in all corners of the world.
