Here, There, and Everywhere
Overview
If you’ve read another one of our blogs, talked with a member of our team at an event or exhibition, or perused one of our social media channels, then you’ve likely heard someone from NSK say that our products are found ‘everywhere something moves.’
It’s a bold claim, and obviously we aren’t suggesting that our bearings flap an eagle’s wings, or our linear guides move tectonic plates… but it is true that we manufacture so many different products and supply so many different industries that, whenever something is both manmade and moving, there’s a good chance our motion and control products are integral to the process.
A comprehensive breakdown would fill several pages, but below you’ll find a general overview of some of the key sectors we’re involved in, the specific machinery we provide products for and what those products might be.
Machine Tools
For those that don’t know, a machine tool is any device not powered by hand which is used to shape or cut materials, typically metals, through a variety of machining processes.
They are essential to a huge array of manufacturing and production processes, enabling the creation of precise components and parts used in industries, ranging from construction to aerospace.
At NSK we’re proud to say that we’re the only manufacturer to offer a complete development and supply service for the essential parts required for machine tools.
Our product portfolio, which we believe is unrivalled anywhere in the world, includes Super Precision Bearings manufactured in both Japan and England, spindles that offer easily the fastest spin speed capability available, ball screws that, thanks to our cutting-edge technology, are the top global brand, and linear guides that are manufactured using production technologies guaranteeing high precision and product quality.
Steel & Metals
Bearings are found everywhere in the steelmaking process, from the storage yard where raw materials are kept, all the way through to the refining process.
Almost every type of bearing is called upon at some stage, and each will have to handle an operational environment that is unique to steelmaking, not least steel dust, copious amounts of water and heat, heavy loads, extreme vibrations, and wildly variable operational speeds coupled with rapid acceleration and deceleration.
As you can imagine, the priority in such an environment, is to produce bearings with a long operating life and high reliability. Fortunately, NSK offers a comprehensive line-up of products for steelmaking, from standard bearings meeting ISO standards through to our own independently developed, high-capacity, specialised offering.
Whether a customer is looking for a bearing for a converter, a continuous casting machine or a rolling mill, we’re confident that we will have the right product for their needs
Quarrying, Mining, and Construction
At first glance, you might be wondering why we’ve lumped Construction in with Quarrying and Mining, but the reason is very straightforward, the challenges bearings face in each are very similar. This includes heavy loads involving impacts and shocks, light loads with high-speed rotation and heavy loads with low-speed rotation.
On top of this, equipment in these industries is often used in remote areas, including mountains, deserts, or even thousands of metres below ground.
Widely different machines are used—from crushers, grinders and excavators to sifters, screens, loaders and transporters, and many of them operate continuously. As a result, breakdowns have a major impact on production, with repair often difficult due to the equipment’s size.
Unsurprisingly, therefore bearings deployed in mining and construction equipment must be tough, long-lasting, and highly reliable. Fortunately, NSK has the experience and expertise to ensure our products are up to the job.
Papermaking
The papermaking industry, like so many others, is always looking to boost productivity and, given that unscheduled downtime is one of the biggest threats to productivity, customers in this space demand high levels of reliability from their components parts.
We’re pleased to say that NSK bearings, which are found in all sections of modern papermaking machines, have been developed to meet the very highest standards.
In particular we are proud of our TL (tough and long life) bearings which have been specifically designed for papermaking dryers where high temperature steam is passed through the rolls.
Bearings found in this environment often suffer from, amongst other things, fracture of the inner ring caused by an increase in fitting stress due to temperature differences between the shaft and the ring.
However, thanks to a special nitrocarburising treatment, the fracture strength of the TL bearing’s inner ring has been increased and dimensional stability at high temperatures is excellent. That’s why these bearings have the overwhelming trust of the market.
Naturally, this isn’t a complete list of all the sectors we serve. In fact, it scratches the surface, but we don’t want to keep you here all day. So, if you want to find out more about any of the other industries we supply click on the links below to find out more:
Wind Turbines, Rail, Pumps and Compressors, Agriculture, Industrial Motors, Industrial Gearboxes, Food & Beverage, Automotive, Cement, Medical Devices.
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