NEWS

Metal Forming Lubricants Improve Efficiency Available from QSCD is the Q-press range of metal forming lubricants for use in drawing, pressing and forming applications. The range has been engineered to efficiently produce a range of components of varying geometries and materials and minimise the requirement for downstream component cleaning. Q-press technology has aided the conversion from VOC solvent cleaning to aqueous washing of components on deep drawn containers, and helped with the reduction in annual VOC solvent use by using a product with a significantly lower viscosity. The 'thin oil film' technology reduced the dwell time required to remove the previous oil, allowing greater through put. There are products within the range completely manufactured with FDA-approved raw materials, therefore minimising downstream risk to high-integrity components that may be used in critical applications such as in the cosmetic, food and beverage, packaging and pharmaceutical, industries. Converting to a Q-press product allows manufacturers to move away from traditional forms of component cleaning such as VOC solvent. This is particularly beneficial with the impeding implementation of the Solvent Emissions Directive. Included in the Q-press range are vanishing, hard film, water washable and thermal cleaning lubricants which could completely remove the need to degrease components prior to heat treatment. SOURCE:Bearing.com.cn

Linear Actuator With Compact Design Copley Controls broadens its line of direct drive ServoTube linear actuators with the highly compact Model STA11. The new ultra-slim actuator maintains the ServoTube superior force, acceleration and bandwidth, and most significantly, enables mounting on 28 mm centers for multi-actuator innovations. The STA11 built-in solid-state position sensor provides +/-12 microns repeatability, eliminating the traditional external encoder and simplifying actuator installation. Freed from external encoder cost and complexity, STA11 paves the way for radically new multi-actuator designs.The new linear actuator has intrinsic simplicity and ruggedness, enabling it to perform the millions of trouble-free operating cycles required by today's innovative mechanisms.Modern automation is typified by high speed forward-and-retract cycles, occurring hundreds of times per minute.Free from the friction, wear and inertia of rotary-to-linear conversion hardware, STA11 actuators meet the rigorous bandwidth demands of such applications. According to John Odenthal, a leading Chicago system integrator, advances in automation would be stymied, but for the critical features introduced by the new Copley linear actuator.He says the model STA11 mini form factor, dependability, and dynamic performance, are keys to the continuing momentum of automation..Model STA11 provides 14-to-232 mm stroke.Peak force is 92N, velocity to 4.7 m/s, and the actuator will accelerate instrumentation-type loads to 25g.An integral solid-state position sensor provides 8 microns repeatability and develops 1V peak-peak sin/cos output.Thrust rod diameter is 11 mm. Forcer width and height are 26 mm and 61 mm, respectively.The actuator is rated for 75V operation.STA11 is foodsafe and meets IP67 washdown specifications. The new actuator load-positioning thrust rod is driven directly by the interaction between its permanent magnet and electrically energized magnetic fields. There are no intervening gear trains, ballscrews, or flexible couplings to add inertia and undermine responsiveness. The ServoTube 11 permanent magnets are sealed into the stainless steel thrust rod. The electrically powered drive coils are encapsulated into the Forcer, which is bolted to the machine frame. Inherently rugged long life lubrication free bearings, built into the Forcer, support thrust rod travel.The unit has the same form-factor as regular pneumatic and electric actuators and conforms to international mechanical standards. Powerful controller system integration is simplified by matching the actuators with Copley Accelnet digital controllers. Accelnet controllers provide powerful stand-alone and multi-actuator control choices. Networking options include CANopen, Ethercat, Macro and DeviceNet. With compact form-factor and fast repetitive motion, STA11 actuators are natural candidates for productivity-enhancing innovations in multi-axis automation. Closely spaced actuator arrays for positioning ink jets will enable new print mechanisms to print on contoured surfaces. Fluid dispensing robots will exploit the slim design to provide multiple dispensing heads. Enhanced productivity of multi-channel pharmaceutical packaging equipment will cut Medicare costs. Patients will receive faster blood diagnostics as drug companies upgrade their blood analysis automation by exploiting the new actuator speed and accuracy SOURCE:bearing.com.cn

SKF pump bearing accommodates higher thrust loads Featuring exclusive design and steeper contact angle SKF "3300 DNR Series" pump bearings have been engineered with an exclusive double-row bearing design and steeper contact angle of 40º to meet the higher thrust demands present in ANSI style pumps. They are especially well-suited for pump applications characterized by high axial loads, marginal lubrication and higher operating temperatures, and significant vibration due to operating conditions such as cavitation. A robust machined brass cage offers improved performance in heavy-duty and poorly lubricated conditions. Standard axial and internal clearance ranges promote load-sharing between the two rows of balls for cooler operation, reduced lubricant degradation, and minimized risk of destructive "skidding" in the inactive row. Their ISO P6 (ABEC3) precision level allows for better control of the bearing's mounted clearance and less overall vibration. Standard double-row pump bearings are available with a range of seals, shields, and snap-ring options. Custom products can be developed to satisfy particular application requirements. Ideal for retrofitting, users can realize upgraded bearing performance equivalent to a paired bearing arrangement without the cost of modifying a pump. SOURCE: SKF, USA

Schaeffler Group Provides Bearings for Subway Motors(13 apr,2007) As part of the preparations for the Olympic Games in 2008, the entire metro network in Beijing is being comprehensively redeveloped. This also affects the Schaeffler Group. The Railway Product Line received an order for 410 bearing sets for traction motors from Bombardier Transportation Systems. These will be installed in the 192 cars for line 4 of the metro system. The construction of the line, which is 28 km long and has 24 stops, is the first metro project that is being completed as a public and private partnership on the Chinese mainland. The planned completion date is the end of 2007. SOURCE:bearing.com.cn

Hybrid SKF's Lubrication Solutions (13 apr,2007) SKF USA Inc. SKF Lubrication Solutions are making inroads globally, especially in the Pulp and Paper Industry, due to their ability in helping customers save scarce resources and reduce environmental effects. The current demand for paper can only be met using cutting-edge high-performance machines. In the pulp and paper industry, a smooth trouble-free production process combined with maintaining of a high degree of operational reliability, are always required for the economical implementation of new pulp and paper machinery. This is only possible with excellent lubrication, offered by SKF through their Lubrication Solutions platform. SKF's global lubrication solutions constantly meet the requirements of the Pulp and Paper industry, leading to many satisfied customers, one recent example being Metsä Botnia Oy, one of SKF Oy Finland's key customers. Botnia is in the process of building a new, state-of-the-art mill in Uruguay and is equipping it with the largest SKF Safematic grease lubrication system for pulp mills. The new Botnia Pulp Mill is designed to handle large capacities and they have to install a mill-wide grease lubrication system with necessary installation services. This lubrication system will practically eliminate most manual greasing throughout the mill. The SKF solution is an automated grease system covering all critical areas of the mill with services including: System engineering, complete material delivery, installation, supervision, commissioning and training with additional service options after mill start-up. The proven SKF lubrication system solutions for Botnia enable them to utilise system and application knowledge, learned with SKF solutions, in their Finnish mills. The SKF Safematic lubrication systems also help the customer to improve the efficiency of their machinery, ensuring fewer shutdowns and reduced production losses which will lead to significant savings in repair and spare part costs. All five Botnia's Finnish mills are using SKF bearings and condition monitoring products and solutions. SKF Safematic Lubrication Systems are also widely used in all the Finish mills, proof that these systems offer economic solutions for effective lubrication across all industrial environments. SOURCE: SKF, USA

Skf® Precision Optics Grinder Covers Spheres, Aspheres(11 apr,2007) Accura Technics has successfully launched launch of their MicroTol product line. The first machine is now in production at a precision optics manufacturer near Rochester, New York, USA. With other applications in bearings, aerospace and automotive industries, the MicroTol is a versatile CNC machine tool adaptable to turning as well as grinding. The lead-off machine is tooled for grinding spheres and aspheres in BK7 optical glass.A cross-axis approach is used with the axis of the work spindle horizontal, and the axis of the wheel spindle vertical. The workpiece is routed around the periphery of the grinding wheel by X and Z-axis interpolation to produce either a spherical or an aspherical shape.Spherical shapes can be programmed as a single parameter - radius.Aspherical shapes, such as paraboloids, can be programmed as a point table or with a parametric equation. Tool radius compensation features are used to adjust for wheel diameter.'Optical components require tight tolerances while maintaining rapid throughput,' said Patrick Hurst, president of Accura Technics.The MicroTol can generate excellent geometry and surface finish while minimizing the grinding time prior to polishing operations.' The work area consists of a hydraulic chuck supported by Accura's proprietary hydrostatic work spindle. Hydrostatic bearings provide added damping and robustness not typically found in work spindle designs. The X and Z-axis slide system is supported by hydrostatic slide bearings and driven by high performance linear motors with glass scale feedback. The 20,000 rev/min air bearing wheel spindle is rigidly mounted to the machine base on a micro-adjustable column. The grinding operation is performed with a metal bond diamond wheel. The MicroTol has a large, configurable work area that is totally enclosed for coolant containment. Standard X-axis travel is 8in (200mm).Standard Z-axis travel is 4in (100mm). Rough and finish wheel spindles on a rotary table can be added for grinding small optics and molds. Expanded capabilities include match grinding and match turning for sub-micron fits. The machine can be fully automated with robot loader and conveyors. Accura Technics is a certified Fanuc Robotics integrator.Accura Technics' other products include the 1210G vertical axis, multi-surface grinder; and a compact cylindrical OD grinder. SOURCE: SKF, USA

Gearbox Provides Backlash-Free Precision and High Torque(10 apr,2007) Heason Technologies new TwinSpin gearbox combines a high precision/high torque trochoidal gear reduction system and integral heavy duty axial/radial bearings to provide a space-saving, single unit "bearing reducer" with an industry-leading output torque to size ratio. Available in an extensive range of frame sizes, with face or flange mounting and both solid and through-hole input/output shaft configurations, the TwinSpin offers a zero-backlash precision positioning solution in a compact and sealed housing with acceleration and braking torque ratings to over 7000 Nm and up to five times overload torque under emergency stop conditions. Heason supply the TwinSpin with reduction ratios from 33:1 to 191:1 as a standalone gearbox or as part of a range of rotary positioning actuators with a wide choice of built-in motor technologies and associated motion controls. SOURCE:bearing.com.cn

Durability Testing Speeds Cycle Times LMS, the engineering company, announced that the Schaeffler Group has implemented LMS TecWare to accelerate its durability testing process, often completing cycles in a few days instead of the several weeks or months. In addition, advanced analysis routines in the LMS software more precisely determine the fatigue life of products, enabling Schaeffler engineers to develop designs that closely match expected operating load conditions. Based in Germany, Schaeffler manufacturers INA and FAG brands of high-quality bearings and other critical components for automotive, aerospace and other industries worldwide. For over 50 years, Schaeffler components and systems have ensured that vehicles achieve higher technical precision, are safer and provide longer service life. This is attained by constantly analysing existing solutions, forging new ideas, and developing products that are better than those of the past. The company utilises LMS software to streamline durability testing of its broad range of products, which is among the most comprehensive in the roller bearing industry and includes volume-produced Catalogue parts as well as custom-designed speciality components. LMS TecWare accelerates laboratory tests with advanced durability load data processing algorithms that import, correlate and analyse large amounts of test data from multiple sources to identify key fatigue load profiles encountered by the part during operation. The software then determines compressed load time histories that deliver this same damage potential, defines an accelerated test routine based on these repetitive load signals and automates the workflow process from start to finish. 'Using LMS TecWare, we can duplicate years of key fatigue cycles typically in just a few days of testing,' says Dr Rudinger Dupke, Durability and Load Data Analysis Group Manager at Schaeffler. 'Because operating loads are precisely identified by the system, our engineers can better develop parts with adequate fatigue life without being over-designed, allowing us to minimize product size, weight and cost.' Filip Pintelon, Vice President and General Manager of the LMS Test Division, commented, 'We are very pleased with Schaeffler's choice for the LMS TecWare solution. With today's increasing pressure for higher quality and shorter time to market, the LMS TecWare solution allows engineers to optimise product durability while significantly compressing test cycles. SOURCE:bearing.com.cn

The SKF and St Andrews Legae Community Childcare Project(5 apr, 2007) SKF South Africa started a number of social responsibility projects to care for communities that are affected by the by the HIV/Aids pandemic. This is part of SKF's vision globally, to play a significant role in sustainability and social responsibility in the markets that it operates in. The new community childcare initiative was based on the shared vision of both SKF and St Andrews Presbyterian church namely, to care for the well being and education of disadvantaged children in these communities. A new facility, established in Daveyton, will focus on children who are affected by HIV/Aids. The challenges facing SKF were that funds needed to be allocated to projects where the positive effect can be monitored and where the company could partake in the financial management of such a project, without concerns of misappropriation. St Andrews, on the other hand, could provide some monitory support, management and people resource, but the long term funding of these projects could become a serious financial strain. Hence a partnership was formed, with SKF providing the bulk of the financial support as well as volunteer services from its employees, whilst St Andrews will provide financial, management, training and volunteer services. Both SKF and St Andrews saw the need to help children in the local communities, as the number of orphans in South Africa are increasing and could reach 3 million in the next 3 to 5 years. They realised that an intervention of this nature could not be short-term, and that they had to work towards a long term solution and that sustainability of this project should be ensured. SKF and St Andrews embarked on finding an appropriate project and with the help of the St Marks church in Daveyton, who became the third partner in this project; a property in Daveyton was found and a child care centre project was established. On 31st of March 2007, SKF South Africa, St Andrews and St Marks officially opened "LEGAE", meaning "home". This childcare centre will initially provide care for 40 children affected by HIV/Aids. SKF believes that projects of this nature are extremely important for South Africa's future. Many large corporations have funds available for social projects but are simply not spending the money. Most companies have the same objectives, namely that they would like to see measurable, responsible application funds donated. At the same time, many charitable organisations and churches would like to become involved or expand such projects but they lack financial resources. Hence, if corporations, churches, charitable organisations etc., can find ways to partner and pool resources, projects required to effectively address community needs, can be established. As a socially responsible company, one of SKF's tasks is to set an example and to "market" this approach as a very viable solution. The fight to control and reverse the HIV/aids pandemic requires mass mobilisation of government, industries and charitable organisations (local and international). It is SKF's vision to assist in this project to the best of its ability and in so doing, touch the lives of South Africa's disadvantaged children. SOURCE: SKF, USA

Linear Motion Firm Names Canadian Distributor ( 27 Mar,2007 ) Linear Motion Firm Names Canadian Distributor Linear motion firm names Canadian distributor Guided motion company and automation systems integrator, Bishops-Wisecarver, has appointed Ringball Corporation as the Canadian Master Distributor for linear motion products. Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation, manufacturer of the original DualVee guide wheel and industry leader in guided motion technology, has appointed Ringball Corporation as the Canadian Master Distributor for its full line of linear motion products. The exclusive agreement also includes Ringball distribution of HepcoMotion product lines. With five Ringball branches and their network of authorized distributors from coast to coast, the partnership provides local inventory, lower shipping costs, faster shipping times, and invoicing in Canadian currency.'Like Bishop-Wisecarver, Ringball Corporation is fully committed to providing its customers with the best possible service,' said Ray Harrington, Bishop-Wisecarver's vice-president of Business Development. 'We know that Ringball has the nationwide resources and expertise to serve users of our product line with the highest of standards.' Incorporated in 1953, Ringball entered the Bearing and Power Transmission field by representing predominantly european manufacturers of bearings and roller chains. Having since expanded into a wide range of other Power Transmission products, Ringball has developed close ties with reputable manufacturers around the Globe and has today reached a position of being able to offer a truly international product range to its customer base. 'Ringball Corporation is pleased to have been appointed the Master Distributor in Canada for Bishop-Wisecarver, as Bishop-Wisecarver is recognized throughout the industry as the market leader for guide wheel technology,' said Bill Strathearn, general manager at Ringball Corporation. 'Their product line will further enhance Ringball's ability to service distributors across Canada.'.About Bishop-Wisecarver - Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation has remained one of the most respected names in guided motion technology since 1950.The San Francisco Bay Area company manufactures, stocks, and distributes guided motion components and systems for linear, rotary and curved track applications. Bishop Wisecarver products are used worldwide in industries such as packaging, medical device manufacturing, wood processing, food processing, and semi-conductor fabrication.Bishop-Wisecarver is the exclusive North American partner and distributor for HepcoMotion products since 1984. SOURCE: BEARING.COM.CN

Planetary Gearboxes Monitor Themselves These smart planetary gearboxes are a variant of the successful Alpha SP+ and TP+, but can monitor themselves and so are aptly-named the Alpha IQ range. Depending on the type these gearheads can measure and monitor torque's, radial forces, speed or temperature. Combinations of these variables are also possible because three measurement channels are available. Now available from Micromech, each sensor gearhead is fully compatible, both mechanically and geometrically, with the standard Alpha products and boast the same impressive characteristics when it comes to positioning accuracy, synchronism, smooth running, etc. The technical advance of these sensor gearheads opens up exciting process monitoring opportunities for not only engineers but also for managers. Clearly there are major benefits for the production and maintenance managers having the ability to collect data from equipment and plan ahead for service downtimes. Therefore the Alpha IQ helps avoid unscheduled breakdowns by monitoring critical components in a machine as well as their accumulated information which is invaluable for developing and designing new machines. This approach allows process variables to be measured on the spot through real-time data capture directly during operation with a maximum sampling rate 1 kHz of up to three channels that can be evaluated synchronously. The IQ uses a PLG (process data log) so that all process data is monitored and logged to facilitate real-time retrieval via various interfaces. Determination of the load population means the actual load is measured over the entire service life of the component. This technique helps optimise design criteria due to information that is verified on the basis of actual load values. SOURCE:bearing.com.cn

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