NTN-SNR PRESENTS ITS INNOVATIONS FOR INDUSTRY AT THE HANOVER FAIR

NTN-SNR

I. A WINNING STRATEGY, BASED ON INNOVATION, SERVICES AND AN INTERNATIONAL APPROACH

NTN-SNR

Its presence at the Hanover Fair confirms NTN-SNR as a major European player in industrial bearings. It will present several new products, Ultage high-performance bearings, new SNC housings, magnetic motor ball-rail systems and innovative projects in mechatronics. Today, NTN-SNR’s development strategy is based on three pillars: innovation through effective R&D, a department dedicated to supplying services to customers and new partnerships, and international development, particularly in high-growth areas. The philosophy behind this strategy is one of customer service and product reliability and quality, in order to maximise running time and reduce customers’ maintenance costs.

  • Innovation at the heart of competitiveness

R&D is the spearhead of competitiveness for NTN-SNR. Today, all R&D projects are focused on sustainable development and high performance. In the industrial sector, in particular, R&D allowed us to develop the Ultage high-performance range to meet the market’s most stringent demands. Projects are also a response to manufacturers’ demands or an anticipation of them, to help meet new environmental constraints. The same is true in the automotive and aerospace fields. This is why NTN-SNR was awarded an Automechanika Innovation Award in 2012 for its in-wheel motor. R&D is also involved in developing and structuring NTN-SNR’s involvement in wind turbines and other growth industries of the future.

  • An expanding range of services for industry

The desire demonstrated by NTN-SNR to become its customers’ “Preferred Partner” comes from the quality and professionalism demonstrated by the Experts&Tools tools department, which offers a particularly extensive range of services. Today, the accent is more and more on preventive maintenance and monitoring, allowing installations to be used to maximum capacity, so reduce a company’s costs. In Hanover, NTN-SNR will announce the partnership agreement that it has just concluded with Dropsa, an Italian company specialising in lubrication, in order to be able to offer a comprehensive range of lubrication solutions to customers in industry.

  • Premium positioning in all markets

Finally, the third pillar in NTN-SNR’s development is international development. This means being active in mature markets and in particular through consolidation and development in a German market, which dominates the industrial field. It also means being proactive in high-growth regions such as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and also Turkey, which is a market with great potential. In all these new markets, NTN-SNR’s strategy is based on growing demand for the high quality and reliability provided by these products and the quality of service that the company offers. NTN-SNR is justifiably proud of its premium positioning in these markets.

 

II. MECHATRONIC INNOVATION TO BE PRESENTED IN HANOVER

4_NTN-SNR TMRNTN-SNR will present four major mechatronic innovations in Hanover. Three of them are already almost at the finished product stage. A technology module for new-generation sensors, developed in partnership with the German company Sensitec, will be submitted to potential customers for evaluation.

  • Major Innovations in Monitoring

An Instrumented Housing

In Hanover, NTN-SNR will present a wireless instrumented housing. This housing, fitted with sensors, can detect virtually everything for diagnostic purposes, particularly parameters such as operating temperature and speed, but also vibration. The purpose of this innovation is to meet the demand for optimised maintenance which, today, is a priority for achieving greater competitiveness. Steelmakers have already expressed an interest in this application.

Absolute Angle Measurement

Another of the innovations presented is the bearing equipped with absolute angle measurement. Presented in the form of a test case, this device allows you to know with precision, from the moment the case is powered up, the position of the two bearing rings in relation to each other. This technology, which offers a particularly interesting compromise compared with other more expensive and less compact solutions, is of value in the control of electric motors and other applications requiring angle measurement (reducing gears, robotics, transport, machine tools etc.).

An RFID-equipped Bearing

NTN-SNR is also showing a railway bearing equipped with an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag, built into the steel itself. If railways are used to demonstrate the advantages of this bearing, it is because the traceability of bearings in this field has become a major issue with increasingly stringent requirements for railway equipment in Europe. This trend is also apparent in other areas such as aerospace and construction machinery.

The TMR Sensor

Finally, NTN-SNR will show a sensor evaluation kit using TMR technology (tunnel magnetoresistance effect) to measure rotation and linear speed or position with extreme accuracy. These sensors have been developed in partnership with the German company Sensitec and allow measurements characterised by extremely low electrical consumption and a high operating air gap, even at high temperatures.

  • Innovation to Meet the Requirements of the Market and the Customers

NTN-SNR has set up an efficient organisation to focus on the innovations that the market and customers are looking for. It is basing its marketing innovation strategy on identifying potential markets and usage chains and on getting its engineers closer to customers, in both the mechatronics and the bearings fields. So, dedicated teams work to reconcile customer needs with technology modules, thus meeting short-term market needs and also anticipating them in the medium term. Numerous projects have been identified in this way and, in addition to the innovations presented in Hanover, some others, relating directly to bearing ranges, should come to fruition in the next two years.

 

III. THE ULTAGE RANGE, FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE

Ultage rangeIn Hanover, NTN-SNR will present its Ultage spherical roller bearings, the new range focusing on high performance. Available in all sizes, these bearings are intended for the most demanding industrial applications, especially in mines and quarries, steelmaking, paper manufacturing. A direct result of NTN-SNR research and development, and made in Europe, Ultage bearings have characteristics that make them among the most reliable on the market and reduce maintenance and usage costs considerably.

  • NTN-SNR Design for Reliability and Durability

Ultage bearings have characteristics that meet the requirements of high-performance applications: optimised internal design, particularly the absence of a central shoulder or a central guide ring, for maximum load capacity, minimal friction and enhanced lubricant flow, the superior quality of the extremely homogenous steels for greater resistance to fatigue, heat treatments for greater resistance to wear and impacts, and for better durability.

  • The EF800 Series for Applications with High Vibration Levels

The EF800 series of spherical roller bearings is intended for “severe” applications, such as those encountered in crushers, vibrating screens and mills in mines and quarries. Apart from characteristics common to the whole of the Ultage range, NTN-SNR uses a solid brass cage for the EF800, which can withstand greater vibration and acceleration situations. Test benches have shown the strength of a solid brass cage to be 2.5 to 5 times greater than for any pressed steel cage. Its resilience and self-lubricating properties give this material a major advantage in high-vibration applications. Also, the reduced bore tolerance makes g6- and f6-type adjustments possible and the tolerance on outside diameters allows P6-type adjustments in housings.

  • High-performance Sealing for Industry

EE series spherical roller bearings in the Ultage range were developed by NTN-SNR for applications requiring high-load-capacity bearings, operating in difficult environmental conditions, such as continuous casting equipment in steel-making, paper-making machines in often wet and corrosive environments, conveyors in dusty environments, and also for site machinery in the construction and civil engineering sectors. They are also suitable for special applications, such as lift transmissions. For some top-of-the-range transmissions, sealed low-noise bearings are available. Series 22200 and 22300 have a slightly greater width, identified by the prefix 10X, to accommodate seals while remaining easy to install in existing assemblies. They are supplied ready to fit and pre-filled with a suitable quantity and quality of grease for heavy loads, in particular the Heavy Duty grease developed by NTN-SNR’s Experts&Tools department. The red elastomer seals are the result of optimised design using finite element analysis software, allowing them to maintain optimum sealing and constant pressure on the seal lip, even if they are misaligned.

 

IV. RE-DESIGNED SNC PLUMMER BLOCK HOUSING RANGE

SNC Plummer block housingNTN-SNR will launch its re-designed and extended range of SNC plummer block housings in Hanover, featuring ductile cast iron housings for use under extreme industrial conditions, particularly where low temperatures and high loads are concerned. The entire range, one of the largest on the market, offers great quality of design and reliability in all industrial applications, ranging from giant fans to equipment on conveyors in mines, not forgetting steel making.

  • Ductile Cast Iron Housings for Extreme Conditions

The major new feature in the re-designed range of SNC housings from NTN-SNR is the introduction of housings in EN-GJS-400-18 ductile cast iron, with a mechanical strength up to 1.8 times that of grey cast iron. These housings are very specifically intended for applications subject to violent shocks or very heavy loads, as might well be encountered in the mining and quarrying industries. They are also suitable for extremely low temperatures, down to -50°C, common in mines in Siberia, for example. They also include some special design features and improvements for greater strength.

  • An Extended and Re-designed Range for the Maximum Number of Applications

With these new housings, the range of SNC housings offered by NTN-SNR is, today, one of the largest on the market. The rest of the range has also been re-vamped. With the new black paint, more businesslike and more neutral, the products fit in with any type of machine. Also, the SNC housings have an additional lubrication hole, allowing grease to be introduced directly into spherical roller bearings with grooves, thus producing new savings in terms of maintenance and lubricant consumption. Another of the range’s strengths is the diversity of the bearings it can accept; ball bearings for high-speed applications and especially spherical roller bearings, in particular those in the NTN-SNR Ultage range, thus offering considerable advantages in terms of service life and functional suitability. Numerous sealing options provide a solution for the greatest number of applications and all types of speed and environmental conditions.

  • Top-quality Design for Optimum Reliability

All housings are designed using NTN-SNR’s 3D CAD software. The shape of each element in the body is calculated and optimised using finite element modelling. The product is approved, using sophisticated endurance tests on a test bench and practical tests under load. For all housings made of grey cast iron, we should make particular mention of the circular rib on the body, which gives the housing excellent shape stability and rigidity, and an X-shaped base reinforcement, which strengthens the support structure and provides high thermal dissipation capabilities. Also, on all models, the two bolts that hold the two halves of the housing together are of a larger diameter than is usually seen in the market: this allows the housing cap to withstand greater radial loads. It is also possible to fit regulating discs in the housings to evacuate excess grease. This allows a stable, lower temperature to be achieved more quickly, particularly where very high speeds are concerned.

 

V. A NEW MAGNETIC MOTOR LINEAR MODULE

Linear moduleNTN-SNR will present a new compact linear module with a magnetic linear motor in Hanover. Called the AXLM, it completes the range of linear modules and ball-rail systems by providing a product intended for applications giving extreme accuracy at high speeds. NTN-SNR is proud to present itself today as a global player in the growing market for ball-rail systems.

  •  A New Module for Extreme Precision at High Speed

The new linear module that NTN-SNR is presenting uses a magnetic lift motor based on the Maglev principle, the one used on the Shanghai Transrapid train. This means that it can be used in applications with extreme precision of 2 to 5 microns at high speeds and with high acceleration such as can be encountered in electronics or automation. The magnetic principle, by avoiding any friction in the motor, considerably reduces maintenance, since it is only necessary on the ball rails, thus increasing productivity. Production of the AXLM range has just started.

  • A Ball-Rail Solution for Every Industrial Application.

This module is a new addition to the extensive existing range of linear modules such as the AXC and AXS ranges based on semi-open aluminium profiles with a section of between 40 and 460 millimetres and also the AXDL, which allows the parallel fitting of two straight rails in a closed profile, thus opening up new possibilities in the field of automation. Ball screws between 40 and 80 mm in outside diameter and ball sockets of outside diameter 3 to 80 mm complete this range, making NTN-SNR a major player in the market with one of the widest product ranges.

NTN-SNR also offers a range of ball rails to cover every market need in all industrial applications today: assembly lines, machine tools, packaging machines, etc. This new range is suitable for all types of environment, even the most restrictive (clean room, semi-conductor industry, food manufacturing plants etc.). NTN-SNR produces various ball-rail systems: conventional (BGX range) or with a ball and cage assembly (BGC range) for greater movement speed, reduced lubricating cycles and optimum acoustic performance.

  • Quality, Innovation and Know-how Focused on Development

NTN-SNR also relies on its numerous strengths, such as the quality and reliability of its products (a requirement that customers stress more and more), its ability to innovate, and the skills of its people. The Linear Products Engineering Department, based in Bielefeld, Germany is able to support customers in the customisation of their ball-rail solutions, so as to meet their needs as far as possible by developing customised systems. NTN-SNR is thus able to offer customers a comprehensive service, from the design of devices and their installation, right through to after-sales service and maintenance. The ability of its engineers and technicians to develop customised systems can then be used in the development of new standard solutions.

 

VI. A COMPREHENSIVE LUBRICATION SERVICE

LubricationNTN-SNR has concluded a partnership agreement with Italian lubrication specialist Dropsa to provide a complete and comprehensive range of lubrication solutions, linking its own range of lubricants and single-point greasers to one of expertise and lubrication systems covering every need in the industrial market. This partnership once again confirms NTN-SNR’s place as a major, all-round player in the bearings market, from manufacturing to full maintenance and associated services.

  • NTN-SNR and Dropsa Join Forces to provide a Comprehensive Range of Lubrication Services

The partnership with Dropsa has expanded the NTN-SNR “lub‘ solutions” range, with its single-point greasers, including the quite recent Ready Booster, which has seen great commercial success since its launch, and a range of eight lubricants specially developed for different environments such as high temperatures, heavy loading and high vibration levels. Now, together with Dropsa, NTN-SNR offers a complete catalogue of greasing systems and standard or customised accessories to meet most industrial needs. In particular, NTN-SNR and Dropsa offer a small innovative multi-point central unit, a poly-pump that can contain up to 35 greasing points with a pressure of 80 bars per point and extremely simple programming. A full range of accessories will also be available: programmers, injectors, distributors etc.

  • NTN-SNR Experts&Tools, an Extended Range of Services

The notion of “Preferred Partner” promoted by NTN-SNR has led to a partnership of just this type, allowing a comprehensive lubrication package to be provided. The NTN-SNR Experts&Tools department offers a wide range of services in addition to lubrication. With NTN-SNR Experts&Tools, maintenance costs can be reduced and the quality of maintenance work can be improved, thus prolonging machinery service life. By making the development of new ranges of services and maintenance a strategic priority, NTN-SNR now offers its customers better performance and greater reliability.

  • A Customised Service for Industry

NTN-SNR Experts&Tools offers practical and theoretical training, technical assistance in the field, maintenance tool demonstrations, the renovation of bearings and machine tool spindles, the quick diagnosis of bearing problems, the rental of maintenance tools, industrial maintenance organisation audits and shaft alignment services.

NTN-SNR Experts&Tools responds to requests from customers, adapting its services to their needs. A specification, tailored to each customer, allows us to produce a targeted quotation, customised and adapted perfectly to the requirement.

  • Products and Maintenance Tools for Bearings

NTN-SNR Experts&Tools also produces a wide range of tools designed for bearing maintenance: extractors, centre-finders, useful hydraulic nuts, induction heaters, digital thermometers etc.

For more informations concerning our complete range, please go to
www.ntn-snr.com\services

 

VII. NTN-SNR, A PARTNER IN WIND TURBINES

wind turbine bearingsNTN-SNR will present its range of bearings for wind turbine energy at the Hanover Fair. These bearings, intended for rotors, gearboxes, generators and slewing rings, are the result of working closely together with wind turbine designers and operators. In addition to the products it proposes, NTN-SNR provides numerous services associated with bearings and also offers the advantages of proximity and a rapid response in all the geographical areas where this market growing emerges, thus positioning itself in this field as a “Preferred Partner”.

  • A Recognised Player

NTN-SNR is presenting its range of bearings for wind turbine applications: main shaft, gearboxes, generators, nacelle slewing rings and vanes. Following significant investment in France in particular, NTN-SNR has responded to every request received from wind turbine manufacturers. NTN-SNR already supplies major American and Spanish constructors and also the three main constructors in Germany. It positioned itself with new manufacturers for the call for tenders issued in France, which led to the awarding of contracts for four wind farms for a total power of 2 GW.

  • The Accent Placed on Services

In the demanding wind turbine market, which has seen complex maintenance problems, NTN-SNR offers a range of services intended to assist customers in getting the most from bearings. Apart from its lubrication range, NTN-SNR also offers monitoring, vibration analysis and diagnostics services, areas in which it has proven expertise. These are also certified by Germanischer Lloyd, the reference in the world of wind turbines. NTN-SNR also offers training, assistance with mounting/dismounting, expertise and also maintenance tools.

  • Proximity and Responsiveness Across the World

In the wind turbine market, NTN has bearing production units across the world, particularly in Annecy, France, South Korea, Illinois in the USA, Nanjing in China, and Kuwana and Houdatsu Shimizu in Japan. This proximity to growth markets and wind turbine assembly plants and the capacity to mobilise engineers and designers and make available the same innovations and state-of-the-art technology on all its sites are advantages that allow NTN-SNR to provide guarantees on project profitability and quality standards.

  • Innovation in Wind Turbines

NTN-SNR and the NTN group in general devote significant R&D resources to the wind turbine sector. A new test bench at the forefront of research, developed by NTN-SNR is now in service in Annecy. It allows simulation of extreme conditions and analysis of gearbox bearing behaviour, as well as providing a better understanding of the kinematics of large bearings. R&D is also involved in other application areas, such as wireless diagnostics and monitoring, the heat treatment of materials and anti-corrosion coatings.

 

source: NTN-SNR