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NSK Receives Technology Award from Japanese Society of Tribologists
NSK Ltd. has received the “Fiscal 2019 Tribology Technology Award” from the Japanese Society of Tribologists (JAST1). The award was conferred to NSK for developing technology that is key to enhancing rolling bearing performance, which further contributes to reducing the impact of human society on the global environment.
For over a century, NSK's products and technologies have contributed significantly to the advancement of machinery and industry, and NSK will continue to develop new world-class technologies to realize a safer, more comfortable, and more environmentally friendly society.
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:
https://www.tribology.jp/indexe.htm
Award recipient: Masayuki Maeda (NSK researcher)
Award details
Research theme: Simultaneous measurement of film thickness and rupture rate in elastohydrodynamic (EHD) contact of grease-lubricated bearing
In recent years, researchers have been striving to reduce bearing torque as a measure to reduce CO2 emissions and prevent global warming. To reduce torque, it is effective to reduce the viscosity of the grease or reduce the amount of grease applied, but these measures result in early onset of various types of surface damage. To further explore the mechanism, we needed a high precision method to measure the thickness of lubricating film.
We developed an improved version of the conventional electric impedance measurement method that can measure EHD contact at an equivalent precision to the commonly used optical interferometry method, while also simultaneously being capable of measuring the rupture rate. This new technology has been utilized to develop an accurate picture of grease lubrication mechanisms at low speed operation, and is highly promising to continue to further to deepen understanding in the field.
Ultimately, these insights are expected to be transformed into technologies supporting new bearings with lower torque without the need to sacrifice product lifespan.
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.
NSK Corporate Philosophy
NSK contributes to a safer, smoother society and helps protect the global environment through its innovative technology integrating Motion & Control. As a truly international enterprise, we are working across national boundaries to improve relationships between people throughout the world.
