Press Release

Press Release

October 8, 2013

NSK Ltd.
Public Relations Department

NSK Develops a High-Performance Cartridge Bearing for Automotive Turbochargers

Improved Turbocharger Response for Better Fuel Economy

China-Produced Tapered Roller Bearing for Construction Machinery Travel Reduction Gears

Tokyo, Japan, October 8, 2013 – NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Norio Otsuka) today announced that it has developed a high-performance cartridge bearing that offers improved reliability and low friction loss for turbocharger use. NSK plans to expand the sales of this product for improved fuel economy throughout Europe and other regions, where turbocharger use is quickly expanding. NSK is targeting 3 billion yen in global sales in 2017.

Development Background

In recent years there has been an urgent need to reduce emissions and improve the fuel economy of automobiles. Due to this trend, many automobile manufacturers are downsizing engine displacement for improved fuel economy. In connection with this trend, the demand for turbocharger use is expanding in order to offset the loss in engine power resulting from engine downsizing.

Turbochargers need to be durable enough to withstand high-temperature and high speed rotating　conditions. Up until now, sliding bearings have been used for such applications. However, sliding bearings tend to have a high amount of friction loss, and this is driving the demand for rolling bearings that are highly reliable in high-temperature and high speed rotating conditions.

In response to this demand, NSK has optimized the internal design to develop a high-performance cartridge bearing that offers improved reliability and low friction loss.

Product Features

1. Optimal design for low fiction loss and longer life
Using proprietary analysis technology for dynamic friction, NSK was able to optimize the internal specifications of its bearing. In doing so, NSK has succeeded in developing a bearing that is both reliable and has a low level of friction loss. Furthermore, the integrated cartridge bearing has a high level of assembly accuracy and is low in vibration and noise.
2. Use of NSK-developed, heat-resistant steel for improved durability
By employing proprietary heat-resistant steel that is optimal for high-temperature and high-speed conditions, NSK has dramatically improved seizure toughness. This NSK-developed steel provides for long life, even in debris-contaminated engine oil conditions.
3. Use of heat-resistant resin bearing cage
For the bearing cage, NSK employed a heat-resistant plastic material that can be injection molded for low friction loss and improved cost competiveness.

Product Benefits

Using this high-performance cartridge bearing will improve the response of turbochargers.

This makes it possible to further expand the use of turbochargers, thereby it will improve the fuel economy of automobiles.

NSK-developed, Heat-resistant Steel for Bearing Rings
NSK-developed, Heat-resistant Steel for Bearing Rings
Durability
Mechanical Loss Comparison Results in Turbochargers