NSK Saves Five Shafts for Turbine Manufacturer
Bearings are very precise components, made to very exacting specifications. There are many different applications where even the slightest variation in size, material or tolerances can cause huge problems, even bring entire production processes to a halt. However, there are occasional instances where something like an undersized bore diameter might actually be beneficial, as NSK found out when we worked with one manufacturer of wind turbines.
The company in question was an important workshop for the production of wind gear units, but unfortunately had five whole shafts that were out of specification. As a result, the company’s bearings were rotating on the shaft, causing further damage to the surfaces. The company contacted NSK, having already determined that there was no way of restoring the shafts to their initial, intended diameter. Instead, they asked us if there was any possibility we could provide them with bearings with special undersized bore diameters.
Our team of highly trained engineers investigated the company’s specific requirements and got to work developing a solution with a bearing design uniquely tailored to the application at hand. We produced a series of Deep Groove Ball Bearings with a customised design and specially reduced bore diameter. Our engineers worked on a new technical design which ensured that the bearings would still function as intended, despite the changes made.
The components we provided ensured that the company didn’t need to scrap the five shafts which were out of specification. We only produced a small quantity of this part, but the result was still a significant cost saving for the manufacturer, who was saved the expense of producing new shafts, which was obviously much greater than the corresponding bearings costs.
'NSK components are trusted by nine of the top ten wind turbine manufacturers around the world.'
Klaus Sausele, NSK Sector Manager for Wind.
According to Klaus Sausele, NSK’s Sector Manager for Wind, this sort of flexibility is key to supplying the industry. ‘Wind energy is still a developing market which is only now taking on a truly global aspect. Very few manufacturers can offer the market a stable supply of the sort of bearings needed for wind turbines. You need to have both the production capacity and the ability to provide sales and technical service in key locations around the world.
‘NSK components are trusted by nine of the top ten wind turbine manufacturers around the world. This proven track record doesn’t just mean that we are making a substantial contribution to environmental protection, it also ensures we have the experience and the expertise needed to solve problems like the one outlined here.’
‘Bearings are integral to many of the world’s most amazing applications,’ says Klaus Sausele, NSK’s Sector Manager for Wind. ‘It would have been a catastrophe if they had held back such a worthy project here. We’re delighted to have played our part in helping things to proceed.’
View our comprehensive collection of products including bearings, linear and automotive components. Stay in motion whilst maintaining control with NSK today.