Philosophy & Achievements / Four Core Technologies plus One
Philosophy & Achievements
NSK has relentlessly pursued innovative technologies and focused on improving quality in order to contribute to a safer, smoother society and to protect the global environment, in line with its corporate philosophy. The foundation that underpins those technologies consists of tribology, materials, numerical simulation and mechatronics, which are NSK’s Four Core Technologies.
Then there is manufacturing engineering, another important technology and strength of NSK that gives shape to our Core Technologies.
The technologies and products that have been created based on our Four Core Technologies, with the “plus One” of manufacturing engineering, are contributing both to the development of industry across the world and to people’s abundant lifestyles.
NSK will continue to engage in advanced technological development and provide highly functional, high-quality products that meet market needs in the years to come.
In an effort to contribute to a safer, smoother society and to protect the global environment, as spelled out by NSK corporate philosophy, NSK strives to accurately determine customer and societal needs, and develop environmentally friendly products and technologies that utilize the Company’s Four Core Technologies: Tribology (friction control technology), Materials, Numerical Simulation, and Mechatronics.
By developing and bringing to market sophisticated and innovative new products in a timely manner, NSK contributes to creating a safer, smoother society while also helping save energy and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Changes in the business environment and globalization are advancing swiftly. In order for research and development to rapidly and flexibly respond to such change where it occurs, NSK has expanded regional technology centers while positioning the Corporate Research & Development Center in Japan as the center of our R&D activities. (There are 21 technology centers in total; six bases in Japan, five in Europe, four in the Americas, and five in Asia.)
Four Core Technologies plus One
Tribology
Friction on the bearing’s ball surface
Studying, Clarifying and Controlling Friction
Tribology is the study of friction and wear of contact surfaces in relative motion, such as rotating parts that endure enormous forces with a thin oil film. Severe operating conditions are mitigated through lubrication and surface treatments developed by NSK, resulting in superior performance for applications requiring low friction, high-speed rotation, quiet operation, or enhanced durability.
Materials
Durability testing machines
Unrelenting Pursuit of Performance Durability and Reliability
Materials research and development affects nearly every aspect of product performance. Through careful selection of material composition, heat treatment, and ceramic materials, NSK enables optimization of application performance. This may result from improvements in function, endurance, or reliability, or through advancements in cost-effectiveness or production efficiency.
Numerical Simulation
Simulated example of an automotive component
Simulated Recreation in Cyberspace to Predict Performance
In the past, accuracy and reliability in product development were achieved with experience-based design and longer testing periods. NSK’s simulation technology allows virtual validation to accelerate design and production. Extreme conditions or innovative designs that defy previous expectations can also be evaluated and analyzed.
Mechatronics
Manipulation system for bio-medicine
Technology Supports People for a Convenient, Safe and Comfortable Future
Mechatronics integrates machine elements technology with control technology. By combining bearings, ball screws and linear guides, together with motors, sensors and computers, greater mechanical functionality is elicited with computer control. This technology applies new functions and performance to a range of industrial machinery, such as for automobiles and bio-medicine. It also contributes to greater reliability, as well as to convenience and safety in daily life.
Manufacturing Engineering
Cheonan Plant in South Korea
Giving Shape to Four Core Technologies
Contributing to the environment and heightening safety and security through our Four Core Technologies requires something to breathe life into these technologies. In addition, it is essential to consistently produce with high quality. NSK tackles these issues by applying AI to its equipment, utilizing IoT, and optimizing its overall production framework while it works to realize the creation of smart factories that economize on space, save on energy, and reduce manpower requirements.
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