Schaeffler Participates in 2015 Asia International Power Transmission & Control Technology Exhibition

The Schaeffler Group, a leading global integrated automotive and industrial supplier, has unveiled innovative future-driven products at the 2015 Asia International Power Transmission & Control Technology Exhibition (PTC ASIA 2015).

Schaeffler provides customers in the power transmission field with a one-stop service from bearing design and product development to manufacturing and installation, offering not just standard bearing products, but also special components and systems. At the PTC ASIA exhibition, Schaeffler is presenting its “Industrie 4.0” products, FAG Active Magnetic Bearings, Generation C deep groove ball bearings, and innovative X-life bearings, as well as showcasing a full range of advanced bearing applications for industrial transmissions, electric motors, hydraulic fluid, gas handling, elevators and other areas.

“Industrie 4.0”: Added value through digitalization

As a leading supplier of bearings, Schaeffler is able to play a key role in the implementation of “Industrie 4.0″ technology through its bearing products. The function of bearings is to guide, position and support force and motion during processing; various changes in the production process or the product itself are immediately reflected and detectable through the bearings. These changes include the wear and lubrication state of the bearings. Schaeffler’s products enable users to accurately monitor and measure status data (such as lubrication, wear particles, temperature, vibration, and frequency), as well as force, torque and speed parameters, in order to obtain equipment status information and most process and production status data. At PTC Asia, Schaeffler is demonstrating how FAG sensor bearings, FAG SmartCheck and FAG GreaseCheck continuously respond and provide critical data to the FAG SmartController.

On October 28 at the Smart Manufacturing Forum, which is running concurrently with the exhibition, Dr. Volker Maier, Vice President Industrial Applications of Schaeffler Greater China, will deliver a lecture entitled “Schaeffler Industrial Applications 4.0 – Added Value Through Digitalization”, which will introduce Schaeffler’s innovations and breakthroughs in the field of “Industrie 4.0”.

FAG Active Magnetic Bearing: Higher performance, adaptation to higher voltages

When other bearing structures are no longer able to meet technical requirements, magnetic bearing technology is increasingly seen as a valid alternative to conventional bearing structures, particularly for shaft weights up to several tons, as well as for high-speed, medium-sized and large industrial equipment. Typical applications include electric motors, gas and steam turbines, compressors and chillers. The FAG Active Magnetic Bearing (AMB) is suitable for shafts weighing more than 700 kg and has powerful control electronics, giving it a higher dynamic load carrying capacity and superior imbalance compensation. In addition, Schaeffler can provide customer-specific prototypes for active magnetic bearing systems with shaft weights less than 700 kg. The magnetic bearing system is continuously monitored, improved and matched to other functions thanks to the condition monitoring and intelligent assessment systems provided by Schaeffler, so as to achieve optimum operating conditions and forces. This technology allows predictive analysis and preventive maintenance, thereby extending the total operating life of the product.

Generation C deep groove ball bearings: Lower noise, less friction

FAG Generation C deep groove ball bearings effectively reduce electric motor noise, vibration and frictional torque, as well as withstanding higher external loads. Their compact structure increases load density, thus effectively reducing energy consumption. Compared with conventional deep groove ball bearings, Generation C deep groove ball bearings have improved inner and outer ring raceway surfaces, as well as optimized lip sealing and dust cover geometry. They offer further technical advantages, such as low friction, low noise, higher basic dynamic load ratings (Cr), and a longer service life of the bearing. For the customer this means higher product reliability, a more compact structure or higher load density, and most importantly, reduced energy consumption. In order to meet increasing demand from customers in China, Schaeffler has already begun manufacturing this product series at its Yinchuan plant and is set to further increase its investment.

Large dump truck final drives weighing up to 2.2 tons debut in China

In open pit mines all over the world, coal, ores and oil sand are transported in large dump trucks. These trucks carry payloads of up to 400 tons and can weigh over 600 tons in total, so their wheel bearings must withstand high stresses. Dump truck wheels may be over four meters in diameter and incorporate bearings with an outside diameter of more than one meter. Schaeffler’s solutions include extremely durable wheel bearings for front and rear wheels, and bearings for planetary gears that are integrated into the rear wheels.

Highlights of this application include: Planetary gears incorporating INA full complement cylindrical roller bearings for increased power density; the cylindrical roller bearings themselves, which have a black oxide coating (Durotect® B coating) that increases their operational reliability; main support bearings that offer higher rigidity, thanks to the use of preloaded FAG tapered roller bearings; and the use of customized tapered roller bearings with optimized raceway curvature. By presenting this application for the first time in China, Schaeffler treated the audience at the PTC ASIA exhibition to a striking and authentic experience.

Source: Automotive World