GOTEBORG, Sweden, May 22, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- SKF expands the scope of Explorer series bearings to improve machine reliability and productivity
In a follow-up to their announcement two years ago of the new Explorer spherical roller bearing, SKF has just announced that they will be adding angular contact ball bearings to the Explorer family of products.
This, according to Joacim Fogelstrom, head of SKF Industrial Division's technical development, is just one more step in a series of continuous improvements that the company is making, to keep its products in the forefront of technology and to provide new design possibilities to customers.
With the help of an international team of scientists, using advanced design calculation programs and manufacturing techniques, we have been able to identify some key parameters that we can implement across our entire product range. We are also implementing changes that are product- type specific.
He went on to add that in the case of angular contact ball bearings, the product development team was able to increase axial load carrying capacity by modifying the geometry of the raceways and changing manufacturing processes.
Fogelstrom would not specify what those changes were, citing that they provide SKF with a distinct competitive advantage. He did, however, indicate that in most cases, the new Explorer performance level is not attributable to a single change and that it was the culmination of a series of smaller, less visible changes.
Fogelstrom was quick to point out that raw materials, combined with the unique SKF competence in bearing design, are key elements in the continuous improvement process.
We have been able to significantly reduce the impurities in our bearing steel, he said. And this clearly adds to the strength of the raceways. When combined with our unique heat treatment process, we are able to find an optimum balance between the raceways' strength and their resistance to damage caused by contamination.
Fogelstrom did indicate that other bearing types would join the Explorer family over the course of the year.
We have undertaken our performance studies, conducted extensive performance tests, implemented design and manufacturing changes and are currently making the last preparations before launching these new products. As is the case with both spherical roller bearings and angular contact ball bearings, the results have been quite favorable with an average of three times longer service life, depending on the operating conditions.
The technical improvements made to Explorer Series bearings will provide four design options to increase machine performance. For existing machines, you can either increase service life or increase power output. For new designs, you can maintain power output or increase power density. The designer's choice will depend on customer and application requirements.
For end user customers, Explorer series bearings will provide substantially longer service life, even under difficult operating conditions.
Gteborg, May 22, 2002
Aktiebolaget SKF (publ.)
For further information, please contact:
Lars G Malmer, SKF Group Communication, tel. +46 31 337 1541, e-mail: Lars.G.Malmer@skf.com
Colin Roberts, Group Technical Press, tel. +31 306 075 608, e-post: Colin.Roberts@skf.com
Aktiebolaget SKF, SE-415 50 Gteborg, Sweden, tel. +46 31 337 1000, fax +46 31 337 2832, www.skf.com
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