NSK used the recent EMO 2017 exhibition in Hanover, Germany as the launch platform for a number of innovations designed to enhance machine tool performance. Among the major introductions was a new generation of DIN-standard ball screws. The high-speed, low-noise ball screws not only overcome the specific challenges of European machine tool applications, but also conform to DIN 69051 (ISO 3408) with regard to both dimensional and tolerance classes.

NSK will use the forthcoming EMO 2017 exhibition (Hanover, Germany, 18-23 September) to shine the spotlight on a number of new and recent innovations for the global machine tool market. These will include advances in angular contact ball bearings for main spindles, deep groove ball bearings for spindle motors, and toughened ball screws specifically for injection moulding machines. Also featured on the NSK booth (Hall 7, Stand D12) will be a working demonstration of a condition monitoring system (CMS) with real-time vibration analysis displayed on a monitor.

NSK has released a new cost saving calculator that allows users to quickly calculate the potential total life cost savings by using NSK bearings in any given application. The App can be downloaded onto any Apple, Android or Windows based phones or tablets, or directly onto your PC or laptop.

The use of low-friction ball bearings in drive systems serves to increase energy efficiency and reduce operational noise. Bearings of this type will also reduce heat generation, which in turn helps to extend service life. Based on concepts such as optimised raceway geometry and special sealing concepts, NSK has developed several series of ball bearings that offer significantly lower friction characteristics.

In order to deliver spindle drive service life optimisation in injection moulding machines, NSK has developed several new high-load ball screws, including the latest S-HTF series. However, many well-known manufacturers of injection moulding machines also use NSK's high-load ball screw drives for the clamping and injection axes, which is where the established HTF series is proving popular.

Up against tough competition, NSK Italy has been successful in its bid to win the coveted ‘Company to Watch’ award in a ceremony held at the end of March 2017. The Company to Watch Award is organised by Cerved, a leading information provider in Italy and one of the major rating agencies in Europe, with winners judged against their financial results and business performance.

The use of NSK’s advanced Molded-Oil deep groove ball bearings in the rotary screen of a biogas plant has seen service life more than double, a fact that is helping to save €19,200 per annum. Molded-Oil bearings feature lubricant that is embedded in a polyolefin resin, thus preventing the penetration of liquid and particle contaminants to permit extended periods of maintenance-free running.

Newly-developed S-HTF series ball screws from NSK offer more than double the service life and 1.3 times greater dynamic load capacity than the company’s previous generation product. These performance attributes have been achieved thanks to the use of a new steel material for the screw shaft that delivers an optimised combination of hardness and resilience. Specially developed by NSK, the aptly-named ‘Tough Steel’ (TF) is already being used in the company’s rolling bearings with great success.

A manufacturer of sheet metal assemblies recently sought a solution to short lifespan issues with the drive and guide elements on its automated welding systems. In fact, the linear guides for a robotic welding gun on one particular production line had to be replaced every two or three months. Due to the cost of replacement parts and maintenance time, as well as equipment downtime, the company asked NSK to investigate and provide a proposal to address the problem.

NSK has been presented with the Cho Monozukuri Innovative Parts and Components Award for its NH/NS Series Linear Guides. Established by the Japanese government in 2004, this prestigious award recognises the valuable contribution that manufacturing makes to both industry and society. NSK’s NH/NS Linear Guides have double the lifespan of conventional products due to the inclusion of specially developed features such as a new ball groove. The judges said that the linear guides and the technology behind them earned the award by contributing to longer equipment lifespan and smaller system size.