Sealed Bearings suit high speed applications.
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Press Release Summary:
Fafnir® True High-Speed Sealed Bearings (THSS) feature non-contact dynamic seals which retain grease inside and keep contamination out. CERBEC® ceramic ball complement decreases friction in rolling contact area and lowers centrifugal forces. Integrated design helps prevent degradation of lubricant viscosity that could otherwise occur at temperatures above 160°F. Precision tolerances at ABEC9 (ISO P2) levels and 15° contact angle increase spindle rigidity.Original Press Release:
Fafnir® True High-Speed Sealed Bearings Provide Superior Spindle Performance
TORRINGTON, Conn., July, 2002 - The introduction of Fafnir® True High-Speed Sealed Bearings (THSS) brings a new level of performance for today's most demanding machine tool spindles. These superprecision angular contact ball bearings combine a variety of advanced features for high speeds and accuracy as well as extended service life.
The non-contact dynamic seals form a key innovation that keeps contamination out while minimizing running torque for high-speed operation. Seals effectively retain grease inside the bearing, making it maintenance free compared to open, oil-lubricated bearings. Extended bearing service life reduces machine tool maintenance requirements and eliminates the costs associated with expensive oil/mist lubrication systems.
The new THSS offering is based on the proven Fafnir HX bearing internal geometry, which minimizes lubricant shear effects and heat generation at higher operating speeds. The design also includes a CERBEC® ceramic ball complement as a standard feature. This helps reduce the operating temperature by decreasing the friction in the rolling contact area and also lowering centrifugal forces.
"We developed the THSS design as a comprehensive solution for the problems machine tool operators are facing as they move toward spindle speeds up to 1.2 million DN and beyond," said Torrington Marketing Manager Tony Romero. "At these speeds, heat and running accuracy can be limiting factors to machining productivity and precision."
The special seal, internal geometry and ceramic ball complement work together to reduce operating temperatures and extend service life. The integrated design helps to prevent the degradation of lubricant viscosity that could otherwise occur at temperatures above 160°F. Maintaining optimal lubricant viscosity is a key factor in reducing friction and heat generation.
The THSS design produces additional benefits for high-speed operation. Precision tolerances at ABEC9 (ISO P2) levels and the 15° contact angle increase spindle rigidity and reduce ball skidding in the load zone.
In a major benefit for users, the Fafnir sealed bearings support the current machine tool trend to move away from expensive oil/mist lubrication systems. Users want to convert to grease lubrication to achieve significant savings in compressed air and reduce operator oil mist exposure. Grease lubrication allows for lower compressed air usage and the elimination of coalescing filters (re-collectors) and desiccant dryers.
Fafnir THSS bearings are currently available in most popular sizes of ISO 10 and 19 series.
The Torrington unit of Ingersoll-Rand is a major supplier of superprecision bearings under the Fafnir brand for the global machine tool and manufacturing industries
IR is a leading innovation and solutions provider for the major global markets of Security and Safety, Climate Control, Industrial Solutions and Infrastructure. The company's diverse product portfolio encompasses such leading industrial and commercial brands as Schlage locks and security solutions, Thermo King transport temperature control equipment, Hussmann commercial and retail refrigeration equipment, Bobcat compact equipment, Club Car golf cars and utility vehicles, Torrington bearings and components, PowerWorks microturbines, and Ingersoll-Rand industrial and construction equipment. In addition, IR offers products and services under many more premium brands for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Further information on IR can be found on the company's Web site at
www.irco.com.
