Industrial machinery & equipment

Friction-reducing bearing technologies

Part of GNFK StartThe Industrial division offers a whole host of solutions with rotary and linear bearings for energy-efficient operation of machines and equipment. With diameters ranging from a few millimeters to several meters, the extensive bearing portfolio includes high-speed models for electric motors, high-performance spindles, and aircraft engines, and supports long-term solutions for the extractive industry as well as solutions with larger bearings for energy generation such as power plant turbines and wind turbines.Part of GNFK End

Smaller production dimensions and optimized heat treatment processes reduce the energy requirements of heat treatment plants. The development of new materials such as Cromadur makes it possible to increase load-bearing capacity and the service life of rolling bearings. Rolling elements made of high-performance ceramic reduce friction and enable higher limit speeds of up to 40%. The lower bearing temperature increases the operating life of lubricants and, in many cases, can reduce requirements by 50 %. Another application of ceramic rolling elements is generator bearings in large wind turbines, where ceramic rolling elements ensure safe operation of bearing positions subjected to electrical and tribological stress. Unnecessary maintenance cycles are avoided, and production of renewable energy is made more efficient.

Advancing Industry 4.0

The portfolio of Industry 4.0 solutions consists of mechatronic linear and rotary products, condition monitoring systems and services, and the new field of digital services and software. The newly developed OPTIME condition monitoring system enables comprehensive, automated condition monitoring, which is more profitable for maintenance companies and plant operators. Unplanned machine and equipment downtime can only be reliably avoided by automatically recording and monitoring the condition of all units. This reduces energy consumption, conserves resources, and, with remote monitoring, increases workforce safety.

Potential in rail transport technology

Recycling components is not only economical, but also conserves resources. The Schaeffler Group processes both its own and third-party wheelset bearings. However, not all operators have introduced a recycling process for the wheelset bearings used in railway vehicles. The company simplifies the switch to recycled wheelset bearings for railway operators with the aid of a data matrix code (DMC). This allows operators to electronically monitor the processing status of their stock and the history of individual bearings. Assembly processes can also be digitalized and electronically documented with ease.