NSK bearings deliver patented cage elevate performance

A new series of NSK spherical roller bearings with a patented cage design is, says the company, “set to provide general industry with new levels of productivity, reliability and load capacity”. The optimised cage is said to reduce internal stress and eliminate the need for a guide ring, “providing just two of many benefits over existing solutions”.

Potential applications for the new ECA series extend from conveyors, gearboxes and steelmaking machinery, through to presses and machines used in mining.

Complete interchangeability

The design of NSK’s ECA range of spherical roller bearings, which supersedes the CAM series, ensures complete interchangeability with existing solutions. Notably, the next-generation, precision-machined solid brass cage features contoured roller pockets that significantly reduce any unnecessary roller motion during rotation.

NSK’s optimised cage design also results in less stress as it balances form-fitting shape with cage bar strength. In addition, a retainer ‘clasp’ on the tip of the cage bar prevents any potential for roller slip off. A further major benefit of the new bearing series is its ability to accommodate more rollers of larger size, thus producing class-leading load capacity.

Higher dynamic load rating

Indeed, the bearings provide up to 47% higher dynamic load rating, and up to 22% more static load rating. Higher limiting speeds, up to 20% more than standard spherical roller bearings, deliver yet another advantage for users, while the working temperature is now rated up to 200°C thanks to the application of dimensional stability treatment as standard.

As a result of these performance enhancements, those upgrading to the new bearings can achieve a reduction in total maintenance costs. Users in sectors that include cement, paper and packaging, quarrying and mining, steels and metals, and petrochemical, are all set to benefit.

NSK’s ECA series of spherical roller bearings with patented cage design are available in bore diameters from 40 to 130 mm.