NSK Solves Repeat Failures of Machine Tool Spindle Bearings

NSK has resolved the issue of repeated spindle bearing failures on four CNC machining centres at the plant of a leading automotive industry supplier. Having identified the root cause of why the spindle bearings were failing every two weeks, the facility is now enjoying savings of €32,880 per annum.

To investigate the underlying reason behind the failures, NSK was requested to perform a survey of the complete application and maintenance process. An NSK expert observed the mounting methods undertaken by the maintenance department and discovered that the main problem was incorrect handling of the Super Precision Angular Contact Ball Bearings.

NSK Super Precision Angular Contact Ball Bearings offer long-life, high-precision and low-noise characteristics to suit high-speed machine tool spindles
The correct installation of bearings is paramount to the optimum running and ongoing care of industrial machinery. Here, the right training and use of the appropriate tools is particularly essential. With this in mind, NSK carried out a comprehensive training programme for the company’s maintenance staff, which included mounting and dismounting techniques, and advice on refilling bearing grease. Once the training was complete no further issues were reported, with bearing life duly extended from two weeks to six months, which in turn led to significant cost savings.

Factoring in previous bearing failures every two weeks (across four machines), as well as the cost of replacements and machining downtime, savings of €32,880 per annum are being achieved as a result of just two bearings changes per year following the NSK investigation and recourse.

Super Precision Angular Contact Ball Bearings offer long-life thanks to their use of extra pure and advanced material patented by NSK. Furthermore, low-noise characteristics make them ideal for quiet-running, high-speed spindles found on many modern machine tools. A variety of cage and seal options are available.