Innovative Automotive Bearing Solutions Designed to Cater Transforming Consumer Needs; Ball Bearings to Capture Spotlight

With the rapid acceleration attained by the automotive sector, there is an increasing demand for automotive components. Automotive bearing is one such crucial automobile component that enables smooth and efficient functioning of vehicles. The speed enhancement, balance maintenance, and efficiency of vehicles is ensured by an automotive bearing, makes it a significant component for automobiles. Automotive bearing manufacturers are focusing on the transforming consumer demands with respect to which, they are introducing key innovations in the market. High-performance and improved vehicle functioning are amongst the key requirements of consumers.

In Focus: Quieter and Smoother Vehicle Operations

With the trend such as the electric vehicle trend taking over the global automotive sector, components designed for achieving better efficiency and driving experience are gaining major impetus. With these requirements in mind, significant automotive components such as innovative automotive bearings are being introduced to the market.

Consumers appreciate smoothly functioning steering systems, especially during parking and maneuvering. However, as steering gear generates undesirable noise particularly in electric cars, there is a growing need for smooth and silent functioning. Schaeffler, a leading automotive bearing market player has come to the rescue with its swivel bearing. The company has optimized its swivel bearing and equipped it with curved ‘spherical cap’, owing to which the bearing is able to tilt within itself, thereby compensating the worm shaft’s swiveling. All this is achieved without the generation of noise and frictional torque.

Schaeffler is not the only company working towards offerings a smoother and quieter experience to consumers. DANA Inc. a leading supplier of automotive solutions recently unveiled its Spicer Dura-Tune center bearing which is designed for durability and tweaked to offer market-leading powertrain vibration isolation and dampening to reduce driver fatigue and enhance vehicle satisfaction. This automotive bearing addressing vibration, noise, harshness levels pertaining to the unique vibration frequencies and considerably higher drivetrain torque stresses developed by chassis light-weighting and engine down-speeding. Owing to its key attributes, the design delivers greater consistency in riding and promotes longevity of drivetrain.

Automotive Bearing Manufacturers Centering on Emission Reduction Requirements

Emission reduction has emerged as a vital necessity for the automakers with the increasing environmental concerns pertaining to carbon emissions. Automotive bearing manufacturers are also contributing to the global efforts for decreasing emission.

A recognized automotive component manufacturer, MAHLE has made significant improvements to bearings, focusing on the emission reduction requirements. With the novel polymer coating, the company is expanding the service life of bearings by increasing seizure resistance, reducing friction, and enhancing boundary lubrication properties. These bearings are enhanced to endure the increased load from emission control measures including hybrid operation, stop-start systems, or coasting functionality.

Ball Bearings to Gain Major Emphasis amongst End Users: Production Landscape to Witness an Uptick  

The ball bearings are likely to gain a significant push with its growing popularity amongst end users. Considering the growing emphasis gained by the ball bearing segment, leading manufacturers are expanding their capabilities to cash on the opportunities associated with the lucrative variant.

For instance, the Schaeffler group is expanding its production capabilities in the Asian market with the help of merger of India-based companies, LuK India Pvt Ltd. and INA Bearings India Pvt Ltd with Schaeffler India Limited. The combined entity in Pune with an investment of INR 2,000 million is a major step aligning with their approach—‘One Schaeffler’ which would allow the automotive component giant to cash on the lucrative opportunities in India. The facility would provide a full range of mobility solutions for transmissions, engines, and chassis components along with a range of roller and ball bearing, housings, services throughout the automotive and industrial applications.