SKF claims energy savings with new bearings
Swedish bearings manufacturer SKF has redesigned two types of bearing to be more energy efficient. It says that design changes to its deep groove ball bearings (pictured) and tapered roller bearings can deliver a minimum 30% reduction in energy consumption. This is due to a number of factors such as improved lubrication, optimised geometry and the use of a polymer cage. It has chosen these types of bearing because they are produced in the highest volume. Later, it expects to extend the redesign to other types of bearing. Production will begin towards the end of the year – though SKF already has prototype samples. Tom Johnstone, CEO of SKF, told Eureka: “We are working with some customers already, to determine the order in which we introduce the new products.”