As a respected and coveted manufacturer of premium bearings, NSK has long been the victim of unscrupulous counterfeiters. Looking to cheat both the OEM and the user, those producing fake bearings will stop at little to deceive purchasers and boost the profitability of their illegal operations. However, NSK is fighting back with a range of measures that aims to nullify this corrupt practice.

The number of machine builders and end users benefiting from the NH/NS series of linear guides from NSK is continuously expanding in new fields and applications, thanks largely to a long service life which is double that of conventional products. This longevity is a primary advantage in an industrial landscape where minimising TCO (total cost of ownership) is vital. Maintenance requirements are reduced considerably when using NH/NS linear guides, as is the risk of expensive machine downtime due to premature failures.

NSK has introduced a cash-flow support programme based on a flexible stocking initiative for frequent-demand linear-motion products. Customers taking advantage of the scheme, which includes NSK’s extensive range of high-quality linear guides and ball screws, will be able to reduce their own stock and boost vital cash flow.

When a company’s reputation is at stake, no purchasing or engineering teams want to fall into the trap of purchasing fake bearings. Every year, NSK invests heavily in identifying and prosecuting counterfeiters, but knows that the best way to stop these bogus operations is to halt demand. With this thought in mind, informing customers of ways to identify and avoid buying replica bearings is hugely beneficial for all stakeholders.

NSK has published a new catalogue that showcases its extensive range of standard bearings for electric motors. As well as focusing on solutions such as deep groove ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings, the 36-page catalogue contains a wealth of advice and technical information for any engineers involved in electric motor design or maintenance.

By releasing a new edition of its Precision Machine Components catalogue, NSK is providing existing and potential customers with an up-to-date overview of its comprehensive linear guide, ball screw and monocarrier portfolio. At more than 700 pages in length, the publication also acts as a manufacturer-neutral guide to selecting and calculating the service life of linear components for machine or equipment-building applications.

NSK leverages the competencies of its worldwide manufacturing facilities to bring products closer to the company’s local customer base and reduce lead times. A case in point is NH/NS series linear guides, which are produced at NSK’s UK plant in Newark. As well as stocking standard units, the Newark factory has extensive manufacturing capabilities to ensure that requests for specific lengths, coatings, seals and grease – for example – can be fulfilled in short lead times.

For many years NSK has focused its development competence on the company’s four core technologies of tribology, simulation/analysis, mechatronics and materials engineering. Now, these core areas are being joined by a fifth: manufacturing technology. The move to ‘four core technologies plus one’, highlights the increasing importance of optimised machines, systems and equipment in the manufacture of high-quality bearings. Moreover, through this addition NSK is acknowledging the growing influence of global trends such as the IoT, Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence (AI).

NSK customers around the world, including those in Europe, are set to benefit from the construction of a new heat treatment facility in Japan. The move comes as part of a continuous effort to strengthen the structural resilience of the NSK Group, while simultaneously providing a productivity and efficiency boost.

A recycling plant that was experiencing regular failures of mounted bearings on the conveyor of an optical sorting machine is enjoying major gains following the switch to NSK SNN series plummer blocks fitted with NSKHPS spherical roller bearings. Thanks to the reduction in replacement bearing costs, breakdowns and maintenance, the facility is saving €51,174 per annum.