NSK has developed a new tapered roller bearing for use in electric vehicles (including hybrid, fuel cell and battery electric variants) that offers long life even under severely lean lubrication conditions. The bearings dramatically boost seizure resistance under lean lubrication, in turn improving transmission reliability and efficiency, and enabling the use of smaller lubrication systems and more compact gearbox designs.

NSK has implemented plans to expand its production of ball screw units for electric-hydraulic brakes. The move is in line with increasing numbers of regulators around the world mandating new vehicles be equipped with automatic emergency braking systems.

Aimed at OEMs looking to add mobility to their autonomous or collaborative robots, NSK has developed an innovative direct-drive wheel unit. Specifically designed for use in quiet environments, such as hospitals, hotels, offices and libraries, robots fitted with the new wheel unit can efficiently carry and move loads up to 100 kg without disturbing people.

NSK, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bearings, linear motion technologies and steering systems, has endorsed recommendations made in the final report of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Within the report, it is recommended that corporations disclose information on risks and opportunities related to climate change which impact upon finance. The TCFD was established by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), an international body that monitors and makes recommendations about the global financial system.

A new online training module has been introduced to the increasingly popular NSK academy online platform. The latest module, which focusses on vibrating screens, will appeal to all involved in specifying bearings to withstand the harsh working environments found in mining, quarrying and construction applications. As with all training modules available at NSK academy, registered users completing the course will require an 80% pass mark to receive a certificate.

NSK has developed the third generation of its in-wheel motor, the world’s first design of its type to feature a complete package comprising motor, inverter and wireless charging unit. The innovative wireless in-wheel motor (W-IWM) for the electric vehicle (EV) market is capable of charging from coils embedded in the road, while in motion. Development of the latest unit was conducted jointly by a research group comprising NSK, the Fujimoto Laboratory at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, Bridgestone Corporation, ROHM Co Ltd and Toyo Electric Mfg Co Ltd.

A ceramic roof tile manufacturer is saving €4,950 a year by switching to NSK K1 lubrication units for its handling machinery. The move has dramatically reduced the previous labour and downtime costs associated with re-greasing the integral linear guides.

After experiencing ongoing problems with the bearings on a vital milling machine at a steel plant, the management team turned to NSK for a solution. This decision proved to be extremely lucrative, with the steel mill now enjoying annual savings of €35,600.

The introduction of NSK linear guides with K1 lubrication units has helped a cereal manufacturer overcome contamination issues on its bagging machines, a move that is saving the company almost €65,000 a year.

In the beautiful and historical town of Dubrovnik, Croatia, NSK hosted its 2019 European Distributor Conference. Over 100 delegates from distribution partners across all EMEA regions attended the 3-day-event to share information and network.