NSK has developed a new type of ball screw that exhibits reduced motion errors to deliver higher surface finish quality for machine tools used in mould and die machining and other surface-critical applications. By eliminating or reducing the time needed for secondary burnishing or polishing applications, the new ball screw also contributes to higher productivity, while simultaneously reducing the amount of drive torque to save energy.

NSK has designed a solution using spherical roller bearings that were not only made from its proprietary HTF tough steel, but also featured a detachable nitrile seal. The result was an extension in service life leading to significant savings in downtime costs.

Manufacturers across Europe are experiencing the economic pain of rising energy bills, which creates a dilemma: absorb the cost or pass it on to valued customers. Neither is particularly easy. As a result, now is the ideal moment for companies to reduce their running costs with correctly aligned machines and energy-efficient bearing solutions from NSK.

NSK is working to assist society by developing new service robot technology, including robotic devices for moving patients in medical settings. In October 2021, the company joined a Japanese government initiative to implement robotic technology in hospitals and help prevent the spread of Covid-19. NSK is now working to develop its robotic technologies further through dialogue with frontline medical staff.

An Italian manufacturer of glass processing machinery is benefitting from the adoption of NH series linear guides from NSK. Now serving in a vertical drilling and milling machine for flat glass products, the NH30 (stainless steel version) linear guides overcome a number of challenges to deliver optimal performance for end users.

NSK Europe is celebrating a double scoop at the prestigious Toyota Motor Europe (TME) awards: a Certificate of Recognition (in the Supply category) and a Superior Performance Award (in the Quality category). TME typically presents the awards at its showpiece Annual Business Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, in front of several hundreds of industry dignitaries. However, with the pandemic still a concern, the company instead organised a virtual live presentation.

The power usage of motors used in machinery is said to make up 40-50% of the world’s electricity consumption, making these industry-essential devices a key energy reduction target. With this thought in mind, the market is seeing a proliferation of industrial motors claiming to offer improved energy efficiency. The latest inverter motors are also contributing to lower power consumption as they adjust their rotational speed according to operating conditions. Furthermore, demand is ramping up for new-generation servo motors, which typically find use in industrial robots as they can rotate forwards and backwards for accurate positioning. These three motor types (high-efficiency, inverter and servo) all rely on one common component to help maximize performance and minimize energy consumption: bearings.

Due to harsh environmental conditions, steelmaking equipment requires highly reliable, long-life bearings that resist premature damage. NSK has therefore developed a new high-value-added bearing for the steelmaking industry that improves productivity through stable equipment operation and reduces maintenance costs with its innovative sealing and lubrication technologies.

Operators of high-precision grinding and honing machines in NSK's ball bearing production are now taking advantage of virtual reality (VR) training methods. VR technology has the advantage, among other things, of allowing machines to keep producing, while simultaneously permitting easier standardisation of training courses. For NSK, this first project at its Munderkingen plant in Germany serves as a model for future roll-out at other facilities.

The recent discovery of a large number of counterfeit NSK bearings in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlights the need to remain vigilant in the face of criminals who look to put the safety and integrity of industrial machinery and humans at risk. Towards the end of April 2022, a Police search and seizure operation (initiated by NSK) led to the confiscation of thousands of replica bearings (98% industrial types) worth an estimated R5 million. Criminal and civil proceedings are now underway against the perpetrators, who will shortly receive a court summons.