The Power of Knowledge Engineering

Super-precision performanceUnique solutions for the machine tool industry

Customers are demanding more.

So should you.

Machine tool performance is playing an increasingly critical

role in production efficiency and product quality. No surprise

that your customers are demanding more of you as a

manufacturer. Your ability to offer machines that combine

high speed and precision

efficiently is the key to

stronger customer relation-

ships and greater competi-

tive power.

It starts with innovation Using high-quality compo-

nents to optimize machine

performance pays off for

you and your customers.

A more advanced and better-tuned lubrication system,

for example, contributes to optimal machine uptime and

improved productivity – making your machines more

attractive.

Beyond performanceYet high machine performance is just the beginning. Other

important parameters are reliability, energy efficiency, low

maintenance and minimal environmental impact. And then

there’s overall cost effectiveness – helping to reduce the

cost of operation for you and your customers. Profitability

depends on this.

A unique combinationAt SKF, we’ve been an engaged partner and supplier to the

machine tool industry for decades. We understand your

technical and business challenges. We also see your oppor-

tunities. Working together, we can help you realize them.

You can rely on a unique combination of optimized products

and solutions and deep knowledge in five vital competence

areas: bearings and units, lubrication systems, seals,

mechatronics and services.

“Having a partner who can provide a total concept that meets our specific needs is a big competitive advantage for us. Now we are better able to meet our extremely high demands on precision cutting and production efficiency. Our bottom line says it all.”Customer testimonial

A single source for controlled production.

Lubrication systems

Machine tool designs are becoming increasingly complex, particu-larly at multiple axis machining centres. The reason is clear: to shorten the chain of production, saving time and money. Yet this puts exceptional demands on the main sub-assemblies, such as drives, guides, lubrication, seals, monitoring and sensorics. Working together with you, we can develop a total solution that meets your specific requirements. We can offer this by combining advanced components, units and system solutions that take full advantage of our competence in bearings, lubrication systems, seals, mechatronics and services.

DrivesThe drive components have a vital function in a tooling machine. Quite simply, they must offer high reliability, easy maintenance and long service life. This puts high demands on the quality of the specific products and the way they interact.

For the motorized spindle, for example, SKF offers high-speed, sealed, super-precision bearings that can be combined with lifetime grease lubrication and separate re-greasing unit or permanent oil+air spindle lubrication. Valuable information about the operational health of the spindle can be collected using adapted sensor systems – opening up opportunities for cost effective process optimization.

All SKF drive components are optimized to provide an effective machine tool solution.

GuidingThe performance of guiding products and solutions depends on qualities like high position accuracy and stiffness, low friction, non-stick-slip effect and ideal heat transmission.

SKF has a unique capability to offer advanced guiding solutions for optimal performance. A perfect example is precision rail guides with integrated anti-creeping system, wipers and lubrication equipment. This combination provides reliable, precise and speed-efficient operation.

Lubrication and sealsHeat generation due to friction is a constant threat to production accuracy. The correct quantity of lubricant at all moving parts keeps heat development to a minimum and helps prevent wear and tear. Adequately selected seals keep the lubricant in the required contact areas and protect against contamination.

SKF offers a wide range of lubrication solutions with variable quantity allocation and different viscosity. Plastic and rubber seals complete the very specific technical requirements for high-productive systems.

Measurement and monitoringMonitoring systems can often be the key to improved machine efficiency. A machine operator who has current information about machine performance can more quickly and easily take the proper actions.

On-line condition monitoring and crash protection systems provide advanced warning of developing machine tool spindle problems such as bearing damage, imbalance, and lubrication issues. This virtually eliminates unplanned downtime and means that mainte-nance can be based on need rather than time-schedules. The data logging system can be integrated with the machine’s control system for immediate shutdown or unloading.

Profile rail guides

External minimal quantity lubrication

Data logging system

Super-precision bearings

Ball screw support bearings

Seals

Axial-radial cylindrical roller bearings

Ball and roller screwsSpindle service

Precision lock nuts

Spandau pumps

Minimal quantity lubrication

Oil+Air lubrication

Coolant supply

More speed and precision. Longer service lifetime and improved bottom line.With 100 years of hands-on experience in rotating equipment, SKF has a unique understanding of the conditions affecting bearing life, spindle uptime, product quality and plant productivity.

As a manufacturer ourselves, we have implemented many of these solutions in our own plants. The result has been a quick return on investment through higher productivity and reduced maintenance. Drawing on this experience, SKF offers a broad range of cost-effective solutions for machine tool operations – from specialized bearings, sealing and lubrication solutions to mechatronics, automated maintenance and machine monitoring systems.

Lubrication systemsUp to 40 % of premature bearing failures are caused by lubrication problems – whether it is due to too much, too little, the wrong type or contaminated lubricant.

SKF automatic lubrication technologies offer a number of important advantages, from faster production and reduced maintenance costs to a healthier, more environmentally friendly workplace. They include the industry’s most advanced, automated minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) systems for machining processes as well as centralized, multi-point lubrication systems for drives, bearings and auxiliary equipment.

Super-precision bearingsThe accumulated experience of super-precision bearings, particularly within the design and manufacturing of special bearings for aerospace and machine tool applications, makes them the benchmark for high-quality, advanced technology bearings.

Strengthened with SNFA, developer and producer of super-precision bearings, we can now provide a unique total offer to machine tool manufacturers all over the world.

The main bearing types for the machine tool industry are super-precision bearings, like angular contact bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and various types of customized bearings for machine tools and other applications where precision, quiet running and low friction rotation are essential. Our super-precision bearings are available in a very wide range of shaft sizes, and bearing specifications are in line with international standards to secure inter-changeability.

Super-precision bearings provide higher machine performance. Minimal quantity lubrication involves lubricating the work piece with a very fine mist of coolant.

Adequately selected seals retain the lubricants and prevent contaminants from entering the system.

More speed and precision. Longer service lifetime and improved bottom line.Sealing solutionsMachine breakdowns and resulting financial losses are often caused by lubricant starvation or contaminants entering the system. Adequately selected seals retain the lubricants and exclude con-taminants.

Increasing speeds and processing temper-atures mean that components are becom-ing more abrasive. This can undermine sealing performance and service lifetime. To solve problems like these, SKF offers first-class sealing designs in superior materials.

SKF seals in our specialized design solu-tions are tuned to meet specific application requirements, and are available in a very wide range of sizes up to 4 000 mm diameter.

Mechatronic systemsBy bringing together competences in linear motion, bearings, sealing, lubrication, sensors and electronics, as well as inte-grating the best available development practices and technologies, SKF offers a range of standard and customized solu-tions for streamlining machine tool sub- assemblies.

SKF offers a full line of linear drive and guiding systems – from dovetail, hardened steel way and standard linear slides to precision shaft, rail, and cam-roller guides.All are designed for ease of maintenance and reliability. What’s more, many are off-the-shelf products, available for drop-in replacement.

Linear drives for many machine tool axes are equipped with ball and roller screws. SKF ball and roller screws provide a fast and precise linear movement. The screws are also available with the support bearings pre-assembled on the screw shaft – ready to bolt in place. This speeds up and simplifies assembly and alignment proce-dures.

ServicesThe extreme accuracy and repeatability required of machine tool applications demand that only highly skilled techni-cians with in-depth knowledge of the equipment or systems perform upgrades or repairs. Due to the intensive training and experience needed, many facilities are outsourcing service of their most critical equipment. SKF provides a wide range of highly specialized expert services – from engineering upgrades to spindle analysis, reconditioning, and replacement.

In addition to machine tool services, SKF can provide expert consultancy and asset management services to optimize overall equipment effectiveness. Capabilities include advanced condition monitoring technologies, predictive and proactive maintenance programs, and hands-on maintenance training. Reliability experts can perform root cause failure analysis (RCFA) on your critical equipment and recommend appropriate equipment upgrades to solve recurring application problems.

Adequately selected seals retain the lubricants and prevent contaminants from entering the system.

Preloaded ball and roller screws and the compact design of ball screw support bearings simplify the assembly and alignment process.

Portable maintenance instruments for machinery diagnostics to ensure that collection of valid data can be achieved easily and quickly.

Local service and support – all over the world.As global demand increases for manufacturers that can deliver high-precision products at competitive prices, machine tool facilities will need to explore every opportunity to increase opera-tional efficiency. No doubt this will involve upgrading existing equipment to incorporate the latest and best components. And, with the growing focus on sustainability, the industry will have to do even more to reduce environmental impact. With SKF, you can rely on a wide range of products and systems to meet your application challenges.

SKF Machine Tool Competence CentreKnowledge is a powerful success factor. This is why we’ve devel-oped the SKF Machine Tool Competence Centre – a dynamic facility that directly transfers SKF knowledge engineering to the machine tool industry. Here, you get access to our five fields of knowledge – bearings, mechatronics, lubrication, seals and services – all under one roof.

For us, it’s all about working closely with customers, listening and learning to solve new challenges. Helping you to realize your innovative potential for even greater productivity in your applica-tion. To achieve this, we provide technical support that includes: training and seminars of products and solutions in theory and practice; calculation and assortment assistance; engineering and development support; and quick product availability.

Our ambition is to create a network of SKF Machine Tool Compe-tence Centres around the world – and close to your operation.

Global spindle service networkWith experienced personnel and critical equipment such as balancing units, precision machining, special measuring tools and advanced vibration equipment, the SKF Spindle Service Centres can recondition any kind of belt driven and motorized spindle for any machine tool application.

Here, spindles go through a total condition and function review following a thoroughly developed and mandatory reconditioning process. It includes analysis of breakdown reason, dynamic balancing of rotating parts and fine balancing of the complete spindle. Vital measurements and sensors are validated and components are replaced and refurbished when needed. Finally, the reconditioning is concluded by comprehensive test before delivered together with verification documents. When necessary, we can provide proposals for modification and upgrading.

Local service and support – all over the world.We’ve got you coveredWith SKF, you can rely on extra support that only a dedicated, global leader can provide. Here is just a sampling of what you can expect from us:

Global presence, local support – for service and advice when •you need it most

Network of dedicated SKF representatives and distributors•

Quick and easy access to spare parts – because there’s no •time to waste

Inventory management service for reduced operational costs•

Short response time for quotations and technical calculations•

Efficient distribution for precision deliveries – whenever, •wherever

SKF – your local machine tools engineering partner with global coverage.

At SKF, we are committed to supporting your operation and the machine tool industry as a whole. Our innovative solutions are built on several knowledge engineering areas, offering a more dynamic system approach to optimizing your processes. We are also working hard to make our products, solutions and systems even more efficient, as well as developing customized products and services for specific machines and conditions. All of this – from a partner who is never far away.

New opportunitiesA partnership with SKF gives you a competitive edge. By utilizing our competence in the fields of bearings, lubrication, service, mechatronics and seals, you will open up new opportunities for improved performance and efficiency. What’s more, only SKF can support you with an integrated approach to mechanical and lubrication system design. We also make sure that you benefit from the knowledge and experience we have gained in a wide range of industry segments. A specific offshore sealing solution, for example, might also meet a new challenge in a tool machining centre.

A lot in commonMost likely, we share the same business challenges and demand the same things from partners and suppliers. So let’s explore what we can achieve together, such as:

Improve cost-effectiveness for greater profitability•

Increase energy efficiency to reduce costs and promote •sustainable development

Enhance reliability for maximum uptime and productivity•

Improve flexibility to keep up with evolving customer demands•

Increase level of customization for better market differentia-•tion and system performance

Shorten time to market for greater competitive power•

Welcome to SKF – a strong partner as you aim for the future.

When you aim for the future, you don’t need to look far.

SKF has the knowledge, commitment and resources to help keep you at the forefront.

The Power of Knowledge EngineeringDrawing on five areas of competence and application-specific expertise amassed over 100 years, SKF brings innovative solu-tions to OEMs and production facilities in every major industry worldwide. These five competence areas include bearings and units, seals, lubrication systems, mechatronics (combining mechanical and electronics into intelligent systems), and a wide range of services, from 3-D computer modelling to advanced condition monitoring and reliability and asset management services. A global presence provides SKF customers uniform quality standards and universal product availability.

® SKF and SNFA are registered trademarks of the SKF Group.

© SKF Group 2008The contents of this publication are the copyright of the publisher and may not be reproduced (even extracts) unless permission is granted. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication but no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of the use of the information contained herein.

Publication 6676 EN · March 2008

Printed in Sweden on environmentally friendly paper.

Bearings and unitsSeals Lubrication

systems

Mechatronics Services