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bearings

Exploring the Role of Super Precision Bearings in Automation Equipment

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Super precision bearings are integral to high-accuracy operations, particularly in applications that require stability, speed, and low friction.

In automation equipment, super precision bearings – especially angular contact ball bearings – are essential in ensuring accuracy and efficiency across a range of applications, from machine tools to robotics.

This article explores the crucial roles that super precision bearings play in automation equipment, highlighting their specific uses and why they are indispensable in modern automated systems.

[Read more…] about Exploring the Role of Super Precision Bearings in Automation Equipment

Bearings for Robot Arms: The Complete Guide

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Bearings assist in the movement of the robot’s arms. The movements would otherwise be jerky, inaccurate and unreliable without the function of these components.

These items though small helps reduce the force of friction between two or more parts whist moving making the robotic systems to be accurate and last longer.

Industrial robotics has been advancing with interdisciplinary knowledge of different engineering branches and the use of modern materials. Picking up the right bearing can transform the performance of the robot’s arms from increased velocity to increased durability. [Read more…] about Bearings for Robot Arms: The Complete Guide

Unlocking the Potential of Automation: A Deep Dive into Air Bearings

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In today’s fast-evolving world of automation, components that may seem minuscule can hold the key to monumental advancements.

Enter air bearings. Not only do they represent a revolutionary way to handle motion, but they also hold the potential to redefine efficiency and precision in the automation sector. [Read more…] about Unlocking the Potential of Automation: A Deep Dive into Air Bearings

How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

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Article by Mark Fairchild, Precision Drive Systems

Have you optimized the performance of your robotic arm as it performs milling operations? Machining with articulated robot arms is an attractive alternative to machine tools because they offer ease of set-up, repeatability, a large workspace, and versatility.

However, machine tools are as much as 50 times stiffer than robotic arms (details). This lack of stiffness in robots makes it challenging to produce the desired performance. Minimizing chatter is a frequent concern and should not be overlooked to ensure the right results the first time.

In this article, we explore some best practices for reducing chatter with a focus on the spindle and tooling. [Read more…] about How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

How to 3D Print Custom Inline Skates

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3D printing is also referred to as additive manufacturing. It is the process of creating 3 dimensional (3D) objects that are solid.

The solid objects are printed from a digital file by way of additive processes where thin layers of material are added in succession.

Many objects can be printed, including 3 wheel inline skates. The following instructions will explain how to do so. [Read more…] about How to 3D Print Custom Inline Skates

NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’

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nsk ball bearings

NSK has launched low-friction ball bearings which it says increase energy efficiency and reduce operational noise in drive systems. 

Bearings of this type will also reduce heat generation, which in turn helps to extend service life, according to the company.

Based on concepts such as optimised raceway geometry and special sealing concepts, NSK has developed several series of ball bearings that offer significantly lower friction characteristics.  [Read more…] about NSK launches low-friction ball bearings which ‘increase energy efficiency’

Schaeffler and IBM sign Watson IoT partnership

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Schaeffler, one of the world’s leading automotive and industrial suppliers, has signed a multi-year strategic partnership agreement with IBM to accelerate the digital transformation of its entire operations and customer solutions using Watson’s cognitive intelligence and insight from billions of sensors that make up the internet of things (IoT).

Schaeffler manufactures millions of precision-engineered products that help to keep the world’s machines moving – from those that go into automotive clutch systems, to those in hybrid engines and the huge industrial bearings used in wind turbines.

Through the agreement, Schaeffler will tap IBM’s cloud-based Watson IoT technologies to help transform every aspect of its business from product development, through to manufacturing and its supply chain, sales and aftersales service.  [Read more…] about Schaeffler and IBM sign Watson IoT partnership

Additive manufacturing ‘revolutionising’ shipbuilding, says OR Laser

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container-ships

There’s a revolution brewing in the production of sliding bearings, according to OR Lasertechnologie

German industrial technology company OR Lasertechnologie says it’s only necessary to apply a layer of metal a few millimeters thick using the powder nozzle to reliably, cost-effectively, and easily protect the large shaft bearings used in ships from wear and tear. 

This represents something of a revolution in the shipbuilding industry, according to the company.

OR Laser says it develops and builds robot-assisted laser systems for direct metal deposition – which is similar to additive manufacturing – that take the production and repair of sliding bearings to an “innovative new level”.  [Read more…] about Additive manufacturing ‘revolutionising’ shipbuilding, says OR Laser