NSK is launching a new line of high speed hybrid steel-ceramic bearings as its Robust brand.  Robust bearings are distinct from other hybrid bearings because they NSK’s own brand of steel SHX which has fewer inclusions and a higher hardness than standard 52100 steel.  The bearings were designed with high speed machining in mind so the bearings will be able to operate at high speeds while generating less heat.

Four lines of Robust bearings are being produced:

• H (ball bearing): high speed motorized machine tool spindles
• X (ball bearing): high speeds and minimal lubrication
• XE (ball bearing): high speed and can be lubricated using mist injection
• RXH (cylindrical bearing): to be fitted to both ends of next-generation high-speed motorized spindle shafts

(W_hard/W_soft) = alpha * (H_soft/H_hard)^2

The figure shown in the book shows a lot of scatter: it is almost as bad as fatigue data.  Consequently, I am not sure how useful the hardness relationship is in predicting the wear rate.  Although the exact relationship may be unclear, the fact that there is a correlation cannot be disputed. It is also important to note that however large you make the hardness ratio, you cannot entirely eliminate adhesive wear from the harder surface.

Source:  Friction and Wear of Materials by Rabinowicz

Loyd’s Registry and FOBAS are launching an engine performance monitoring system which will be called FOBAS Engine.  The system is for use with maritime two stroke diesel engines.  The system will use telemetry to monitor the engine and lubricating system.  Information received from telemetry can in turn be used to give advice for extending engine life and alleviating deteriorating engine performance.

RBC bearings purchased Lubron Bearing Systems a smaller bearing manufacturer in order to increase the variety in its bearing portfolio.  RBC hopes Lubron’s bearings and expertise will help it in the construction and infrastructure repair markets.

Indian Oil Corporation and Deakin University in Australia have announced a new research program.  Researchers from both Deakin and Indian Oil will research at each others facilities using Indian Oil Golden Jubilee Research Fellowships.  The initial phases of this research will be focused on environmentally friendly lubricants. This partnership is expected to help Australian industries enter the Indian markets.

JEKT has recently purchased Torrington Needle Roller Bearing from The Timken Company.  This move is expected to help Koyo Corporation also owned by JEKT.  The knowledge from Torrington and subsequent opening of an American corporation under the Koyo name will allow Koyo to attack three new markets:

• aerospace
• machine tools
• office equipment

Koyo Bearinging USA LLC three manufacturing facilities:

• Orangeburg, SC
• Blythewood, SC
• Washington County, TN

It has five needle roller bearing manufacturing centers and two technical or engineering centers:

• Plymouth, MI
• Greenville, SC

To slow the removal of lubricant from a contact two approaches can be taken.

• The first option is to add an adhesive such as epoxy resin which helps the lubricant adhere to the surface.
• The second option is to keep replenishing the lubricant on the surface.  This can often be accomplished through a chemical reaction between the surface and a surrounding fluid.

In developing a new slide for an upcoming theme park in Waterloo, Iowa, ProSlide taking advantage of water to solve lubrication issues.  Water is a readily available fluid although its propensity to cause oxidation and relatively poor lubricating properties mean that it is not commonly used as a lubricant.  Nevertheless, it can be useful as a lubricant under in some applications.

BNL Bearings is opening a new (British) National Technology Center to research the use of plastics for bearings, gears, and shafts.  BNL is being supported in this venture by the British Gear Association.