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.
Tile manufacturing plants are subject to harsh operating environments where the ingress of ceramic dust and other contaminants prove detrimental to machinery such as handling equipment.
Here, poor lubrication on the steel balls of the linear guides can lead to the requirement for regular re-greasing in order to maintain the smooth linear motion and fixed preload needed for successful operations.
Frustrated with the downtime and costs incurred across its six handling machines, the roof tile manufacturer turned to the expertise of NSK and its AIP Added Value Programme. Specialist NSK engineers performed a full application review that highlighted the need to improve both the lubrication and sealing performance of the system.
NSK recommended the adoption of its K1 lubrication units, a move which has introduced a number of significant benefits. For instance, not only have the levels of sealing and protection improved, but the preload can now be maintained for a longer period due to reduced wear.
Furthermore, reduced running friction has resulted in lower actuator pressure needed for the same operation (from 6 to 4 bar), thus saving energy costs.
The switch to NSK´s lubrication units across six machines means the previous need for 52 re-greasing routines (30 minutes each) per annum, has been reduced to just two. Based on the reduction in maintenance time and labour, yearly savings have been calculated at €4,950¤
Building on the success of the K1, which was first launched in 1996, NSK has now developed its K1-L lubrication unit for users of linear guides who want to ensure maintenance-free operations for even longer.
Available to order since December 2019, the K1-L offers a considerable improvement in lubrication capabilities. In fact, thanks to a newly developed resin, the latest unit can supply oil for nearly twice as long. Further benefits of note include the special shape of the K1-L, which reduces dynamic friction force by about 20% when the slider moves along the rail of the linear guide.
In addition, a newly developed protective casing helps to maintain structural integrity and further impedes the entry/ejection of dust and other particle contaminants.
NSK Europe Ltd
- 01636 605 123
- info-uk@nsk.com
- Belmont Place, Belmont Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 6TB GB
About us
Established over 100 years ago, NSK (Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha) is a Japanese-listed company that has evolved from a regional ball bearing supplier to a roller bearing specialist and automotive supplier with a global market presence. Today, NSK employs more than 31,400 employees in 30 countries. As per March 2019, NSK achieved sales of 991,4 billion Yen. This result has been driven by ever-increasing investment in research & development, enabling the company to continuously improve the quality of its products and services. This investment supports NSK’s objective of “No. 1 in Total Quality”. In addition to a complete rolling bearing portfolio, NSK develops and manufactures precision components and mechatronic products, as well as systems and components for the automotive industry, including wheel bearing units and electric power-steering systems. In 1963, NSK’s first European subsidiary, Düsseldorf, Germany, was opened and in 1976, the first European production facility in Peterlee, England. Today, NSK Europe supports pan-European sales with production locations in England, Poland and Germany, logistics centres in the Netherlands, Germany and England and technology centres in Germany, England and Poland. In 1990, NSK purchased the UPI Group including the renowned European bearing manufacturer RHP, with its factory in Newark (UK). Additionally, NSK has developed a comprehensive network of authorised sales distributors. NSK Europe is divided into application-based business divisions: Industry rolling bearing technologies & linear and precision technology (EIBU) as well as bearing modules and steering systems for the automotive industry (EABU & ESBU). In this organisation, NSK Europe's 4,260 employees achieved a turnover of over 1,045 million Euros as per March 2019.
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Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America
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Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater
