Of direct relevance to the wind energy sector, international accredited registrar and classification society
DNV GL has confirmed that roller and ball bearings made of NSK’s Super-TF material exhibit significantly
higher dynamic load ratings. Such is the effect of the higher load rating that bearing service life is effectively
doubled in wind turbine applications.
-Image1.jpeg – DNV GL confirms that rolling bearings made of NSK’s Super-TF material attain
significantly longer service life compared with ordinary rolling bearings
The rolling bearings of wind energy systems have to attain very long service life under harsh operating
conditions. To overcome this challenge, NSK set about developing its Super-Tough (Super-TF) bearing
steel, a proprietary material for very high load applications.
Looking to gain independent certification for the material, NSK commissioned the world-renowned test house
DNV GL to verify rolling bearings made of Super-TF with respect to ISO 281:2001 (Rolling bearings –
Dynamic load ratings and Rating life). The verification confirmed NSK’s published specifications and, in a
Statement of Conformity dated 15.11.2017, certified that when Super-TF material is used, the basic dynamic
load rating can be improved by 23% in roller bearings and 26% in ball bearings. This is equivalent to a
doubling of bearing fatigue life in comparison with ordinary bearings.
Wind power system OEMs and their customers now have the assurance that NSK’s Super-TF bearings
achieve significantly longer service life. The bearings are therefore ideally suited to this extremely demanding
application, where bearing specifications call for a service life of up to 220,000 hours without major
maintenance.
One of the major factors enhancing the performance of Super-TF is its proven ability to reduce
surface-induced wear from contaminated lubricant. In addition, the material prevents or retards the
appearance of white etching cracks (WEC). These are non-specific symptoms of damage which form below
the surface and can lead to premature bearing failure. Through a series of tests, NSK has shown that
Super-TF prolongs bearing operating life until the onset of damage.
About NSK
Established 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 31,500 employees in 30 countries. As per March
2017 NSK achieved a turnover of 950 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 3,600 employees achieved a turnover of over 1,000 million Euros as per March
2017.
For more information, visit www.nskeurope.com
NSK Deutschland GmbH
Harkortstrasse 15
40880 Ratingen
Germany
Marie-Dominique PILATH
Phone: +49 2102 4810
Fax: +49 2102 4812290
[email protected]
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