SpinDrive, a Finnish company that develops active magnetic bearing systems for industrial machinery, is introducing the Magma X100, a magnetic bearing controller platform for lower-power, ultra-high-speed applications up to 150 kW. The Magma X100 is scheduled to be unveiled at Turbo Expo 2026 in Milan. The platform is designed to provide active magnetic bearing performance […]
Bearings
Cleanroom-compatible materials and features
Materials and features of motion components for cleanroom environments balance competing demands such as cost and performance, performance and compactness, and ease of manufacturing and assembly with cleanroom satisfaction. First thing first — reduce friction: One of two primary sources of particulate contamination that can degrade a cleanroom environment is people. The other is friction between […]
IKO introduces LCRB lightweight crossed-roller bearings
IKO International has introduced its LCRB Series, a crossed-roller bearing line with a lightweight inner and outer ring design intended for low- to medium-precision applications. The IKO LCRB Series uses stamping press-formed inner and outer rings made from heat-treated chromium molybdenum steel sheets. The company says the bearing’s roller design increases contact between the rollers […]
PTDA grows network with new and returning manufacturers
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA), an association representing the industrial power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) distribution channel, has added two new manufacturer members, Delta Rotating Solutions LLC and Macnaught USA, and welcomed back Carter Manufacturing Company Inc. Delta Rotating Solutions LLC provides flexible couplings and torque limiters for industrial power transmission applications in manufacturing, packaging, […]
Friction-reduced rolling bearings increase efficiency and sustainability
Rolling bearings feature especially low friction characteristics, making it possible to reduce bearing friction by half, and offering the construction machinery sector the opportunity to achieve significant carbon dioxide savings without imposing high development costs. Stefan Scharting Schaeffler KG Schweinfurt, Germany Rolling bearings with optimized friction and performance characteristics can have a significant influence when it comes to reducing the power […]
Full ceramic radial bearings for extreme environment applications
The XTREME 6000 ZrO2 Series of full ceramic radial bearings from CeramicSpeed are designed to provide levels of performance in extreme environments beyond the capabilities of steel and even hybrid bearings. The complementing components of these bearings were carefully selected to provide the highest levels of performance in high temperatures, and adverse environments such as; […]
Smart fixed flange bearings unlock predictive maintenance
igus has developed intelligent two- and four-hole fixed flange bearings with wireless sensing capabilities for wear detection, enabling condition monitoring and preventing costly machine breakdowns. Constructed from self-lubricating, high-performance plastic, the bearings feature an integrated abrasion sensor, thin circuit board and cableless battery supply. Wear interrupts the board’s conductor paths, causing the electronics to lose […]
How to calculate crossed roller bearing life (with various load types)
A crossed roller bearing is a type of rotary bearing that uses cylindrical rollers arranged in a crisscross pattern, with each roller oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to the one adjacent to it. This arrangement allows crossed roller bearings to withstand radial, axial, and moment loads, so they can often replace dual-bearing arrangements, for […]
Why is viscosity important for bearing lubrication?
Lubrication — or, more correctly, improper or insufficient lubrication — is one of the leading causes of equipment failures in industrial applications. Without it, sliding, rolling, or meshing surfaces experience significant friction, heat, and wear, leading to increased noise, loss of accuracy, and reduced equipment life. One of the most important characteristics of a lubricant […]
How to specify motion components for cleanroom environments: Part 2
In this two-part article, we cover the products, materials, and features that designers and engineers should specify when choosing motion components for cleanroom environments. In part 1, we looked at how to reduce particle generation due to friction between moving components. In this second part, we’ll look at another source of contamination — outgassing — […]
