IMPROVED SEALING AND LIFE PERFORMANCE

NSK is providing improved sealing and life performance across its range of RHP Self-Lube mounted bearing units - including high and low temperature HLT versions - with the introduction of the company's robust S-design seal on all inserts with diameters up to a maximum of 100mm.

The S-design seal, previously available only on self-lube units up to 45mm bore, offers the advantages of greater robustness and lower torque operation. It comprises a strong steel former, which is firmly secured in the outer ring of the bearing, allied with a flexible nitrile rubber sealing lip that contacts with the fine- ground finish of the inner ring to give low friction performance and improved sealing capability.

The introduction of the S-design seal across the entire Self-Lube range expands the range of sealing options available with the bearings, which are widely used in tough operating environments. Above the S-design is the Flinger seal for more hostile environments. The Flinger seal provides increased levels of protection without any loss of rated bearing speed due to the non-contacting "Flinger Seal” lip. It provides a first line barrier against contamination and thus improves bearing life.

In the most arduous environments triple lip seals are fitted to protect the bearing and extend its life. The Triple Lip Seal offers the highest levels of protection with three sealing lips which contact the bearing inner ring. There can be some reduction in rated speed as a result of this configuration; however, in the applications where this seal is used - on agricultural machinery for example - this is not usually a problem.

The sealing efficiency and low friction operation of all Self-Lube sealing options is enhanced by NSK"s initiative in super-finishing the raceways on all Self-Lube inserts. This means that the bearings will run quieter in operation, and that the lifetime of the bearings under marginal lubrication conditions is increased.

By providing bearing units that are ready-assembled to bolt into place, Self-Lube units enable designers to easily and economically solve specific bearing problems, relating to component complexity, mounting, and also bearing maintenance and life in difficult environments.

Self-Lube bearings provide benefits across general manufacturing industry, food processing, materials handling and agricultural applications. They are available in a number of versions to meet specific application requirements. These include HLT versions, for high and low temperature operations; stainless steel Molded Oil units for water/food applications; and corrosion- resistant Silverlube and Lifelube polymer housing units, the latter with Molded Oil inserts for applications where contact with water and process fluids is unavoidable, excellent chemical resistance is required, and longer lubrication life is essential.

For further information: www.nskeurope.com