Cold Saw for Steel Tubes

A global steel company had problems with a cold saw used to cut steel tubes to length. The simple ball bearing supporting the axial movement failed every 6 weeks, causing unplanned maintenance. Analysis showed that the ball screw arrangement generated heavy axial impact loads and the original design was not robust enough to withstand them; NSK recommended the WBK ball screw support with far higher axial load capacity.

• 1 machine; average service life approx. 1 month
• High impact axial loads caused premature failure of the original bearings
• A unit combining heavy-duty seals and super precision ball screw support bearings was proposed
• NSK engineers carried out a complete design improvement including CAD drawings of the housings
• Bearing life extended from 1 month to over 12 months
• 9 unexpected stoppages per year (4 hours × €2,000) eliminated entirely

Technical Features: WBK Ball Screw Support Bearing

• High axial rigidity and load capacity
• Low friction torque
• Adjustable axial clearance
• Simple mounting arrangement; easy-to-handle bearing unit
• Different housing options and alternative bearing combinations