SKF develops first bearings designed for circular performance
Gothenburg, 28 November 2024: SKF has unveiled a new series of bearings designed for circular use enabled by new advanced Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) technology. The innovative SKF Infinium bearings mean that, for the first time, bearings can be reclad and reused repeatedly, marking a significant advancement in circularity and additive manufacturing. Using LMD technology, SKF has created bearings that offer better performance and durability compared to standard bearings, customized for targeted applications.
The multi-material bearing can be remanufactured repeatedly, with no limit to the number of times. Damaged areas can be fully removed and fresh material added on the ring. As a result, the bearing can reduce the costs of ownership, extend life and reduce waste.
The bearings are designed to withstand the most demanding applications depending on the material it is reclad with. For example, applying a stainless-steel alloy, means a normal bearing can be transformed into a corrosion resistant one, with the performance of a full solid stainless-steel bearing, at a comparatively lower cost.
“For the next generation of bearings, SKF Infinium, we needed to reimagine our product design. Our goal was to keep bearings in use for as long as possible, achieving a more circular business model. This is the first time a bearing solution has been designed for circularity, and it has huge potential to revolutionise how bearings are used,” says Thomas Fröst, President, Independent and Emerging Business.
“Our new technology exemplifies our clean and intelligent strategy, enabling both us and our customers to minimize the scrapping of used bearings. Each bearing cycle may be extended due to superior performance, maximizing output for every ton of bearing steel produced," Thomas continues.
The bearings have already proven their durability in some of the toughest industries, where testing is still ongoing. Results so far have been promising, with the SKF Infinium bearings already outperforming standard bearings and showing reduced corrosion.
Aktiebolaget SKF
(publ)
Sian How, Group Sustainability Communications Lead
M: +44 (0) 7545903710 sian.how@skf.com
SKF is a world-leading provider of innovative solutions that help industries become more competitive and sustainable. By making products lighter, more efficient, longer lasting, and repairable, we help our customers improve their rotating equipment performance and reduce their environmental impact. Our offering around the rotating shaft includes bearings, seals, lubrication management, condition monitoring, and services. Founded in 1907, SKF is represented in approximately 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2023 were SEK 103,881 million and the number of employees was 40,396. www.skf.com
® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.
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