Schaeffler strengthens its standard bearing range with new deep groove ball bearings

Schaeffler is significantly expanding its standard rolling bearing business by investing in new production capacity for its FAG Generation C deep groove ball bearings. Improved product features, a new logistics concept, and optimum value for money make Schaeffler’s deep groove ball bearings even more attractive.

Schaeffler is significantly expanding its standard rolling bearing business by investing in new production and logistics capacities for its FAG Generation C deep groove ball bearings.

Over the coming months, Schaeffler will gradually bring new production lines into operation at its Yinchuan (China) location, doubling its manufacturing capacity for high volume FAG deep groove ball bearings. The most common applications for Generation C bearings are electric motors, household appliances, pumps, fans, electric power tools and two-wheeled vehicles.

Strengthening the standard production business is an important aspect of Schaeffler’s CORE programme, which was developed to realign the Industrial division. “Our investments will help us satisfy the high level of demand for standard deep groove ball bearings, particularly from China and the Asia/Pacific region, and will help us meet the specific requirements of this high volume business in an optimum way. Our products meet the highest technical requirements while, at the same time, offer an excellent price-performance ratio,” explains Dr. Stefan Spindler, CEO Industrial at Schaeffler.

More durable, less noise, low friction and cost effective

Since the successful introduction of FAG Generation C deep groove ball bearings in 2008, their product characteristics have been continuously improved. “We looked at the product itself, production, logistics and we developed solutions in all these areas that fulfill the highest requirements in the market,” explains Thomas Kreis, project manager for the high volume deep groove ball bearing business at Schaeffler.

Schaeffler products continue to set benchmarks when it comes to important technical characteristics such as minimising friction and noise. Two new sealing concepts have also been developed. Reduced grease loss and better protection against contamination extend the grease operating life and therefore the operating life of the bearing. The new Z-type dust shield with its innovative labyrinth seal, helps to reduce grease loss by 20%, and reduces contamination by 30% compared to the previous design. The patented ELS lip seal (optional) provides maximum sealing at low friction and is particularly suitable for alternating axial loads, such as those found in the wheel bearings of motorcycles. This improved sealing, without any additional friction losses, is due to the innovative shape of the lip, which is perfectly matched to the ring recess. Furthermore, the recesses have now been moved to the interior of the bearing, significantly improving its robustness during handling and mounting. In addition, non-contact BRS lip seals and HRS lip seals, which start at the inner ring, are available with increased sealing performance in the standard range.

The high quality of the balls and a noise-optimised cage enable Generation C bearings to run at significantly reduced noise levels compared to conventional deep groove ball bearings. Also, optimised osculation reduces friction. These characteristics can be attributed to numerous improvements to raceway parameters in terms of roundness, waviness, roughness and tighter manufacturing tolerances. Reduced friction also means lower energy costs during operation.

Production geared towards 100% quality at maximum output

Schaeffler’s new production concept at the Yinchuan plant is entirely focused on the specific requirements of this high volume business. This comprises an outstanding level of quality, availability and cost effectiveness. The highly automated production lines are specifically designed for these types of bearings and any variations, which means set up operations and downtime can be minimised. Schaeffler has put a special focus on cleanliness in the production process. For this reason, several automated washing stations, which prevent even the slightest contamination of the products, have been integrated into the production lines. At the same time, highly skilled employees and several automated, 100% inspection facilities ensure that the highest quality standards are met. Just like the plants in Caldas (Portugal) and Savli (India), where deep groove ball bearing products have been produced for several years, the Yinchuan plant is certified according to the highest ISO quality standards for the industrial and automotive sectors.

Optimised supply chain ensures prompt delivery

A stockholding and logistics concept that is coordinated globally ensures prompt and reliable delivery to customers from the plants in China, Portugal and India. For Europe, the setting up of the new European Distribution Centre (EDC) is of vital importance. Operations at the locations in Northern Europe (Sweden) and Southern Europe (Italy) have already started. The “Central” logistics centre in Germany is currently under construction and will start supplying customers in Central, Western and Eastern Europe in 2018.

About Schaeffler

The Schaeffler Group is a leading global integrated automotive and industrial supplier. The company stands for the highest quality, outstanding technology, and strong innovative ability. The Schaeffler Group makes a key contribution to “Mobility for tomorrow” with high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. The technology company generated sales of approximately EUR 13.3 billion in 2016. With around 85,000 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies.