Flexible and sustainable production of high performance rolling bearings
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 4 625 000 |
| Project duration | April 2021 - October 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Production2030 |
| Call | SIP Produktion2030, call 13 |
Important results from the project
The project achieved its objectives, which aimed to increase production flexibility in manufacturing of large bearings by reducing process steps and enhancing component properties by a novel hard turning strategy. The project established the process window, resulting in following deliverables: A new manufacturing method for large bearings, utilizing a customized combination of cutting insert and process parameters. A new product with nano-crystalline layers with improved mechanical strength.
Expected long term effects
The hard-turning concept is set to be implemented over a 5-10 year period, resulting in cost savings, improved durability, and enhanced product quality. The concept will be refined for bearing applications to replace the final operation, eliminating two process steps, grinding/polishing. Key benefits include: 1) Increased production flexibility with fewer process steps, leading to reduced cost and energy consumption and lower CO2. 2) Less use of cutting fluids.3) Extended bearing lifespan.
Approach and implementation
The project was conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, machining tests were performed at Sumitomo to establish the process window. Phase 2 involved validating the tests from Phase 1 at RISE and Chalmers, with significant support from Sumitomo, SST, Ovako and SKF. In Phase 3, machining tests were carried out to confirm the machining conditions in production and verify that surface requirements were met. This phase alos included mechanical testing of tribology, wear and surface fatigue.