Newly developed "High Abilly JFAST" bearing for machine tool spindles
~Grease lubrication replaces oil-air lubrication, contributing to carbon neutrality~
JTEKT Corporation has developed a new bearing for machine tool spindles, "High Abilly JFAST" which is compatible with high-speed rotation under grease lubrication.
Development Background
JTEKT has set the JTEKT Group 2030 Vision and aims to become "a solution provider that creates the future of mobility society through manufacturing and manufacturing equipment." The JTEKT Group is utilizing a technology platform that brings together competencies, which are elemental technologies and knowledge related to products and manufacturing equipment, in one place, and is in the process of opening a solution co-creation center that combines these competencies to propose solutions to problems within the company and in society.
High Abilly JFAST was developed in response to customer feedback at a certain exhibition held in 2022.
Because bearings for machine tool spindles require high speed rotation, oil-air lubrication is usually used, but this poses the problem of high power consumption as air is constantly used while the machine is operating. In response to this problem, this product was developed by utilizing JTEKT's competence in cage design technology to expand the high speed rotation range that can be handled by grease lubrication, as a solution that saves energy and reduces CO2 emissions.
Features of High Abilly JFAST
High Abilly JFAST is a bearing for machine tool spindles that features a cage made of PEEK resin optimally designed for grease lubrication and has excellent high speed and low temperature rise.
The angular contact ball bearing achieved a dmn value of 1.8 million under grease lubrication, the first in the world (according to our own research). Bearing temperature rise was reduced by approximately 30% compared to conventional products, and grease life was improved by approximately 20%.
The cylindrical roller bearing achieved a dmn value of 1.5 million under grease lubrication. Bearing temperature rise was reduced by approximately 40% compared to conventional products, and grease life was improved by approximately 20%.
By installing these two bearings, we propose a spindle that can rotate at 20,000 min-1 in the #40 size. This allows the lubrication method of the spindle to be changed from oil-air lubrication to grease lubrication, reducing spindle air consumption by approximately 60% compared to oil-air lubrication.
Features of the High Abilly JFAST series
Mounting position of High Abilly JFAST series on the spindle(image)
Future outlook
Demand for grease lubrication in machine tool spindle bearings is expected to increase in the future as manufacturing sites strive to achieve carbon neutrality. Through High Abilly JFAST, JTEKT will contribute to the decarbonization of manufacturing sites.
Going forward, JTEKT will continue to leverage the group's competencies to provide optimal solutions to the challenges faced by customers and other stakeholders.