Bearings are one of the most important machine elements in the world, with billions in operation at any given second. Their operation is critical to carry and transport loads, while also allowing movement. From miniature bearings in computer fans, to under-hood automotive bearings, to large corrugator roller bearings, these elements have a huge impact on our everyday world. The life of rolling element bearings heavily depends on the lubricant that is used, as it helps reduce friction and heat generation in the bearing.
As lubricant life is critical to rolling element bearings, a tool is needed to evaluate lubricants for their efficacy. The SKF Grease Test Rig ROF+ is a high temperature and high speed bearing test rig that will allow Nye engineers to evaluate the performance of our lubricants in an applied tribological manner. This rig will test the functionality and life of lubricating greases in rolling bearing applications. From this testing, Nye plans to gain a better understanding of the capability of its lubricants under various bearing performance conditions.
SKF Grease Test Rig ROF+ uses a methodology developed by SKF. With the capabilities of the ROF+ we will be able to test lubricating greases at speeds up to 25,000 RPM (1,200,000 ndm), temperatures up to 230⁰C, radial loads of 50-900N, and axial loads of 100-1,000N. The standard bearing is a 6204 deep groove ball bearing, but other geometries like spherical roller bearings or angular contact ball bearings can be utilized.
This new testing methodology will be used at Nye to validate products for bearing applications. As well, this testing will aid Nye’s R&D team in their development of new products aimed at high-performance bearing applications for use in extreme environments (high temperature, load, and speed). Through this testing, the company will be able to estimate the grease life, temperature limits, and speed factor (ndm) for its products that are to be used in bearing applications.
