Macro benefits in micro applications
Third Quarter 2023
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
With the micro-mobility market set to soar in the years through to 2030, NSK is in a prime position to help OEMs take advantage of this significant demand. The company’s bearings have all the strength, heat treatment and compact dimensional attributes needed to succeed in any project involving products such as e-bikes, e-scooters or cargo bikes.
According to a report released in August 2022 by market research specialist The Brainy Insights, the global micro-mobility market is set to reach $202 billion by 2030, representing an impressive growth rate of 17,45% during the 2022-2030 forecast period. Notably, the recovery of global tourism in the post-pandemic world is driving demand for micro-mobility and economical touring options. Transport modes of this type are also central to the plans of emerging smart cities. Such is the anticipated growth that a number of major automotive suppliers are currently looking at diversifying into the micro-mobility sector.
Of course, when demand for a solution is high, OEMs must identify robust technology partners able to demonstrate high quality, reliable products set against the backdrop of proven supply chain performance. Bearing suppliers are no exception.
With e-mobility applications comes a particular set of bearing requirements. Take e-bikes, for example. These machines are compact, yet relatively heavy loaded, as they must withstand high forces exerted by the rider, drivetrain and road. In direct correlation, bearings must also be compact, yet demonstrate considerable strength. A further demand is the need to minimise friction torque so that the e-bike is easy to handle.
The requirement for compact dimensions is nowhere more notable than e-bike drive units, which need to be as narrow as possible despite having to house both an electric motor and a gearbox. To help facilitate this design demand, OEMs can turn to the proven thin-section bearings of NSK, which are able to withstand both high loads and torque. NSK can offer a broad range of standard thin-section bearings, and bespoke offerings, to fit customer-specific requirements.
Thin-section bearings from NSK feature robust seals to prevent the ingress of moisture and contaminants thrown up by harsh road conditions, thus maximising service life. Furthermore, their smooth running, low-friction characteristics help to enhance rider comfort and minimise noise.
The inherent strength of NSK thin-section bearings derives from a number of engineered features, including special materials and heat treatment, helping to prevent deformation under load. These bearings are also beneficial in applications such as electric mountain bikes, where due to the potentially demanding terrain, the bearing must facilitate effective torque transfer to the drive without friction loss.
In summary, NSK thin-section bearings contribute to product downsizing and lighter weight in all micro-mobility applications. Furthermore, with lower frictional torque and less torque variation, the bearings improve torque transmission and provide smooth rotation, while also supporting high speeds.
Further reading:
New generation low power frequency inverters
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
New to BMG’s electromechanical range are energy-efficient Synergy PI150 series frequency inverters, which have been designed for efficient use in many applications.
Read more...
Planar motor system for quality assurance
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times, even when working with different components, is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what special machine builder, stoba Sondermaschinen set out to achieve with its InspectorONE optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.
Read more...
Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation
Siemens South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.
Read more...
Turbomachinery controls: the call of duty
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
There’s a lot to be said about the unsung heroes of this world; those men, women and machines that deliver such important functions, often overlooked and recognised. One such machine is turbomachinery, and while the name does sound quite obvious to the layman, its rich history and daily functions are not.
Read more...
More movement in the market
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Aerotech aims to revolutionise the market for precision motion and machine controls with an intuitive control platform.
Read more...
Motion technology for all types of automation
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events Electrical switching & drive systems & components
BMG has been appointed by The Timken Company as a distributor in southern Africa for the Rollon linear motion guidance system.
Read more...
Servo motor series for explosive environments with expanded certification
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Parker Hannifin’s ongoing commitment to safety and performance in hazardous environments is evident in the new certifications and product improvements for its EY and EX servo motor series.
Read more...
The world’s most powerful worm
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Geothermal energy from the natural heat of the Earth is an inexhaustible resource, yet the growth of the global geothermal power sector lags behind other renewable energies. Now Swiss startup, Borobotics is hoping to speed this up with its innovative new electric-powered geothermal drilling robot, which can be used to fast-track and lower the cost of heat pump installations in confined spaces.
Read more...
The impact of gearless mill drive technology on CO2 emissions
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
ABB has released an in-depth white paper detailing the vital role that gearless grinding technologies can play in driving productivity in mining while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Read more...
Revolutionising TIG welding for aerospace manufacturing
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Aerosud Aviation, a leading aerospace manufacturer, to implement a cutting-edge robotic TIG welding solution tailored to the exacting demands of aerospace production.
Read more...
printer friendly version