SKF’s new generation 4 SG spindle offers an exponential increase in service life, with numerous associated cost and time saving benefits. This arose out of the redesign of a slab grinding (SG) spindle for a key customer in the steel manufacturing industry.
“Spindles are used to grind slabs in the manufacturing of stainless steel slabs,” says junior project engineer, Andre van Loggerenberg. “Our customer had problems on all 13 SG spindles. These related to reliability, running accuracy, oil leakage, operating temperatures and service life, and they were causing costly downtime.
“Our solution consisted of a redesign of one of the SG spindles, which included the fitment of ultra-high precision bearings to improve accuracy during operation, the improvement of the sealing arrangements to reduce oil leakage and the balancing of rotating components to reduce vibration and improve bearing life,” explains Van Loggerenberg. The redesigned spindle, which weighs approximately 400 kg and runs at an operating speed of 3000 rpm, was subjected to thorough trial tests at SKF’s state-of-the-art facility in Boksburg to ensure that the required operating temperatures and vibration levels were not exceeded.
Following very successful test results, SKF replaced all the customer’s older spindles with the redesigned generation 4 spindles, which deliver a host of cost saving benefits to the steel manufacturer. Substantial improvements in product performance and reliability, as well as running accuracy, increased the customer’s uptime and production, while reduced oil leakage prevented damage to the end product. Operating temperatures were also reduced to accommodate the high ambient running temperatures.
It’s full steam ahead for SKF’s sustainable leak detection solution SKF South Africa
Pneumatic systems & components
One of SKF’s key customers based in Cape Town, which depends on steam systems for its production processes, was facing costly challenges related to high energy consumption and excessive maintenance hours. SKF recommended the TKSU 10 ultrasonic leak detector as a more streamlined, user-friendly alternative.
Read more...Bearing failure analysis is a perfect solution for Tongaat Hulett SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
A collaborative bearing failure analysis conducted by SKF and Authorised Distributor, Bearings Services Durban at one of South Africa’s leading sugar refinery plants in KwaZulu-Natal provided tremendous value for the customer.
Read more...Heavy-duty V-belts for aggressive conditions Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
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BMG’s specialised Gates belting range includes Predator V-belts, engineered for optimal performance in Africa’s harshest conditions.
Read more...A racing partnership SKF South Africa
News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...Vibration monitoring in three axes with IO-Link ifm - South Africa
Shaft power components
Machine vibrations are important indicators when it comes to assessing the current condition of a machine. Damage to rolling element bearings and other machine components can be detected at an early stage before costly machine downtime occurs.
Read more...SKF empowers employees SKF South Africa
News & events
The cornerstone to SKF’s success as a global leader in premium bearing products and rotating technology is an unwavering commitment to investing in its valued employees. Tsholofelo Choma, who now proudly holds the position of quality environmental health and safety (QEHS) officer, exemplifies SKF’s employee-centricity ethos.
Read more...Efficient maintenance counts Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG’s total plant management solutions encompass a technical advisory service for maintenance programmes that includes correct chain and sprocket selection, which is a critical factor in any power transmission system.
Read more...Optimise your plant assets SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
The SKF Rotating Equipment Performance Centre provides anyone from anywhere with easy access to a comprehensive suite of advanced condition monitoring, analytical and diagnostic solutions.
Read more...Next-gen battery-driven grease gun SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF’s innovative TLGB 21 battery-driven grease gun optimises lubrication efficiency and reduces costs, by seamlessly combining advanced technology with a smart, rugged design.
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