NSK Europe (Germany) - Designed specifically to suit steel industry converters and continuous casting lines, optimised cylindrical roller bearings from NSK deliver benefits that include the use of up to 30% wider cylindrical rollers for accommodating greater loads. The bearings also provide longer replacement intervals, helping end users reduce downtime.

A further advantage of the optimised bearings is a newly developed labyrinth gasket that provides a tight seal regardless of the bearing material expanding or contracting as a result of temperature changes on the rolling mill. This design innovation ensures that the sealing lip remains in constant contact with the exterior of the bearing's inner ring.

The higher loads that can be tolerated by NSK’s optimised cylindrical roller bearings means that smaller guide rollers and more rollers per segment can be installed. As a result, both the load capacity for heavy steel slabs and the number of cast thin slabs that can be accommodated, are increased significantly.

The extended replacement intervals surpass the service life of the rollers found typically on steel industry converters and continuous casting lines. The upshot is that bearings and rollers can be replaced simultaneously, saving maintenance time. What’s more, the split bearings simplify maintenance services considerably, minimise downtime and subsequently save costs. Plants can also enjoy the option (not available on previous bearings) of employing oil-air lubrication, which is becoming more prevalent in the steel sector.

Customers can select NSK’s latest split cylindrical roller bearings to suit shaft diameters ranging from 100 to 190 mm. The larger sizes, from 160 mm upwards, are intended typically for use on guide rollers. NSK is able to customise lubrication, cooling and enclosure mounting options in line with individual customer requirements. As well as new installations, the bearings are highly suitable for retrofit where steel plants are adapting existing continuous casting lines to suit higher loads or achieve extended service lives.