SKF has launched a new bearing rating life model that will help engineers to calculate a more realistic bearing rating by accounting for more influencing factors than previously possible. This innovation will help end users match bearings to application conditions with even greater certainty which will ultimately result in improved bearing life and reduced operating costs.
The new model has been developed as part of the SKF EnCompass Field Performance Programme and is called the 'SKF Generalized Bearing Life Model.' It builds on the strengths of the current bearing life model, which was developed by SKF over 30 years ago and standardised in ISO 281:2007.
The new SKF Generalized Bearing Life Model is now able to separate surface from sub-surface failure modes. Based on explicit tribological models, it factors in new performance parameters, including those for lubrication, contamination, surface strength and mild-wear resistance. By understanding and accounting for more potential failure modes, the model is able to more realistically predict bearing behaviour and life under a wide range of operating conditions in the field.
Alrik Danielson, SKF Group, President and CEO says, "SKF is proud to be taking the lead once again in advancing the science of tribology and applying it to bearing optimisation in our customers' applications. This innovative new model will improve our ability to help customers select bearings to meet their specific application needs in terms of bearing life, speed, energy use and more."