Changzhou Giant Bearing Co., Ltd

Tokyo, Japan, August 29, 2011 – NSK Ltd. (NSK; Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO: Norio Otsuka) today announced that it has developed a long-lasting silent bearing that remains quiet for a long time in automotive electric motors. NSK will promote this product in the expanding market for automotive electric motors, and expects to achieve annual global sales of 2 billion yen by 2015.

Development background

The electrification of automobiles is advancing in pursuit of environmental friendliness, good fuel economy, increased production efficiency, and higher precision in controls. Accordingly, the use of automotive electric motors has expanded in various components. Nevertheless, there is a need to reduce the noise from automotive electric motors using noise control and sound isolation technology for automobiles. There is also a progress toward reducing idling, the increase in HEVs, and EVs, and the suppression of motor noise through the shift to brace-less motors.

NSK has now developed a bearing that remains silent for a long time at high temperatures by using newly developed grease in addition to conventional noise damping techniques based on optimization of internal design.

Product features

Longer lasting silence

Noise in the bearing caused by poor lubrication was approximately halved compared to the conventional product by improving the thermal resistance, anti-rust and other properties of conventional quiet grease.

Longer life until seizure

Bearing seizure life was extended 1.6 times compared to the conventional product by improving thermal resistance.

Basic performance maintained

Basic performance indicators, such as torque capacity and air tightness, are equivalent to the conventional product.