🚀 Innovative Solutions from Schaeffler for Machine Tools: A New Era in Precision and Efficiency! 🚀

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High-Performance Solutions for Machine Tools from Schaeffler​

Schaeffler has introduced innovative VCM spindle bearings and L7 linear motors that enhance precision, dynamism, and energy efficiency in modern machine tools. These new mechanical and mechatronic systems are designed to improve operational efficiency and machining quality in industrial cutting and automation technology.

Challenges in Industrial Production​

Today's industrial production is under pressure to minimize cycle times while ensuring machining accuracy in the micrometer range. In applications under continuous load, such as metal cutting, mechanical components must withstand extreme thermal and mechanical effects without compromising positioning accuracy. High process forces and the integration of additional driven tool axes require drive systems that exhibit exceptional bending rigidity, high dynamism, and optimal thermal management.

Hybrid Bearing Technology: The Future for Spindles and Tool Axes​

To meet these structural requirements, the use of hybrid bearings extends from main spindles to feed spindle bearings in short-stroke applications. Schaeffler's VCM spindle bearings combine rings made from Vacrodur, a powder-metallurgical high-performance bearing steel, with ceramic rolling elements. This material configuration ensures high wear resistance and operational reliability even under the most adverse tribological and mechanical conditions. For driven tools that act as integrated auxiliary axes in machine controls, Schaeffler offers the PTB series of precision spindle bearings. These P4 precision class bearings are manufactured for shaft diameters from 10 to 50 millimeters and ensure precise guidance for demanding machining steps.

Direct Drives and Precision Bearings for High-Dynamic Rotary Axes​

In rotary transfer machining, fast and precise rotational movements are critical. By combining RIB series torque motors with YRTC rotary axis bearings, plant engineers implement direct drives that hold the workpiece position completely electrically in the micrometer range during cutting. This electromagnetic holding principle eliminates mechanical clamping elements and significantly reduces non-productive times. The double-row angular contact ball and needle bearing XZU is designed for laser rotary heads and light machining. Thanks to its low cross-section and extremely uniform friction torque, it offers high bending rigidity in extremely restricted installation spaces.

For peripheral rotary axes in automation, Schaeffler has developed the YRTA series of double-acting axial-radial bearings, which are long-lasting and low-maintenance. The YRTCG and YRTAG variants offer a special integration solution for milling tables and rotary axes. In these bearings, external gears are integrated directly into the shaft washer, making the customer's spur gear unnecessary. This architecture reduces the required installation space, minimizes system complexity, and speeds up assembly.

Profile Rail Guides and L7 Linear Motors: Power for Feed Axes​

Linear axes for workpiece handling must compensate for tolerances and form errors of connection geometries to prevent friction-increasing constraint forces. Schaeffler addresses this issue with its KLLT series of four-row profile rail guides in an X arrangement. The system offers eight different guide carriages in long, short, high, and low versions, with or without flanges, to provide designers with maximum flexibility during integration.

Power density is a decisive factor for compact linear direct drives. In the field of linear drive technology, Schaeffler has developed the L7 linear motors, which combine key industry requirements such as high peak force and low power loss in a single motor through an optimized design. Ralf Moseberg, Global Sector Leader for Industrial Automation at Schaeffler, summarizes the importance of such system improvements: "The demand is for solutions that operate precisely and reliably under continuous load, increasing the efficiency, productivity, and service life of the entire machine."

Technical Details and Performance Comparisons​

The L7 linear motor series achieves nominal force ranges of up to 11,229 Newtons, surpassing previous standards such as the L1 series, which offered peak forces of up to 5,171 Newtons. According to industry standard comparisons, L7 motors provide up to 50% lower power loss for the same drive force. Alternatively, they offer up to 40% more nominal force at the same thermal power loss. This significantly reduces the heating of the drive system and improves the dimensional accuracy of the machine. VCM spindle bearings are characterized by the use of Vacrodur steel, which has higher hardness and temperature resistance than conventional rolling bearing steel. These bearings are manufactured in the high P4S precision class and are equipped with contact angles adapted for various dynamic load profiles to precisely control rigidity in high-speed applications.