SKF has developed a range of high-precision bearings based on proven bearings technology specifically suitable for use in driven tool applications. The company has adapted an existing, proven super-precision angular contact ball bearings design so they can meet the specific requirements driven tools.

Karl-Heinz Littwin, SKF machine tool sales manager for Germany, said: “This bearing design improves robustness in the driven tool application thereby contributing to increased efficiency and uptime. In these applications, even the smallest impacts can cause significant disruption.”

While a standard cutting tool is held stationary against a rotating workpiece, a driven tool can be rotated at high speed. This allows it to perform high-precision milling, drilling and tapping operations. Naturally, this requires highly accurate bearings that often must withstand considerable loads.

Driven tools are widely used as they can raise machining efficiency by performing several operations at once. However, such high-precision operations come with several challenges. Machining space is often limited, with short cycle times and high machining forces. Contaminants, noise and vibration increase the stress on machinery and on operators. These conditions require bearings that can maintain performance and avoid downtime.

SKF’s new range of bearings for driven tools are available in sealed and open versions. They offer high axial and radial load-carrying capacity, high stiffness, and low noise and vibration. These features deliver several benefits, including low heat generation, plus increased reliability and productivity.

An optimised internal geometry enables the bearings to accommodate high radial and axial loads. Their close osculation provides high stiffness and maximum load-carrying capacity.

Mr Littwin continued: “This is a mature market application where reliable, consistent performance is needed in order to avoid costly downtime. In this application, the correct balance of price and performance is critical; we see our new bearings as offering customers considerable advantages in this specialised section of the machine tool industry where total cost of ownership is a key consideration.”