To ensure maximum service life of rolling bearings and steel parts, Schaeffler has developed a range of bearing heaters to facilitate the mounting of bearings onto shafts.
Schaeffler’s ‘FAG PowerTherm’ range of heaters for bearings and ring-shaped metal components eases mounting work, improves safety and avoids contamination during the heating of work pieces up to 3,000kg. The company also offers special induction heating devices for work pieces weighing more than 3,000kg, which are matched to the individual customer’s power requirements and dimensions.
Induction heating is superior to traditional methods, being faster, cleaner and ideal for batch heating. Mobile and fixed heaters and heater plates can be used to heat complete rolling bearings, rings of cylindrical roller or needle roller bearings and labyrinth rings, roll couplings and tyres.
Harmful temperature differences are prevented with uniform heating but non-metallic parts - and the device itself - remain cool. During the process, rolling bearing steels are automatically de-magnetised.
Maintenance costs are kept to a minimum using these heater devices. Due to their increased efficiency, the heaters can reduce heating times by up to 50%. Also, as the systems do not require oil to operate, they have the added advantage of being both clean and environmentally friendly.
The latest induction heating system for large bearings is Schaeffler’s Heater3000 system. This is suitable for heating ring-shaped metal work pieces with bore diameters of 285mm over a maximum temperature of 400°C. Due to the high efficiency of the heater (cos φ >0.6), the work piece, which can weigh up to 3,000kg, is heated rapidly. The heater system is an all-steel construction, coated with synthetic resin that is resistant to impact and corrosion.
The vertical ledge is lifted manually or by using a hoist. The bearing is placed on the support rails and centred, before the vertical ledge is lowered and locked into place. The work piece can also be pushed onto the horizontal ledge.
The control panel on the heater has clear symbols for different operating modes and so can be operated using work gloves. The touch keyboard is oil-resistant, dustproof and waterproof. The basic version of the heater comes with a magnetic temperature sensor, which can be used up to 240°C. Rated voltage is 400V and frequency 50Hz.
Every FAG PowerTherm heater is supplied with a set of protective gloves and magnetic feelers and carries a three-year guarantee.