Feature

SKF boosts rail wheelset bearing service life

SKF has launched a new tapered roller bearing unit (TBU) for passenger railway applications that will boost bearing service life by up to 40 percent.

14/12/2014 10:02:49

This next generation bearing unit, for maximum speeds of 160-250km/h, meets the needs of railway operators who are looking for ways to cut maintenance costs and time without impacting safety.

The new bearing enables OEMs to offer extended bearing service intervals to match those of wheelsets; this means that rail operators can align maintenance intervals to avoid service interruptions and keep as many trains as possible in operation.

Enabling two maintenance operations in one stop with potentially fewer bearing replacements also means a significant reduction in overall maintenance costs.

Operational features of the new TBU include higher resistance to hoop stress due to residual compressive stresses in the surface, higher wear resistance and slower crack propagation.

The optimised contact geometry of the bearing unit decreases friction and maintains carrying capacity, reducing operating temperature for a longer grease life and extending the maintenance interval.

SKF has shown in testing that the specially enhanced central spacer included in the design contributes to less fretting corrosion and thus longer grease life.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.