nsk products for aircraft and aerospace applications · development of the ﬁnest materials. ......

NSK pursues performance and reliability, making the most ofits comprehensive abilities and cutting-edge technology to playan active role in the aerospace industry.

NSK Products for Aircraft and Aerospace Applications

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The NSK Group now produces about two billion bearings every year,holding an unshakable position as the global leader. But NSK’s success isbased more on quality and innovation than on quantity. Since 1916, wehave built an extensive track record in developing new products that arealways ahead of their time. Since the Company began supplying mainshaft bearings for the first domestic turboshaft engine in 1942, NSK hasbeen a leading supplier of bearings, actuators, and other products foraeronautic and aerospace applications. Our customers can depend onNSK’s expertise for higher performance and reliability.

NSK Delivers HigherPerformance and Reliability

Courtesy of NASA

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NSK Products for Aircraft and Aerospace Applications Realizing Higher Performance

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NSK Products forAerospace Applications

Superior Bearing Materials and LubricantsHigh reliability and long life are achieved through thedevelopment of the finest materials. NSK works closely withits suppliers to improve the quality and performance of itsbearing steel, lubricants, and other materials.

Advanced Stress AnalysisIn contrast to most other applications,aircraft and many of their components areinherently flexible structures. For thisreason, the finite element method (FEM)and boundary element method (BEM) areused to obtain highly detailed and accuratestress and deformation analyses. This isessential to determine the effects ofstructural deformation on bearing loads andlife. Such analyses are supported by andcorrelated with experimental test data toconfirm their accuracy.

Testing under RealisticOperating ConditionsAircraft engines and components subjectbearings to very severe operating conditions.Depending on the application, the speed ortemperature, or both, may approach thehighest levels that bearings can endure.Other harsh conditions include strong shockloads, extremely high acceleration, and verylow temperatures. Naturally, such extremeconditions must be accurately simulated inbearing tests and other products foraeronautical applications. NSK has thenecessary facilities for such tests to meetthe diverse requirements of customersaround the globe.

Functional and EnduranceTests of Ball ScrewsBall screws for aircraft must operatewith high reliability under heavyloads over a wide temperaturerange (–60 ˚C to +80 ˚C). Long testing periods are necessaryto confirm endurance.NSK develops testing machinescapable of facilitating durabilityand efficiency tests under harshconditions. We strive for improvedperformance and also undertaketheoretical analysis.

Ultra-High PrecisionGenerally speaking, bearing rings and balls are manufactured tobe as perfectly round or spherical as technically possible.However, the outer rings for jet engine bearings, which are usedat high speeds and under light loads, are occasionally requiredto be slightly elliptical or triangular shaped. NSK manufacturessuch bearings using high-precision production andmeasurement technologies and equipment.

Material and Tribology Technology

Analysis and EvaluationTechnology

Ultra-High Precision

Material technology forenhancing reliability● Wear-resistant SHX steel for

high-temperature applications● Highly corrosion-resistant ES1

and ES2 steels ● Non-magnetic and corrosion-

resistant alloys (High-hardnesstitanium alloys)

● Highly reliable ceramic bearings

Bearing life test machine

Field emission electron probemicroanalyzer for surface analysis

Scanning augermicroprobe (SAM)

3-D model forstress analysis

Test-rig for jet engine bearings

Bearing designed withelliptical outer ring

Talyrond roundnessgeometry instrument

Aircraft ball screw test equipment

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Realizing Higher Reliability

1. Precise MeasurementsThe first prerequisite for high quality isprecision, and that of course requiresaccurate measurements. NSK has themost sensitive instruments available formeasuring dimensional accuracy and otherphysical qualities. At high speeds, precisegeometric form is essential forproper balance of rotating parts.

2. Nondestructive TestingBearing parts are inspected at each stage ofproduction, from material acceptance to finalassembly. This includes nondestructive testing,such as inspections utilizing magnetic particles,dye penetrant, eddy currents, and X-rays, as wellas ultrasonic inspection and NSK’s proprietarymethod of fatigue analysis. NSK also usesultrasonic inspection technology for the ceramicrolling elements in its aircraft engine bearings.

● Dye penetrant● Magnetic particle thickness and flaw detection● Eddy current test● X-ray● Ultra-sonic thickness and flaw detection● Automatic visual inspection

3. Reliable Production Process ManagementAbsolute reliability is required for aerospace products.For this reason, NSK applies world famous cutting-edgemanufacturing technology. We carefully manufactureproducts in accordance with manufacturing line workinginstructions and standards, and quality assuranceprocess charts. Also, production records in accordancewith process charts are maintained along with varioustest results. Employees with a thorough knowledge ofmanufacturing technology and extensive experiencecreate products of genuine high quality.

4. Secure Record Control to Assure QualityNo business has more stringent quality-controlrequirements than the aerospace industry. NSKbearings, including their individual components, arecompletely traceable to specific processes, dates,machines, personnel, instruments, etc., by their serialnumbers. Detailed histories of measuring and analysisinstruments are also maintained.

Measurement and Analysis

NondestructiveTesting

Process Record

Production Control

Balance measurement of roller

3D measuring machine

High-magnification out-of-roundness measuring instrument(Magnification: 200,000x)

X-ray metal-fatiguetest equipment

Eddy current inspection

Heat treatment

Grinding machine

Inspection of aircraft bearing assembly

Raw Materials

Turning & Heat TreatmentTurning is the initial forming ofprincipal parts. The inspection dateand the inspector’s name for suchactivities are carefully recorded. Forheat treatment, the temperatures arerecorded along with the date andname of inspector.

GrindingGrinding is extremely importantbecause it determines the finishedaccuracy. Using NSK’s advancedproduction technology and precisioninstruments, bearing rings are ground,their dimensional accuracy andprofiles inspected, and flaws checked.

AssemblyVarious measurements are recorded.The first bearings manufactured fortesting in jet engines are placed inNSK test rigs that accurately simulateactual operating conditions.

Shipping

Main processes and record control


NSK Products for Aircraftand Aerospace Applications

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Products for Aircraft

Jet Engine BearingsBearings designed for use in jet engines are manufacturedunder the most stringent quality controls. NSK hasyears of experience in the design, testing, andproduction of bearings for nearly every jet engine builtin Japan. Utilizing this experience, we have developedthe technical capability and production expertiserequired to deliver bearings of the highest performanceand reliability. NSK bearings have been installed in

almost all jet engines recently manufactured in Japan,including the CF34-8.Bearing designs are often required to have integratedcomponents, such as flanges, squirrel cages, gears,and stub-shafts. As a result, design work becomesmore complicated, and the analysis of bearingstructural behavior, material selection, and productionengineering must be carried out in greater detail.

Gearbox BearingsBearings for gearboxes in aircraft must sustain heavyloads and, at the same time, be small and light. NSK engineers are studying ways to reduce weight,including the use of such new materials as ceramics.

Jet Engine Bearings Gearbox Bearings

Courtesy of JAECCF34V2500

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Products for Aircraft

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Airframe Bearings

Bearings for Aerospace Instruments and Controls

Landing Gear BearingsLanding gear must sustain heavy loads, severeshocks, and extremely high acceleration duringlanding. Specially designed tapered roller bearingsmade of carefully selected materials are used for thisapplication.

Control BearingsMany deep groove ball bearings that are sealed andhave spherical aligning seats are used on control rodsin aircraft. They must sustain heavy loads and becapable of operating in harsh conditions, such asextremely high and low temperatures. They havespherical seats to compensate for the bending of rods,

special seals and lubricant for extreme operatingtemperatures, and special surface treatments toimprove corrosion resistance.

Needle Roller BearingsMany needle roller bearings are used in aircraftbecause they offer maximum load capacity for theirsmall size and weight, and they have beenstandardized to conform to MIL specifications. Highlyspecialized needle bearings were developed for thevanes and other components of afterburners. Otherspecial designs have been developed for use inengines, flaps, slats, and other equipment.

The use of NSK’s linear motion products hasexpanded in step with advances in aircraft, includingjet engine nozzle controls, flaps, slat actuators, andstabilizer actuators. For severe environments andoperating conditions, NSK inspects all materials

thoroughly and uses new technologies in surface andheat treatments. With outstanding reliability and know-how accumulated as a pioneer of ball bearings, NSKstrives to meet a wide variety of needs.

Linear Motion Products for Aircraft

Numerous miniature bearings are required in theinstruments, controls, and other auxiliary equipment inaircraft and space vehicles. Examples includegyroscope rotors and gimbals, servomotors,

micrometers, and fuel supply equipment. Because ofthe critical nature of these applications, bearings mustbe produced under strictly controlled conditions toensure maximum cleanliness, precision, and reliability.

One-Way Clutches for Aircraft

One-Way Clutches for AircraftFor aircraft one-way clutches, NSK selects optimummaterials with superior abrasion and impact resistance,and carries out thermal and surface treatments that areanalyzed in accordance with specified experimentalenvironments. Due to this core technology, NSK has

Landing Gear Bearings

Control Bearings

Needle Roller Bearings

Miniature Bearings

passed material and parts assembling inspections aswell as stringent inspection criteria for performancedurability tests in certification approval that is appliedto aircraft parts.

Ball Screws for Aircraft

Bearings for Aerospace Instruments and Controls

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Products for Aerospace

In addition to rolling bearings, NSK is a leadingmanufacturer of linear motion products, such asprecision ball screws and linear guides. The adoption ofthese products in aerospace applications is steadilyincreasing. They are now used for manipulators, open-and-shut mechanisms for the doors of logistic moduleson the space station, jet engine nozzle controls, and flap

and slat actuators for aircraft. Since operating conditionsfor these products are often severe, NSK has developedtechniques for improved metallurgy, surface treatment,and inspection. NSK will seek to find innovative solutions for the hostileenvironment in space and will adopt its results for betterlinear motion products.

Satellites and Space Stations

Equipment for testing bearings in vacuum

Flywheel

Satellite

Linear Motion Products (NSK Linear Guides and Ball Screws)

Reaction and Momentum Wheels NSK bearings are used for the wheel assembliesrequired to maintain the stable attitude and constantspeed of satellites in geosynchronous orbit. Thesebearings provide high reliability, extremely long life, and

low, stable torque. NSK provides the ultra-precisionmanufacturing technology (including optimized surfacetopography), experience, and quality that meet thehighly technical requirements of the aerospace industry.

Major applications● NSK linear guides and ball screws for the docking

mechanism of an experimental satellite ● Open-and-shut mechanism for the doors of the

pressurized logistic module (JEM)● NSK linear guides and ball screws for arm actuators of

the remote manipulator system (JEM)● NSK ball screws for the exchange unit of the exposed

facility (JEM)

Courtesy of NASA

Courtesy of Mitsubishi Precision Co., Ltd.

©JAXA

Liquid Propellant Flow-control Valve

Liquid Propellant Flow-control ValveLiquid-fuel rocket engines use liquid propellant such ashydrogen and oxygen. NSK’s cryogenic flow-controlvalves for liquid propellant use the high-precisiontechnology required for these valves to operate withoutany lubricants.

Ball Screws for Vectored Propulsion NozzleBall screws are used in actuators that control thedirection of propulsion of a jet. NSK provides productswith high reliability based on a vast accumulation oftechnology. In order to meet requirements, includingsevere atmospheric conditions (from normal atmosphereto high vacuum), heavy loads, and highly precisepositioning at high speeds, NSK selects optimummaterials and uses comprehensive technologies, suchas thermal treatment and precision processing, and thelubricants required for specific conditions.

Liquid Propellant Flow-control Valve Ball Screws for Vectored Propulsion Nozzle

Pressurized module

Pressurized logistic module

Remote manipulator system● Ball screws and NSK linear guides for arm actuators

Exposed facility

Logistic module (exposed section)● Ball screws to operate doorsExposed facility

● Ball screws for exchange unit

Ball screw for space

Courtesy of JAXA

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Products for Aerospace

Global User ServiceNSK has a network of sales branches, plants, andtechnical centers covering the globe. Constantly gatheringthe latest information from these operations, NSK isaggressively promoting a Global Network Managementsystem to provide optimum and high-quality products. We

have also established a global support system toaccurately meet customers’ requests.NSK provides users with high-quality aerospace products,substantial technological assistance, and comprehensivesupport.

JapanJapan

The AmericasThe Americas

AsiaAsia

OceaniaOceania

AfricaAfrica

EuropeEurope

Japan

The Americas

Asia

Oceania

Africa

Europe

PerthAdelaideMelbourneBrisbaneSydneyAuckland

RecifeBelo HorizonteSao PauloSuzanoJoinvillePorto AlegreBuenos Aires

BeijingShanghaiKunshanGuangzhouAnshunZhangjiagangSuzhouDongguanHong KongChangshuChengduSeoulKumiChangwonTaipeiTaichungChennaiBangkokChachoengsaoChonburiPraiBalakongKuala LumpurJohor BahruSingaporeKota KinabaluManilaJakarta

Johannesburg

PeterleeNewarkMaidenheadCorentryWarsawKielceLeipzigDusseldorfStuttgartMunderkingenParisMilanoTorinoBarcelonaIstanbul

Tokyo ✕ 45✕ 17✕ 4

VancouverMontrealTorontoAnn ArborChicagoBenningtonClarindaIndianapolisFranklinLibertySan JoseLos AngelesAtlantaTroyMiamiMexico City

Headquarters

Sales office

Plant

Technical office

Centrifuge Rotor Bearings and Linear Motion Parts

There are plans for a variety of space experiments to beconducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).The Centrifuge Accommodation Module (CAM) has aspecially designed centrifuge rotor that provides artificialgravity at levels of 0.01G to 2G and accommodates up

to four habitats where researchers will investigate howliving organisms change in microgravity environments,such as the Moon and Mars.The ISS centrifuge rotor uses NSK main-shaft bearingsand linear motion products.

Rack containing cagefor living organisms

Module containing gravity generating device

Gravity generatingdevice

Storage rack

Life sciences glove box

Livingorganism cage

Centrifuge Accommodation Module(CAM) containing storage racks

Centrifuge Rotor Bearings and Linear Motion Parts

Courtesy of JAXA

CAT. No. E385b 2005 C-3 Printed in Japan ©NSK Ltd. 1989

NSK Ltd. has a basic policy not to export any products or technology designated as controlled items by export-related laws. When exporting the products in this brochure,the laws of the exporting country must be observed. Specifications are subject to change without notice and without any obligation on the part of the manufacturer. Everycare has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the data contained in this brochure, but no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage suffered through errors oromissions. We will gratefully acknowledge any additions or corrections.

NSK Ltd.-Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan www.nsk.comASIA BUSINESS STRATEGIC DIVISION-HEADQUARTERS tel: 03-3779-7145INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY BEARINGS DIVISION-HEADQUARTERS tel: 03-3779-7227AUTOMOTIVE DIVISION-HEADQUARTERS tel: 03-3779-7189NEEDLE ROLLER BEARINGS STRATEGIC tel: 03-3779-7121DIVISION-HEADQUARTERSPRECISION MACHINERY & PARTS tel: 03-3779-7219DIVISION-HEADQUARTERSAfricaSouth Africa:NSK South Africa (Pty) Ltd.Johannesburg tel: 011-458-3600Asia and OceaniaAustralia:NSK Australia Pty. Ltd. www.nskaustralia.com.auMelbourne tel: 03-9764-8302China:NSK Hong Kong Ltd.Hong Kong tel: 2739-9933Kunshan NSK Co., Ltd.Kunshan Plant tel: 0512-5771-5654Guizhou HS NSK Bearings Co., Ltd.Anshun Plant tel: 0853-3521505NSK Steering Systems Dongguan Co., Ltd.Dongguan Plant tel: 0769-242-7230Zhangjiagang NSK Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Plant tel: 0512-5867-6496Timken-NSK Bearings (Suzhou) Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Plant tel: 0512-6665-5666NSK China Technology CenterJiangsu tel: 0512-5771-5654NSK (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd.Shanghai tel: 021-6235-0198NSK Representative Offices www.nsk.com.cnBeijing tel: 010-6590-8161Shanghai tel: 021-6235-0198Guangzhou tel: 020-8732-0583Anshun tel: 0853-3522522Chengdu tel: 028-8661-4200NSK (China) Investment Co., Ltd.Shanghai tel: 021-6235-0198India:Rane NSK Steering Systems Ltd.Chennai Plant tel: 04114-266002, 265313, 265363, 265365NSK Ltd. India Blanch OfficeChennai tel: 044-2433-4732, 044-2434-3036, 3067Indonesia:PT. NSK Bearings Manufacturing IndonesiaJakarta Plant tel: 021-898-0155PT. NSK IndonesiaJakarta tel: 021-252-3458

Korea:NSK Korea Co., Ltd. www.kr.nsk.comSeoul tel: 02-3287-0300Changwon Plant tel: 055-287-6001Malaysia:NSK Bearings (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.Kuala Lumpur tel: 03-77223373NSK Micro Precision (M) Sdn. Bhd.Malaysia Plant tel: 03-8961-6288New Zealand:NSK New Zealand Ltd. www.nsk-rhp.co.nzAuckland tel: 09-276-4992Philippines:NSK Representative OfficeManila tel: 02-759-6246Singapore:NSK International (Singapore) Pte Ltd.Singapore tel: 65-6273-0357NSK Singapore (Pte) Ltd.Singapore tel: 65-6278-1711Taiwan:Taiwan NSK Precision Co., Ltd.Taipei tel: 02-2591-0656Thailand:NSK Bearings (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Bangkok tel: 02-6412-150~58NSK Bearings Manufacturing (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Chonburi Plant tel: 038-454010~454016SIAM NSK Steering Systems Co., Ltd.Chachoengsao Plant tel: 038-522-343~350NSK Asia Pacific Technology Center (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Chonburi tel: 038-454631~454633EuropeNSK Europe Ltd. (European Headquarters) www.eu.nsk.comMaidenhead, U.K. tel: 01628-509800France:NSK France SASParis tel: 01-30-57-39-39Germany:NSK Deutschland GmbHDüsseldorf tel: 02102-481-0NSK Precision Europe GmbHDüsseldorf tel: 02102-481-0NSK Steering Systems Europe Ltd.Stuttgart tel: 0771-79082-277Neuweg Fertigung GmbHMunderkingen tel: 07393-540Italy:NSK Italia S.p.A.Milano tel: 02-995-19-1Industria Cuscinetti S.p.A.Torino Plant tel: 0119824811

Worldwide Sales OfficesNetherlands:NSK European Distribution Centre B.V.Tilburg tel: 013-4647647Poland:NSK Europe Ltd. Warsaw Liaison OfficeWarsaw Liaison tel: 022-645-1525, 1526NSK Iskra S.A.Kielce tel: 041-366-5001NSK European Technology Center, Poland OfficeKielce tel: 041-366-5812Spain:NSK Spain S.A.Barcelona tel: 093-575-4041Turkey:NSK Bearings Middle East Trading Co., Ltd.Istanbul tel: 0216-442-7106United Kingdom:NSK Bearings Europe Ltd.Peterlee Plant tel: 0191-586-6111NSK European Technology CentreNewark tel: 01636-605123NSK UK Ltd.Newark tel: 01636-605123NSK Steering Systems Europe Ltd.Coventry tel: 024-76-588588North and South AmericaNSK Americas, Inc. (American Headquarters)Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. tel: 734-913-7500Argentina:NSK Argentina SRLBuenos Aires tel: 11-4704-5100Brazil:NSK Brasil Ltda. www.br.nsk.comSão Paulo tel: 011-3269-4723Canada:NSK Canada Inc. www.ca.nsk.comToronto tel: 905-890-0740Mexico:NSK Rodamientos Mexicana, S.A. de C.V. www.mx.nsk.comMexico City tel: 55-301-2741, 55-301-3115, 55-301-4762United States of America:NSK Corporation www.nsk-corp.comAnn Arbor tel: 734-913-7500

Sales Offices:Ann Arbor, Michigan tel: 734-913-7500Cerritos tel: 562-926-2975

NSK American Technology CenterAnn Arbor tel: 734-913-7500NSK Precision America, Inc. www.npa.nsk.comChicago tel: 630-620-8500NSK Steering Systems America, Inc. www.nastech.nsk.comBennington, Vermont tel: 802-442-5448NSK Latin America Inc. www.latinamerica.nsk.comMiami tel: 305-477-0605

For more information about NSK products, please contact:

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nsk products for aircraft and aerospace applications · development of the ﬁnest materials. ......

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