In many manufacturing and processing plant applications, water is an essential factor. Whether for cooling or cleaning or both, water comes into frequent contact with many moving parts of machinery.
Unfortunately, that water can lead to problems of corrosion. And, there are few greater problems that act to shorten bearing life than corrosion in key places.
The war against corrosion in bearings has been a long and ongoing process. Lubricants, seals, design modifications and mounting configurations have all been brought into play – with mixed results.
Now, Timken has a better idea: Timken® AquaSpexx™ bearings. As a leading international maker of highly engineered bearings, with significant capabilities in alloys and specialty steels as well, Timken has been able to bring innovative science to the battle against water-based corrosion.
Timken's solution is zinc. Not just ordinary zinc, but a special and proprietary alloy of zinc. Originally developed for aerospace applications, this alloy is produced by a process that Timken has patented.
The zinc alloy gives the bearing an iridescent or rainbow-like appearance. It is applied to important functional surfaces within the bearing. These include raceways, cups and cones.
Laboratory and field tests clearly exhibit the outstanding performance of AquaSpexx. During trials with the standardized salt spray test, AquaSpexx outperformed standard bearings, stainless steel bearings, and bearings of thin hard chrome.
The main benefits of using AquaSpexx include increasing the intervals between bearing changeovers, increasing reliability and reducing unscheduled downtime caused by bearings damaged by corrosion.
AquaSpexx bearings have been tested in food processing applications and have performed. They have obtained FDA approval for use in food preparation equipment.
AquaSpexx bearings are currently offered up to 30-inch O.D. The coated bearings can also be combined with other enhancements that will improve performance. These may include:
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Revised internal geometry
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Spiral grove in cone bore to distribute lubricants
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Improved surface finishes
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Customized sealing solutions
The war on corrosion may never be over. But with Timken® Autospexx™ on your side, you'll win more of the battles and improve plant productivity. Contact IBT for details.
