SKF and DMG MORI collaborate on SKF Insight™ Superprecision bearing system

SKF and DMG MORI form a joint development collaboration for large-scale implementation of an innovative SKF Insight™ Super-precision bearing system for machine tool spindles. Under this development program, SKF will provide SKF Insight™ Super-precision bearing system and support DMG MORI in developing and validating this technology for their machining centers. The teams from both companies will work extensively to test the system and ensure that it meets the performance requirements of the machine tool industry.

This joint development collaboration aims to push the performance boundaries of machine tool spindles while maintaining or even improving their reliability. SKF has developed the SKF Insight™ Super-precision bearing system as one compact and robust solution to monitor load, temperature, and vibration in a high-speed spindle. With this technology, DMG MORI is able to improve lubrication control thus enhancing bearing life and reliability as well as facilitating high-precision machining. These machine tool improvements enable higher productivity and an increase in work piece quality.

“We believe that close collaboration with our customers and partners is the key driver that boosts innovations. DMG MORI’s extensive industry experience, combined with our technical expertise, will unlock new technology benefits for customers and end-users. As an innovation partner, this collaboration showcases our commitment to intelligent and clean solutions and highlights our leadership in machine tools. We look forward to the joint development of more such viable and scalable solutions in future,” says Annika Olme, CTO and Senior Vice President Technology Development at SKF.

“In collaboration with SKF, we are pleased to introduce a new cutting-edge, high-speed spindle equipped with their innovative SKF Insight™ Super-precision bearing system. This joint development allows for real-time monitoring of bearing temperature, load, and vibration during machining — offering insights that were previously beyond reach. We look forward to accelerating our Machining Transformation (MX) by integrating the advanced technology of SKF into our new " ERGOline X with CELOS X" human-machine interface, setting the stage for the next leap in productivity and efficiency for our customers,” says Dr. Naruhiro Irino, Executive Officer, Director of Advanced Technology Research Center at DMG MORI.

SKF Insight™ Super-precision bearing system fits into the same bearing dimension as a regular bearing without the need for additional space. The technology has been verified in a range of industries and applications, capturing and integrating intelligence seamlessly without compromising or hindering the compactness or stiffness performance of the Super-precision bearings. The SKF Insight™ Super-precision bearing system measures loads, speeds, temperatures and vibrations that the bearing experiences. It is accurate, fast and robust and can be applied to any rolling element bearing to enhance the performance of a machine or process.

With high running accuracy, high-speed performance, and high system rigidity, SKF Super-precision bearings are ideal for machine tools and other precision applications, such as high-speed finishing stands for steel wire, racing cars engines and transmissions, and innovative fluid treatment applications. The bearings also minimize noise, vibration, and heat generation.