Curtis Machine Tools has deliberately restricted the size of component that its Vector machine can handle using a Kaydon bearing supplied by Rodriguez.

The Vector machine is now seen as an automotive industry standard and is also being used for applications such as cutting parts of power tools.

For very high-volume production the Vector can be specified with a twin-spindle workhead, which allows concurrent loading and grinding.

It also makes a range of other applications available including in-cycle gauging.

At the end of the grinding cycle the workhead drum rotates through 180deg, alternating the positions of the two spindles.

Critical elements of this mechanism are Kaydon thin-section bearings.

'We needed a precise, low-friction bearing that occupied minimum space but was still stiff,' said chairman Rick Curtis.

'The Kaydon bearing was ideal and gives us accuracy better than one micron,' he added.

A wire race bearing was considered, but the running accuracy was not adequate.

This is a very important factor as final component accuracy and the consistent quality of a batch of components is determined by the consistent positioning accuracy of the workhead.

Ultimately, Curtis Machine Tools designers chose a precision class 3 Kaydon four-point contact bearing and a radial contact bearing for this application.

Pre-load on the bearings is factory set, minimising assembly time and assuring consistency.

The Kaydon four-point contact bearing can accept a combination of radial, thrust and moment loads.

This is due to the unusual geometry of the ball grooves that creates a 'gothic arch' configuration making it possible for two grooves to contact the ball at four points.

High thrust and moment capacity is obtained in a four-point contact ball bearing by its deep raceway grooves.

These allow high initial contact angles between the balls and raceways and increase the thrust and moment capacity.

The deep grooves also accommodate the contact angle increase, which results from ring stretch and ball deflection under load.

Other News:
Kaydon Bearing Restricts Vector Machine Capability
SKF Introduces Next Generation Wind Turbine Monitoring System
Two-week Timken Shutdown Idles 355
Generous Brammer customers help grant more wishes
GGB Consolidates Benelux Offices
John Crane Acquires Grafton Bearings Manufacturer
Stainless Steel Rod Ends Launched by Schaeffler
Bearing Corporate Responsibility Under Microscope