(July 7, 2011)
Tom Johnstone, President and CEO of SKF (left), presenting a commorative plaque to Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice Chancellor, University of Cambridge
The speed of research into the science of bearing steels looks set to increase still further following the official inauguration of an SKF University Technology Centre, formed in partnership with University of Cambridge. Based at the University's Materials Science and Metallurgy Department, research is being led by Professor Harry Bhadeshia, one of the recognised world experts in the physical metallurgy of steels.
Under the terms of the partnership, University of Cambridge is conducting both pure and applied research, with SKF providing funding, technical expertise and practical knowledge drawn from over 100 years of experience around the world.
Together, the two organisations have the goal of advancing the knowledge of the physical metallurgy of bearing steels, and to use this information to drive the development of new and improved bearing products that will deliver tangible benefits to customers of SKF.
Initially, researchers at the SKF University Technology Centre are concentrating their efforts on ways to manage the detailed microstructure of steel, to enhance bearing properties. They are also investigating ways in which modifications to the composition of steel can enable complex operational demands to be optimised, while predicting material performance relative to the steel production and heat treatment processes.
Dr Alan Begg, Senior Vice President for SKF Group Technology and Development, highlighted the importance to the company of this work, "Year on year, and even through the recent recession, we have continued to invest in research and development; indeed, in the last four years alone we have increased our spend on R&D by an average of 15% per annum. Strategic partnerships with academic and industry experts around the world are a key part of this process, creating an environment where knowledge engineering can thrive, bringing new and leading-edge technologies to the market in the shortest possible time".
The SKF University Technology Centre at University of Cambridge is an important element in SKF's ongoing programme to create dedicated centres of excellence around the world, each of which concentrates on core technologies. For example, the company has also established the SKF University Technology Centre for Tribology at Imperial College London, with a similar arrangement in place at Chalmers University in Gothenburg for sustainability and the environment.
Tom Johnstone, President and CEO of SKF, concludes, "Our position and long term success as the knowledge engineering company depends on our ability to convert fundamental science into commercial reality. The SKF University Technology Centre programme is essential to help us achieve this goal, bringing together scientists and engineers to create new and innovative solutions that will benefit our customers around the world".
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