Scanning Ring Dimensions with SKF

SKF are now looking for a solution to enable full mapping of the inner and outer functional ring surfaces to be able to better control the quality and thereby maintain premium bearing performance. In particular, the focus areas for measurement include raceways, bores and the outer rings of the bearings. High-precision surface measurement offers the potential to improve quality, shorten cycle times and reduce scrap in manufacturing. The surface roughness varies from fractions of a millimeter up to a millimeter. By enabling accurate, real-time surface scanning while the material is still hot, the LMD process can be corrected before cooling. This ensures better surface finishes, more consistent product quality, and minimized downtime.

Summary of the Requested Solution

We seek a non-contact surface measurement system capable of automatically measuring part dimensions as well as detecting and quantifying surface irregularities during the LMD process, with a required precision of around 0.1 mm. The solution should be operational in a challenging LMD environment and complete measurements within 30–60 seconds, to allow for adjustments before cooling down. Compatibility with various bearing sizes from bores of 200 mm up to outer diameters of 2000 mm is essential. The system should not require physical contact with the bearings. A solution fitting these requirements would provide a critical leap in manufacturing efficiency.

As a global leader in bearing solutions, collaborating with SKF offers you the chance to contribute to the next-generation of remanufacturing and production processes, enabling more efficient and sustainable manufacturing operations. Your solution could be deployed across a wide range of industrial applications, enabling significant material and cost savings along the way. We want to work together and provide you with valuable learnings that enable your company further opportunities within the industry.