Mancrodur high performance steel doubles life of Schaeffler axlebox bearings
By combining its proprietary Mancrodur case hardening steel with a special hardening process, Schaeffler’s new Class K TAROL axlebox bearings offer a 30% increase in load-carrying capacity, which effectively doubles the operating life without taking up any additional space.
Sutton Coldfield, UK. 29th November 2016.Precision bearing manufacturer Schaeffler’s proprietary Mancrodur rolling bearing steel, in combination with carbonitriding (a case hardening process that uses carbon and nitrogen), is already proving successful in wind turbines that are subjected to high loads, as well as in steel mills.
With its new High-Capacity TAROL Class K (HCT-K) tapered roller bearings that are used in heavy freight rail traffic, Schaeffler has expanded its range of applications for this high-performance steel. Since April 2016, Mancrodur bearings have been undergoing rigorous testing under actual operating conditions at an Australian customer, and the results have been very promising. According to Alexander Käbe, Project Manager High Capacity TAROL at Schaeffler: “Even when subjected to extreme loads and shocks, this bearing consistently demonstrates its high performance capabilities. Compared to the case hardening steel that is typically used in these applications, we are seeing significant performance gains with bearings made from Mancrodur.”
To help rail operators immediately achieve significant gains in the operating life of their fleets and to substantially lower their total cost of ownership (TCO), existing AAR Class K steering knuckles can easily be fitted with Schaeffler’s new HCT-K axlebox bearings.
Greater surface hardness, but improved ductility
Compared to standard materials, Mancrodur’s load-carrying capacity is approximately 30% higher. As a result, the nominal rating life of Mancrodur is more than twice as long. Combining a high-performance steel with carbonitriding results in the highest load-carrying capacity for a given design envelope. From a materials-engineering perspective, this means this development represents the current state of the art with respect to bearing performance and efficiency. Carbonitriding generates fine carbides and carbonitrides that are evenly distributed throughout the material. This results in a raceway surface that is harder and more resistant to wear. In addition, the heat treatment process increases the ductility of the raceway surface. Consequently, the material is less sensitive to contamination-induced overrolling.
In summary, compared to conventional case hardening, carbonitriding produces a material with high surface hardness and increased ductility. But only the combination of these two characteristics result in a significant increase in fatigue life.
TAROL bearing assembly: designed for heavy freight traffic
In addition to the new material, Schaeffler development engineers have added a number of other features to ensure that the HCT-K bearings can reliably handle millions of kilometres of use in heavy goods traffic. These innovations include an inner ring that is heat stabilised up to 200°C; a cage made from glass fibre-reinforced polyamide; and a bearing assembly that is fitted with extremely low-friction cartridge seals on both sides. To ensure a reliable automated mounting process, the bearing also features a support ring.
For more information, please contact Schaeffler UK’s Communications & Marketing Department on
Pictures: Schaeffler
To help operators immediately achieve significant gains in operating life of their fleets and substantially lower their total cost of ownership (TCO), existing AAR Class K steering knuckles can easily be upgraded with Schaeffler’s new HCT-K axlebox bearings.
Compared to standard materials, Mancrodur offers approximately 30% higher load-carrying capacity. Consequently, the nominal rating life more than doubles.
About Schaeffler
The Schaeffler Group is a leading global integrated automotive and industrial supplier. The company stands for the highest quality, outstanding technology, and strong innovative ability. The Schaeffler Group makes a key contribution to “Mobility for tomorrow” with high-precision components and systems in engine, transmission, and chassis applications as well as rolling and plain bearing solutions for a large number of industrial applications. The technology company generated sales of approximately EUR 13.2 billion in 2015. With around 85,000 employees, Schaeffler is one of the world’s largest family companies and, with approximately 170 locations in over 50 countries, has a worldwide network of manufacturing locations, research and development facilities, and sales companies.
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