Bearing manufacturer NKE Austria GmbH offers a wide range of rolling bearings for electrical machines. Particularly designed for motors and generators, the bearings are noted for their low running noise, efficient seals, high load ratings and long service life. NKE will present these bearings at the Electro-Mechanical Authority (EASA) Convention in Tampa, Florida, June 25-27.

Electric motors are the driving force behind most industries. In close cooperation with the customers, NKE develops bearing solutions for many types of electric machines, such as electric motors of various sizes and for various applications, e.g. vibrator motors, traction motors for rail vehicles as well as generators for hydro and wind turbines and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) systems. 

The most commonly used bearing types in these applications are cylindrical roller bearings, deep groove ball bearings and angular contact ball bearings. Besides offering cost effectiveness, all bearings must operate with low noise, be durable enough to perform to the highest standards in long term operation and, for certain bearing types, have efficient seals.  

Deep groove ball bearings are suitable for locating and non-locating bearing positions on small and medium-sized electric motors and generators, and for locating bearing positions on larger motors. They are ideal for high rotating speeds and moderate radial and axial loads. The bearings are quiet-running and economical. Besides the open configuration, they can also be supplied pre-lubricated with shields or seals. 

Cylindrical roller bearings are usually used as non-locating bearings on the drive side in medium to large-sized motors. They are also suitable for applications with high radial loads and medium to high rotating speeds, and are available in many configurations. Electrically insulated deep groove ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings provide protection against bearing damage from the passage of electric current. They are 100 percent interchangeable with standard bearings and are electrically insulated on the outer or inner ring. 

Angular contact ball bearings are used as locating bearings in electric motors with high thrust loads or vertical axis, and for high rotating speeds. They are available in single or double row configurations as well as paired to accommodate thrust loads in both directions.