NSK Selects Seco/Warwick for Heat Treatment of Workpieces
Seco/Warwick delivered a roller-type unit (furnace) intended for spheroidizing rings for the bearing industry. The solution will be operated in the Kielce plant of the global bearing manufacturer – NSK.
This is the second delivery of this type of system. The first line featuring a Seco/Warwick roller hearth furnace has been operating in the factory for seven years. This type of equipment has technological roots in the United States.
The unit is intended to spheroidize anneal bearing steel forgings. The process line, built around a roller hearth furnace, is intended to be used for the heat treatment of workpieces, following downstream processes that are then assembled into bearings that are used in the automotive sector.
The entire automated process line consists of a loading table with a drive, loading elevators with side handling, heating chambers, controlled cooling chambers, cooling tunnels, unloading elevators and tables as well as the control cabinet featuring a complete automated visualization system that provides comprehensive control over the course of the production process. Such an equipment line fully guarantees total automation of the process, and perfect repeatability of the workpieces. The repeatability and the high quality are also important factors for the production of items as sensitive as bearings.
“We know that bearing production requires a huge amount of precision. The required metallographic structure can be achieved in the production process only with a strict and repeatable regime during the thermal process cycle. That is why our production line intended for this purpose is based on the full automation of processes. This enables the elimination of all errors resulting from the human factor.
This is the second example of our cooperation with NSK. We are delivering exactly the same product as in 2015, showing us that we are a reliable partner for them. After seven years of operation of the first system, NSK again selected Seco/Warwick. We couldn’t expect a greater compliment. We strive to be a partner that listens, solves problems, customizes the technology, and above all, meets the requirements of even the most demanding production processes,” said Piotr Skarbiński, vice president in charge of this product segment, Seco/Warwick Group.
