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Application Stories for Linear Motion Products
Keeping Equipment Running

Keeping Equipment Running

Custom Bearing Application Story

Roller bearing swap for plain bearings keeps sanders working

A woodworking manufacturer used a commercial wood sander for fast sanding of large furniture. However, their sanding table would only successfully function for about a week before failing. This would lead to a costly cycle of replacing damaged parts and awaiting the next shut down. The manufacturer needed a solution.

The wood sander station sat on a 180-pound steel base and used high speed oscillating motion (1735 RPM) for short, 4mm strokes. The oscillating mechanism was operated by two cam assemblies running with a roller bearing in between. As the system ran in short, reciprocating motion, the sanding mechanism was operated. This wood sander was under constant use by two labor shifts (1st and 2nd), 16 hours a day, for six days a week until it broke down.

Components:

Simplicity Plain bearings

Retrofit or OEM:

Retrofit

Problem:

A woodworking manufacturer used a commercial wood sander which would only function for about a week before failing.

Solution:

PBC Linear engineers recommended swapping out the continually failing rolling element bearings with a customized, Simplicity plain bearing assembly.

The Challenge

For the roller bearing to function properly, precise alignment was crucial. The slightest misalignment resulted in grinding between the cam and roller bearing. High friction and heavy shock loads caused fretting on the system. In fact, shop employees commented the roller bearing would glow red from heat created by friction where the cam system made contact. Even when lubricated, the misalignment, high temperatures (110°F) and grinding would persist, and the system was unable to last a full week.

The PBC Linear Solution

PBC Linear analyzed the situation and immediately recognized the problem as a great application for their Simplicity® plain bearing technology. Simplicity plane bearing products handle up to 20x the load of a traditional rolling element bearing. The proven technology of their proprietary Frelon liner supports even disbursement of forces, while rolling element bearings provided limited point of contact and cannot effectively disburse heavy loads. Primarily utilized for linear applications, Simplicity products also excel in rotary and oscillating tasks. It is also ideal for dirty workshop environments, gliding through wood chips, dirt and grime without binding or additional maintenance.

For this particular application, PBC Linear designed an optimized bearing assembly that would rock along with the motion of the cam system—completely eliminating misalignment issues. Using an internal, periodic lubrication system to facilitate smooth oscillating motion for long-term operation, PBC Linear was able to extend the life of the system from one week to over a year of smooth, non-stop and maintenance-free performance.

Results / ROI

After the custom Simplicity assembly was installed, the wood sander realized immediate increase in life-time performance. The manufacturer also noted significant cost savings as a result of life improvement. Weekly replacement parts for the previous internal design amounted to $300.00, with $15,000.00 in annual cost savings! Overall, the wood manufacturer was more than pleased with the new Simplicity bearing assembly, as it provided enhanced system integration, quieter operation and overall cost saving for the wood sander.

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