
Fields of Innovation for roller bearings
With progressive ideas and concepts, we create customised solutions in the areas of lightweight construction, precision and direct drive. With minimal installation space and high load capacity, our bearings are ideal for applications that require a customised, energy-efficient and reliable design.
The large selection of materials enables flexible adaptation of the enclosing design to a wide range of conditions and requirements.
Lightweight construction
Bearings from Franke, including roller bearings and ball bearings, offer maximum design freedom without compromising on load capacity and precision. Thanks to the ingenious 4-point technology of a wire race bearing, it is possible to design the enclosing structure in lightweight materials. A considerable reduction in the overall weight can be achieved by using materials such as aluminium, CFRP or plastic.
Particularly good results in weight optimisation can be achieved through additive manufacturing, for example by replacing solid material designs with lattice structures. This means that 3D printing offers the ultimate lightweight option over and above high-strength aluminium slewing rings.

Slewing ring with torque
Slewing rings with integrated direct drive (torque) offer maximum energy efficiency and enable a compact, space-saving design. By dispensing with additional components such as gears and drive pinions, power losses due to friction or play are significantly reduced, which considerably minimises maintenance costs.
The above-mentioned advantages and the precision of the direct drive fulfil a wide range of requirements. This technology is preferably used in medical technology in computer tomographs, in mechanical engineering or in measuring and testing technology.

Materials for bearings
Which materials are suitable for rolling bearings in challenging, sensitive or extreme applications? This section provides an overview of the possible uses of alternative materials for the housing of a slewing ring, such as non-magnetic steels, CFRP, aluminium or plastic.
Application examples from conveyor technology, food technology, lightweight construction and aerospace show how functionality, weight and corrosion resistance can be optimised through the targeted selection of materials. Particularly relevant for anyone looking for customised solutions that go beyond the standard.

Heavy duty - high load capacity
The use of crossed roller bearings in combination with hardened races enables slewing rings to be realised for the highest loads. A new machining method used in the manufacture of the running wires ensures the realisation of extremely high rigidity and load ratings, even with smaller diameters from 300 mm.
Slewing rings with crossed roller bearings and raceways made of hardened wire are suitable for applications with the above-mentioned requirements, compact installation space and high torque loads.
