3D-Printing

Additive manufacturing process for objects made of plastic or metal with maximum freedom in terms of geometry and structure. 3D-printed housing parts can be combined with wire race bearings, for example, to create super-customized lightweight bearings.

3D printing has also found its way into many areas of manufacturing in recent years, including the production of rolling bearings. 3D printing of rolling bearings can be particularly useful for prototyping and small series production, as it enables faster and more cost-effective production than conventional manufacturing methods.

In the production of rolling bearings using 3D printing, the inner and outer ring as well as the rolling elements are constructed from a metal powder that is applied in layers to a platform and then fused with a laser. This creates a three-dimensional component that has the precise shape of the desired rolling bearing.

Although 3D printing offers many advantages in rolling bearing production, there are also some challenges. For example, the bearings produced may have a lower load-bearing capacity and rigidity than conventionally manufactured bearings due to the layered structure. In addition, manufacturing using 3D printing can also result in higher surface roughness, which can increase the coefficient of friction.

Despite these challenges, additive manufacturing in rolling bearings continues to evolve and is expected to play a greater role in the future, especially in the production of highly specialized rolling bearings tailored to specific applications.

More information on 3D printing in the field of ball bearings

Lightweight construction innovation field

All relevant information and advantages of Franke lightweight bearings are presented and explained in detail in the lightweight construction innovation area.