Getting to the hub of the problem

For years, SKF has devoted design and development resources to producing complete subassemblies and tailor-made components for OEMs - one example such is the development of wheel hubs for vehicles

For years, SKF has devoted design and development resources to producing complete subassemblies and tailor-made components for OEMs.

One such example of this SKF engineering approach is the development of wheel hubs for vehicles.

There is not a single car manufacturer that any longer makes its own hubs for wheels.

The hub assembly illustrates core competencies from SKF, including the bearing, lubrication, sealing, materials and coating, mechanical engineering expertise, manufacturing capabilities and even electronic monitoring on advanced hubs.

The SKF offering spans concept design, through design evaluation, research and development, prototyping, production engineering, manufacturing through to delivery.

The same principles that apply in the automotive sector can also benefit most industrial scenarios.

At the design stage, the SKF unique software tools enable optimised design.

The ORPHEUS programme allows detailed and dynamic simulation in 3D to create designs that work first time.

The BEAST programme applies advanced kinematics to model the mechanical performance of individual components and subassemblies.

Finite element modelling identifies stresses and enables the ideal component geometry to be attained.

SKF engineers reckon that a typical hub assembly would potentially require 15 component manufacturers.

However, its own expertise provides OEMs a single source that can also be regarded as a single function of the design and manufacturing process.

In industry generally, the reduction in part-finished stock inventories and the ability to have just-in-time deliveries make significant cost savings.

Coupled with the specific and detailed engineering expertise SKF brings to bear, the option to outsource becomes compelling.

Ignoring for a moment the technical considerations, there are many benefits to the manufacturing operation.

These include: elimination of assembly and quality control operations; machine tools and equipment; reduced need for skilled personnel in handling and mounting units (they can be deployed more usefully elsewhere); shorter throughput time; and higher production flexibility.

A further benefit is a reduction in warranty and service liabilities.

The reason for this is threefold, the SKF ability to reliably match tolerances and settings of bearings to the expected performance, the expertise it has in sealing technology and assembly, and its knowledge of lubricants and tribology.

It is a fact that however high the quality of the individual components, it is the performance of the overall assembly that gives reliable and trouble-free service life expectancy.

This factor becomes all the more critical when an unskilled end user is allowed to carry out maintenance and repair operations.

A fully contained, sealed, maintenance free and robust assembly can simply be replaced.

Finally, for the OEM, by using a bespoke solution, there can be greater product differentiation, captive spare parts business, shorter time to market and simplification of the business.

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