The salient feature of this series is the wide range of variants it comprises: more than 3,000 types are made to order in NKE’s assembly plant in Steyr, Austria. In addition to being exceptionally flexible, the modular production facility enables very short lead times on all products. The applications of this type of bearing are as numerous as its variants: they are used in pumps and compressors, mechanical presses, electric motors, gearboxes, traction motors and axle bearings for railway vehicles, in steelworks and in many other industrial applications.

The bearings are available in 164 sizes in design variants NU, NJ and NUP. The bearing cages are available in roller-guided and outer ring-guided versions and are made from brass and polyamide, with pressed steel versions available, too. In addition to radial clearance group CN (C0) as standard, group C3 models are also available. Special versions, for example traction motor bearings (SQ1) and electrically insulated bearings (SQ77) are available at short lead times.

To maximize their lifespan cylindrical roller bearings are made from clean bearing steel. The superior surface finish of the raceways further helps reduce friction as well as lowering the operating temperature. The optimized geometries of raceways and rolling elements increase the loading capacity, while a modified cage design improves the formation of lubricant film. Thanks to the improved design of bearing guiding flanges of the NJ and NUP variants, the bearings can take up higher axial loads. Misalignments can be compensated through a modified contact geometry and crowned inner raceways. Tighter tolerances for the roller sorting ensure a uniform load distribution.

In addition to these numerous technical benefits, cylindrical roller bearings feature optimum operational reliability and maximum cost effectiveness. All NKE bearings are subject to stringent quality procedures and are tested using state-of-the-art procedures and equipment. The Steyr site is certified to ISO 9001:2000 (design, development, production and distribution of bearings) and ISO 14001. In recognition of the exceptional quality of NKE’s products, the company was awarded the prestigious Austria Quality Seal last year.