For various industries, planned shutdowns are essential for inspecting and replacing critical components like bearings. Schaeffler’s medium-frequency heaters, available through Motion, provide an advanced solution, streamlining the process of fitting, mounting, and dismounting bearings during these critical maintenance windows.
Fabio Rebecchi, Product Manager – Industrial Bearings at Motion, explains the advantages of these heaters: “These devices significantly reduce the time needed to both mount and dismount bearings during planned or unplanned shutdowns. Their flexibility and speed can save companies both time and money.”
Schaeffler’s medium-frequency heaters are designed to handle large, heavy bearings efficiently. Unlike traditional induction heating devices, which are typically used only for mounting bearings, these heaters are versatile and can be used for both mounting and removal. This capability makes them ideal for where bearings must often be removed for inspection or replacement.
The heaters work by generating controlled heat that expands the bearing or component, allowing it to be fitted or removed safely.
As Fabio notes, “By heating bearings to an optimal range of +80°C to +100°C, and never exceeding +120°C, we prevent damage to the structure and ensure safe mounting or dismounting.”
Schaeffler’s medium-frequency heaters offer impressive efficiency, with over 90% energy efficiency compared to conventional models. This reduces both the time required for heating and overall energy consumption, making them a cost-effective solution for industries that regularly undergo maintenance.
“The high energy efficiency of these heaters can make a real difference to a company’s operational costs,” Fabio explains. “By reducing the energy needed to heat bearings, companies can lower their energy bills and boost productivity during shutdowns.”
One of the standout features of Schaeffler’s medium-frequency heaters is their mobility. The units are compact, weighing 40% less than previous models, making them easy to transport. This is especially beneficial for industries like wind power, where machinery can be difficult to access.
The flexibility of the inductor design further enhances their usability. These heaters come with both rigid and flexible inductors, allowing maintenance teams to heat large bearings or awkward components quickly and efficiently.
Fabio adds, “Whether you need to mount or dismount bearings on-site or in the workshop, these heaters provide the flexibility to get the job done quickly.”
Schaeffler’s heaters offer additional benefits like automatic demagnetisation and precise temperature control, which prevent overheating and ensure that components are handled safely. The digital control system and air-cooled operation make these units user-friendly and highly reliable for various applications.
“When performing critical maintenance, reliability is everything,” Fabio emphasises. “These heaters give maintenance teams the peace of mind that they can carry out the job safely and efficiently, without risking damage to the components.”
For businesses looking to improve maintenance efficiency, Schaeffler’s medium-frequency heaters are an essential tool. To learn more about how these innovative devices can boost machine operations, contact Motion today.