Precise measurement of large volume tapered roller bearings

The Timken Company is known worldwide as a leader in rolling bearings and drive technology. Founder Henry Timken is the inventor of tapered roller bearings, one of the main products of the plant in Xiangtan, China. Warehouses are immensely important components for solutions in numerous industrial sectors. Proper testing and evaluation is the be-all and end-all of Timken's quality assurance. The high quality requirements often require accuracy in the μm range. The WENZEL LHF 4015 coordinate measuring machine with integrated turntable plays an important role in ensuring the quality of Timken's large-cone bearings.

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Timken workshops use a number of manual measuring devices to measure diameters. Manual measurement placed high demands on the operator, which made them susceptible to measurement errors, caused higher costs and reduced production efficiency.e Other properties such as shape and position tolerance or waviness cannot be measured manually, or not always satisfactorily.

WENZEL's high-precision KMG LHF 4015 is the perfect solution for Timken's quality assurance challenges. It is a measuring device that combines the functions of coordinate measurement technology and gear measurement. It was developed specifically for large parts and complex workpieces with high precision requirements. The CMG measures rotating precision parts quickly and reliably. “For parts that cannot be measured manually on the line, we use WENZEL's LHF. It is our company's most important measurement device and has helped us to reduce waste to a minimum,” explains Han Zhou, Timken Quality Manager.

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When asked which criteria were decisive for the decision to purchase the WENZEL measuring machine, Zhou answers: “First, the selected model had to be able to continuously deliver stable and accurate measurement results. Second, it had to be durable and error-free, and thirdly, optimal customer service had to be guaranteed. For this reason, we finally opted for WENZEL's solution.”

The horizontal design of WENZEL's LHF series KMGs offers excellent accessibility for large parts. The large measurement range allows the highest degree of freedom of movement. The double drive in the Y-axis of the LHF provides unparalleled dynamics and the guidance system provides unique stability. The air bearings, which were specially developed for high-precision measurement of large parts and complex workpieces, ensure wear-free running and precise guidance. The beam and guide bearing are made of dark granite, so that these components have the same thermodynamic properties.

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Loyal partnership

Timken and WENZEL have a loyal partnership. “In addition to the Timken plant in Xiangtan, the LHF is also used in our plant in Romania to measure large warehouses,” reports Zhou. “The X-axis stroke is' only '4 meters, but with the help of the turntable, which extends the measurement stroke, a diameter of up to 4.3 meters can be achieved.” This function is undoubtedly the icing on the cake and fulfills Timken's desire for the largest possible measurement range.

“I worked with WENZEL experts in Germany and know their know-how and professionalism. I also worked with colleagues from WENZEL Shanghai for more than ten years. Her reliability and responsible approach have left a lasting impression on me. Over the past ten years, I have seen the outstanding performance of WENZEL's measuring devices and am convinced that WENZEL is a reliable partner,” praises Zhou.

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