The development of an intelligent 250 body size gearbox that dramatically exceeds the reliability and performance of a 280 body size gearbox is being hailed as a radical design breakthrough.

The 18k SKF concept gearbox has achieved improvements previously thought impossible in such compact equipment. SKF named the gearbox 18k (for karat), as it is a “golden” opportunity for the industrial transmission industry.

The gearbox produces the same power output as the larger 280 body size industry standard but weighs 15 to 20 percent less and has 12 to 25 percent less volume.

It delivers zero unexpected downtime, 10 to 15 percent energy saving, a 15 to 20 percent reduction in oil use and a 90 percent reduction in maintenance costs.

The gearbox can be used in any major machine assembly or process that includes a gearbox.

The 18k gearbox is equipped with six online performance sensors that give constant data on speed, acceleration, torque, axial movement, temperature, humidity and lubrication conditions.

To achieve the reliability and compactness, SKF applied advanced system analysis, calculation and simulation tools, tribological and materials knowledge, machine condition monitoring and sensor know-how, as well as high-performance SKF Explorer bearings and SKF CR seals.

The gearbox includes completely re-engineered gears, the features and precision of which exceed most standard production quality levels. Even the oil has been reformulated.

Together with a lubrication partner, SKF developed an oil formulated specifically for this gearbox that cuts friction, reduces heat generation and increases service life.

BEAST and Orpheus, SKF’s proprietary computer calculation and simulation programs,were used to simulate the complete gearbox in a range of duty cycles.