SKF will officially launch high-performance Explorer class taper roller bearings at the Hannover Fair in April 2003. After years of research and development and manufacturing improvements, SKF is now able to produce a generation of taper roller bearings that lasts substantially longer than conventional designs – even under marginal lubrication and extreme load and operating conditions.

To reach this new level of performance, the SKF team has sharpened the tolerances and surface parameters of each component and material at the micro level.  The result is a bearing that runs smoother and longer with reduced friction.  In fact, laboratory tests in non-contaminated environment show that SKF Explorer bearings last 10 times longer than the calculated basic rating life (L₁₀).

For the OEM, the SKF Explorer taper roller bearing offers advantages in terms of controlling warranty costs. It allows a higher power density with the same dimensions, counteracting the effects of demanding and extreme operating conditions.

The development of SKF Explorer taper roller bearings builds on extensive research in the SKF laboratories, a vast experience in the field with standard and special applications and the well-proven advanced performance of the existing product line.

With SKF Explorer taper roller bearings, customers benefit by:

• Significantly longer service life and reliability;
• Roller/raceway profiles that reduce stress peaks from misalignment and shock loads;
• Roller/flange contact provides low initial loss of preload and immediate lubricant film formation;
• Support of lubricant film formation by surface topography;
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• Balance of appropriate hardness, fatigue strength and dimensional stability properties that depend on bearing size and typical application; and
• Low noise and vibration due to reduced waviness of the rollers and raceways.

For more information about the SKF Explorer taper roller bearing, visit the SKF stand at the Hannover fair.