With the complete acquisition of Revolve Magnetic Bearings, Inc, of Calgary, Canada, the SKF Group has strengthened its position in the field of magnetic bearings. SKF previously held a minority post in the company.
Revolve Magnetic Bearings is a leader in the development and production of magnetic bearing systems in the industrial rotating equipment market. In a magnetic bearing, the rotary axle floats in a magnetic field. Sensors and computer control ensure that the axle remains in a fixed position. Due to the absence of metallic contact, magnetic bearings are able to withstand extremely high rotary speeds.
Because of its need for extremely clean environments to manufacture complex circuitry, the semiconductor industry has been one of the market drivers for magnetic bearings.