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Charlotte Stonestreet
Managing Editor |
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First bearing line-up to feature bioplastic cage
09 May 2022
FOLLOWING ITS 2021 development of what is reported to be the world’s first bioplastic cage for rolling bearings, NSK can now reveal its initial product line-up. The new heat-resistant cage will be available on its 60 and 62 series of deep groove ball bearings, which are ideal for fan motors in air conditioners.

By manufacturing the bearing cage from a bioplastic material – which derives from renewable biomass sources (mainly plants) – it is possible to reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by 91% in comparison with conventional plastics made from fossil fuels, thus contributing to carbon-neutral initiatives. As a point of note, conventional bioplastic components have suffered from low heat resistance, but tests show that the cage material selected by NSK can withstand operating temperatures of up 120°C.
Using CAE technology in the development process allowed NSK to evaluate dimensions, shape and deformation, and verify the suitability of existing mould tools. The company could also assess important attributes such as strength and quality. In particular, NSK used digital twin simulation to evaluate cage stress characteristics under operating conditions.
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