NSK, the engine of NWG

The NSK factory in Munderkingen, Germany specializes in manufacturing the company’s full line of double row ball bearings, of which around 30% carry the NWG (Neuweg) brand. Double row ball bearings are used in all kinds of industrial applications, from motorcycles to vacuum pumps, surgical instruments and cinematographic equipment.

European manufacturers looking for value-added bearing solutions have long trusted the Neuweg brand for its performance and quality, as it has been part of the NSK Group since 1990. Users of NWG brand bearings therefore not only benefit products manufactured to NSK standards, but can also harness the innovation and customization capabilities of a global bearing specialist with more than a century of knowledge and expertise.

Factory produced double row ball bearings include self-aligning, angular contact, and deep groove types. However, beyond the standard range, the factory specializes, among other things, the ability to manufacture variants within very short lead times.

Customization options

When it comes to outer ring, customers can request a specific diameter and width, as well as a groove or threaded bore. It is also possible to select special profiles (spherical, Gothic arch, V and groove), while specific diameters, cones, teeth, grooves and threads are part of the customization options for the bore of the inner ring. In addition, several special seal options are available, such as multiple lip seals, labyrinth seals, and three-part seals, as well as several choices of coatings. The DLC coating (Diamond-like Carbon – carbon in the form of amorphous diamond), an ultra-thin layer (1 to 3 µm) is a new option offering remarkable resistance to

One of the main areas of competence of the German NSK plant is the agricultural sector, which has special requirements in terms of protection against dust, dirt and impact. NSK has developed solutions capable of dealing with these difficult conditions, which include not only bearings, but also complete units like Agri Disc Hubs. These ready-to-install bearing units offer high efficiency and a robust sealing system, ensuring their success in agricultural machinery such as compact disc harrows.

Still in the field of agriculture, NSK has over the years developed many special bearings for this demanding sector. For example, a special NWG series double row ball bearing (with integrated flange) was requested by a major agricultural machinery manufacturer for a large capacity pneumatic seed drill. Besides design innovation, high performance and reliability were among the main selection factors.

To cite another example, a major woodworking machinery manufacturer is taking advantage of a special double row angular contact ball bearing for a line of sliding table saws. This bearing features a V-groove on the outer ring, as well as custom dimensions and end play.
Other products manufactured in Munderkingen include carrier rollers and pulleys, which are used, for example, in high temperature steel furnaces.

Supply chain security

One of the main advantages of the solutions produced in Munderkingen for European customers is the speed of delivery. Located in southern Germany, the plant enjoys excellent access to the European transport network, reducing any risk of supply chain disruption.

NSK manufacturing expertise has had a huge influence on the Neuweg brand. Thanks to the introduction of modern manufacturing strategies and processes, the Munderkingen plant is able to offer high levels of flexibility. It is possible to manufacture a wide range of products, even in small and medium series (from 1000 pieces): this is an additional advantage for customers looking for tailor-made solutions. Thanks to NSK’s engineering and innovation expertise, special models can go from concept to production in just 2-5 months.

NSK can cite many examples of custom bearing solutions developed and manufactured in Munderkingen. These products include, for example: a fully integrated flange bearing for an elevator gear motor and a four point contact double ball bearing with split inner ring for a mobile crane. Other examples of custom made double row angular contact ball bearings include those that feature a 35 ° contact angle and a split inner ring for air conditioner compressors used on commercial vehicles, those that feature an angle contact angle of 25 ° and an elongated inner ring for electric surgical instruments, those which have a fully integrated flange and a special seal for a vacuum pump, and still others with low friction TM seal and high temperature plastic cage for a motorcycle gearbox. The site even produced rolls of support for “sky cams” ​​suspended above the playing surface during major sporting events.

It is important for the market to understand that it is possible to offer and manufacture bearings with high added value within the NSK group, in order to allow customers to save money by offering them solutions that take into account costs. incurred throughout the life of the product.