Calculating rating life of rolling bearings

Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has awarded Schaeffler the certification "Assessment of the method to investigate rolling bearing rating life". This is the first time that a fundamental procedure has been certified, as opposed to the previously required certification of each individual rating life factor.

The newly-developed method describes the full range of calculation and testing procedures that are required in order to determine every reference parameter that influences the rating life. This makes complex individual approvals for new products and series a thing of the past. For Schaeffler customers, the new certification means a significant level of added value: Less time required, lower costs, and proven reliability in high-volume production.

In addition to the static load safety factor and design envelope, the calculated rating life is the central parameter for designing rolling bearings. In most applications, the bearings are dimensioned according to the rating life requirements. There are many areas, including the wind power sector, in which certification only takes place if the calculated rating life is above a minimum value that is required by the relevant standards. The demand for energy savings means that downsizing is now sought-after in many applications. It is important here that, even when smaller bearings are used, the rating life requirements are fulfilled with a reliable rating life prediction.