Increasing efficiency and reliability in paper machines

Rolling bearings in paper machines are exposed to extreme demands, including moisture, intense heat, shaft deflection, high rotational speeds, and long operating periods. With FAG brand Torb toroidal roller bearings, Schaeffler now offers an innovative solution specifically designed to meet the rigorous requirements of the paper industry. In doing so, the motion technology company Schaeffler supports customers in this sector, enabling them to maintain a leading position in their markets thanks to world-class products.

Torb bearings are ideally suited for use in drying and Yankee cylinders, as well as in press and thermal rollers. They combine the advantages of spherical roller bearings and cylindrical roller bearings in an intelligent 2-in-1 design, enabling customers to achieve higher machine availability, extended component service life, and improved paper quality—even at high production speeds—while simultaneously reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).

Schaeffler thus covers the entire rolling bearing portfolio for paper machines, supplying not only spherical roller bearings and split spherical roller bearings but also self-aligning cylindrical roller bearings, hybrid deep groove ball bearings, and triple-ring bearings.

Torb – the ideal non-locating bearing

When it comes to shaft support, precision and flexibility are paramount. Temperature-induced thermal expansion and misalignment can pose significant challenges during operation, particularly for the non-locating bearing. In such instances, Torb toroidal roller bearings have proven to be extremely effective—especially when paired with spherical roller bearings acting as the locating bearing. By combining a Torb toroidal roller bearing as the non-locating bearing with a spherical roller bearing as the locating bearing, users can extend the service life of their systems while simultaneously reducing TCO.

Optimized bearing design reduces friction

The Torb raceway profile ensures optimal stress distribution and guarantees low-friction operation. The automatic self-positioning of the rolling elements distributes the load evenly across the entire length of the rollers at every operating point. This ensures high performance and stability. Furthermore, the bearing design enables virtually frictionless compensation of axial length variations of up to +/-10% of the bearing width, thereby offering maximum flexibility. Misalignments of up to 0.5° are accommodated without compromising the bearing's load rating or service life. As a result, alignment errors and shaft deflections are effectively compensated for. Moreover, Torb bearings effectively dampen axial vibrations within the entire bearing system, ensuring smooth and efficient operation with minimal vibration and noise generation. Torb toroidal roller bearings are further distinguished by their unique internal geometry, which provides a very high radial load-carrying capacity. The premium X-life quality designation also enhances machine availability and, thanks to reduced friction, lowers lubricant and energy consumption.

Portfolio comprises several series

The product portfolio encompasses a wide range of sizes. Because they are manufactured as standard catalog items adhering to standard ISO dimension series and sizes, these bearings are interchangeable with all common products available on the market. The main dimensions comply with DIN 616:2000 and ISO 15:2017. The product range includes series designed for shaft diameters ranging from 75 mm to 850 mm. Additional sizes—including those with matching spherical roller bearings—are available upon request. The bearings are available with either a tapered or cylindrical bore, as well as with a case-hardened inner ring. Available radial clearance classes include CN, C3, and C4. Torb toroidal roller bearings are designed for operating temperatures of up to +200 °C.

Leveraging its extensive expertise, high product quality, and first-class service, Schaeffler supports paper manufacturers in operating their facilities reliably and efficiently, minimizing downtime, and sustainably improving product quality.