NTI developed new sealed deep groove ball bearings

NTN has announced that it has developed a sealed deep groove ball bearing with a 50% or more reduction in rotational resistance compared to previous products. It is deployed in electric vehicle motors to reduce mechanical losses and improve efficiency.

Sealed deep groove ball bearings for supporting rotors are mainly used under light load and high-speed rotation, so most of the rotation resistance depends on the oil sealed inside the bearings. In order to reduce this resistance, Entyn reduced the viscosity of the base oil and made the thickener microstructure finer among the three elements that make up the lubricating oil: base oil, thickener, and additive. The thickener has the function of promoting the binding of the base oil, and refinement can enhance the fixing strength of the base oil.

In terms of noise (silence) during driving, it is comparable to conventional motor oils. In addition, by using the lubricating oil additive in an optimum ratio, the aging of the lubricating oil caused by high-temperature oxidation is suppressed.

In addition to the development of lubricants, Entien also improved the contact shape between the rolling elements of the cage and the pockets of the cage, preventing the lubricant from flowing into the rolling surfaces of the bearing.