NTN develops bi-directional sintered fluid dynamic bearing
February 25, 2025
NTN Corporation, headquartered in Osaka, Japan, reports that it has developed a sintered fluid dynamic bearing capable of reversing its rotation, an ability which eliminates the task of ensuring the correct orientation during assembly. The new bearings are said to offer quieter operation and lower vibration and torque compared to oil-impregnated sintered bearings without dynamic pressure grooves, often used in compact motors and actuators for home appliances and automotive electronics.
In recent years, there has been increased use in fluid dynamic bearings to meet carbon neutrality goals, explains NTN. As conventional fluid dynamic bearings only rotate in one direction, however, they require increased cost to manufacture because their assembly is direction-specific.
NTN’s fluid dynamic bearing is able to move bi-directionally by optimising the inner diameter’s surface texture via simulation analysis. Symmetry in texture enables dynamic pressure to be generated in forward and reverse rotation. This pressure reportedly enables the bearings achieve 100% oil film formation, even during start-up when bearings without dynamic pressure grooves may come into contact with the shaft. This leads to a quieter, lower-vibration action at a 10% torque reduction.
