NSK Ltd. has revised its basic dynamic load ratings, a parameter used to calculate the estimated life of rolling bearings. This revision, which extends the basic rating life (estimated life) of the main types of NSK rolling bearings, applies the “Highly Accurate Bearing Life Prediction Method Applying Ultrasonic Testing (World's First)” announced in March 2023.

Bearings with improved life estimates include deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, self-aligning ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and tapered roller bearings.

The “Highly Accurate Bearing Life Prediction Method Applying Ultrasonic Testing” has made it possible to calculate the long-life performance of NSK bearings with higher accuracy than before. NSK has now applied this calculation method to NSK bearings, improving basic dynamic load ratings, which are used for calculating the estimated bearing life. With this revision, for example, the estimated life of radial roller bearings is up to twice as high as before.

The revised basic dynamic load ratings are reflected in the engineering tools (NSK Online Catalog, Technical Calculations, and 2D/3D CAD Data) on the NSK website.