Significant advances in bearing material quality, resulting in measurably cleaner steels, have provided increased ratings and extended performance in The Timken Company standard product tapered roller bearings. Using a sizable database of test results collected over the past years, along with appropriate analysis methods, it has been possible to identify those advances needed to provide additional improved bearing performance.
New advances in bearing design and manufacturing technology, as exemplified by enhanced internal bearing geometry and advanced finish processing, indicate improved bearing performance can be achieved in smaller bearing designs or increased reliability or extended life within existing bearing sizes. Such advances culminated in the new Performance 900™ bearings announced by The Timken Company in February 1988. Automotive and industrial designers have the opportunity to improve bearing application performance while accomplishing other objectives of lower weight and lower cost.
The P900 bearing are a portent for the extended bearing life and improved performance to be expected for the 1990s. An important concept abetted by these enhanced capabilities is the significant downsizing of total operating units as significantly cleaner steels and related technologies can be applied to complete systems.