Scots Bearings Ltd, Scotland’s largest independent supplier of bearing and power transmission products are delighted to announce Schaeffler has introduced a new Wind Power Standard (WPOS) for its INA and FAG brand bearings for wind power applications, which full-fills the increasing demands in terms of reliability placed on wind turbines and components in the wind power sector. This new standard for products and processes means Schaeffler is ensuring outstanding quality and reliability and is offering the same high standards of quality as it is already successfully offering in the automotive and aerospace industries. In future, the relevant products will be labelled with the WPOS designation. All bearings for wind power applications will be included in this new wind power standard by the beginning of 2014.

Cost-effective wind turbines require reliable components. Rolling bearings play a key role here. The demands in terms of component reliability in both onshore and offshore wind turbines have increased considerably during the last few years. The development of turbines to become multi-megawatt power plants leads to higher forces and torque, which subject the components to ever increasing loads. At the same time, any downtimes and maintenance work generate increasing costs, especially in the case of offshore plants.

Product labelling and internal audits;

The Schaeffler Wind Power Standard is a comprehensive concept developed by the company, which further increases the reliability of rolling bearings in wind turbines. This new quality standard includes all products and processes that are relevant to the wind power sector. Relevant products will be labelled with the WPOS designation. Internal audits monitor compliance with strict quality specifications that apply to all development and design teams as well as for all manufacturing locations worldwide that design and manufacture bearings for wind turbines.

Processes relevant to wind power for the entire supply chain;

In order to ensure these high standards are implemented, Schaeffler uses coordinated and transparent processes in close collaboration with customers and suppliers, in this case Scots Bearings Ltd, has a defined change management structure, strict quality monitoring and comprehensive documentation. Selective supplier development ensures the highest possible level of quality from the beginning, for example in terms of the quality of the steel used. Schaeffler has developed and defined special material specifications for this purpose that ensures particularly high levels of purity and quality for the materials being used. The design process involves product development in conjunction with customers. It incorporates advice on selecting the correct bearing type, matching the bearing to the environmental conditions, designing the bearing while considering WPOS requirements, and calculating the life, contact pressure and static factors of the bearing support. In addition, further development of the Bearinx® rolling bearing calculation program enables Schaeffler to consider the deformation of the adjacent parts of the bearing for all load cases, which goes beyond the scope of conventional FEM calculations. The subsequent manufacturing process begins after a defined process freeze. 100% inspections of all characteristics critical for the function and internal audits form the basis of strict quality monitoring.

For further information on the products and services listed please contact your local Scots Bearings Branch who shall gladly visit site to discuss in more detail.