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Hydrodynamic bearings are an indispensable part of modern industry, enabling the movement of components in machines and systems. They do this by
Miba supports your projects from the initial concept to after-sales service - all from a single source along the entire value chain.
As a leading supplier, Miba offers innovative, flexible solutions that increase the efficiency and durability of our customers' systems and improve sustainability. This article shows how Miba supports its customers - from design and validation to production and service. You will also learn why bearings are often the best choice.
Hydrodynamic bearings offer unique advantages that make them the preferred solution in many industries. Compared to other bearing technologies, they offer
These properties make them an optimal solution for engines, turbomachinery, wind turbines, marine and aviation applications and many other applications. Miba uses its decades of expertise in materials and design technology to develop engine bearings that increase the performance, efficiency and sustainability of our customers' systems - now and in the future.
Miba supports your engine bearing projects – from the initial idea to after-sales support. A structured approach ensures tailor-made solutions. This process is divided into five phases:
The foundation for a flexible bearing solution is laid in the concept phase. With only basic operating conditions, such as loads and speeds, customers can use the Miba Bearing Calculator to quickly check for themselves whether the use of bearings in the relevant system is possible.
If further information is already available, Miba starts by analysing the customer's requirements and the specific operating conditions in which the bearing will be used. Load-speed diagrams and hydrodynamic calculations are used to check the feasibility of the desired solution. These analyses provide important insights at an early stage and explore optimisation options.
In addition, various material combinations and initial design ideas are discussed in order to find an optimal balance between performance, costs and durability.
Particular attention is paid to the selection of materials, which is crucial for the performance and durability of the bearing. Depending on the requirements, bearing metals such as
The lubricant is also decisive for the choice of material. Miba can advise its customers on the selection of the appropriate lubricant. Customer specifications regarding lubricants can be taken into account. Meaningful compatibility and viscosity tests can be carried out even before prototypes are manufactured. The aim is to ensure that the lubricant and bearing are perfectly matched.
Usually, only a small amount of space is needed to integrate the bearing into our customers' systems and existing lubrication feed systems can be used.
In close cooperation with the customer, initial solutions are developed that lay the foundation for a successful development.
In the design phase, Miba uses state-of-the-art technologies to develop an optimal solution. We have the possibility
to provide the necessary insights for a detailed evaluation of the behavior of the plain bearing under real operating conditions.
Targeted adjustments to the geometry, layer structures and coatings ensures that the bearing will function reliably even under extreme conditions.
Close collaboration between engineers, materials scientists and customers enables highly precise development and a long-lasting bearing.
After the design phase is completed and based on the design results, test programmes can be derived for the corresponding validation of the prototypes. In this phase, the prototypes undergo the necessary tests to ensure that the bearing meets the required performance parameters.
They can be carried out on state-of-the-art test rigs. Possible tests include
In addition to standardised tests, customer-specific requirements are also taken into account. It is particularly noteworthy that the tests can be carried out on the state-of-the-art test stands with the specific lubricating media that will later be used by the customer in operation. This is how Miba ensures validation that is as close to reality as possible. Customer-specific material pairings, e.g. special shaft materials, can also be taken into account.
The broad range of tests that can be carried out on the test stands includes
This makes it possible to conduct a detailed examination of the performance of the bearings. The combination of load and speed is crucial here. It is taken into account for the respective application.
With regard to service life, it is also possible to test contaminated lubricants. This enables a meaningful analysis of the effects on the service life of the bearings and possible chemical reactions.
Miba carries out upstream tests on state-of-the-art test benches - both principle test benches and component test benches. These tests form the basis for the subsequent tests in the customer's system. Once we have successfully completed the tests, validation is usually carried out by the customer in their system. Our experts are also available on site to provide optimum support during installation and testing, and to assist with the validation process in the customer's system.
A key part of the validation is the evaluation of bearing temperature and friction behaviour. The subsequent optical and metallurgical examination in our in-house laboratories completes the validation and is incorporated into potential component and system optimisations.
Depending on the prototype status, bearing design and required quantities, Miba offers the option of manufacturing the bearings:
The flexible manufacturing options enable the required components to be made available as needed.
By producing its own pre-materials, Miba ensures that the materials used are of a consistently high quality.
With a flexible production concept, both one-off and series productions can be realised. The spectrum ranges from small bearings (diameter from approx. 10 cm) to large-scale bearings with a diameter of up to several metres.
Depending on the type and design of the bearing, it passes through various production steps. From advanced casting techniques to coating or careful assembly, Miba ensures quality throughout the production process, depending on the specific design of the product.
Continuous quality control during all production steps ensures that each bearing meets the highest standards and functions reliably.
The use of innovative manufacturing technologies, such as the direct coating of bearing metals, also reduces the amount of material used and allows for the realisation of complex geometries.
In addition, Miba offers appropriate packaging solutions that can be adapted to customer requirements. This not only provides protection for the products during transport, but also enables efficient handling and storage.
The global presence of our production sites enables fast and flexible delivery, regardless of where our customers are based.
For Miba, support does not end with delivery of the product. In the service phase, Miba offers comprehensive services to ensure the efficiency and durability of customer systems through bearings. These may include regular inspections, maintenance services and repairs that are specifically tailored to the customer's needs (off- and onsite).
If, despite all the preventive measures, a bearing should fail, Miba will help analyse the cause of the failure. Miba provides customers with quick support so that they can resume operations as soon as possible.
Changes in the customer system, such as adjustments to roughness on components or material changes, can have an impact on the entire system. Miba also supports its customers in this regard. Together with the customer, our experts develop solutions to evaluate the effects of such changes to ensure continued reliable performance.
If the requirements for the customer system change or the system's performance needs to be optimised, Miba is happy to analyse this and find the optimal bearing solution. Miba works closely with its customers to develop a suitable solution together. Our development teams, experts and in-house metallurgical and chemical laboratories ensure the continuous development of bearings, materials and technologies for customer systems.
This holistic approach ensures that the systems operate reliably for many years and remain cost-optimised over the long term.
Miba is more than just a manufacturer of hydrodynamic bearings – we are a partner that supports your projects with expertise, innovation and a global presence. For decades, we have been setting standards in bearing technology, combining in-depth knowledge of materials with the latest design expertise. This enables us to meet even the most demanding requirements of our customers.
Our strengths:
Your added value:
Miba develops flexible engine bearing solutions that increase the longevity and efficiency of our customers' systems. With a clear focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Miba is your reliable partner for every phase of the value chain.
Do you have a bearing project that you would like to realise? Contact Miba and let us develop a flexible solution for your requirements together!
