Performance and precision with machines from DMG MORI
“Our products enable precise, low friction operation of rotating equipment and machine elements.” according to Marcus Jakob, Director of Operations at SKF in Sumter. “Focus on reduced energy consumption for all our customers puts exciting challenges ahead of us”. That's why SKF continuously invests in further development of its rolling bearings, slewing rings and seals, he said. “Customer demands are increasing, while tighter tolerances, reduced cost and higher performance are on the daily wish list, which means we have to adapt our production accordingly”.
To keep up with this development, SKF is constantly putting manufacturing to the test, according to Mr. Jakob. “On one hand, we need high-precision multi-tasking machining centers, and on the other – to remain ahead of our competition – we depend on very efficient, solid and well-engineered manufacturing processes.” With CNC machine tools from DMG MORI, SKF has had the best experience in terms of performance and precision for many years.
Thus, the machine tool manufacturer was also on the short list in Sumter when machining centers were to be purchased for the production of thin-section bearings up to 3,000 mm in size. “The decisive factor for the three DMU 340 FDs was the machining versatility through technology integration,” recalls Marcus Jakob. “This is because, in addition to 5-axis milling and turning in one workspace, the XXL machining centers are also equipped with the exclusive DMG MORI technology cycles Grinding and gearSKIVING.
This allows us to perform all machining steps on any of these models for which we previously needed at least two additional machines.” In addition, he says “there has been a drastic reduction in throughput times in grinding and gear milling.”