Franke GmbH

We use C45N, an unalloyed quality steel, as a proven material for standardized slewing rings. This impresses with its excellent machinability, which enables precise production with high roundness and flatness accuracy. In addition, this material offers an attractive price-performance ratio compared to high-alloy steels.

Steel slewing rings are used in many areas of application, especially in plant and mechanical engineering.

Amagnetic steels, such as the austenitic stainless steels 1.4404 and 1.4435, are characterized by their high toughness and are particularly resistant to shock loads and vibrations. In combination with silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) balls, amagnetic bearings offer outstanding performance. Silicon nitride impresses with its low density, high strength and excellent wear resistance, making the bearings not only lighter but also more durable. This combination of materials is ideal for applications that require the highest precision and maximum durability.

Thanks to its properties, non-magnetic steel is particularly suitable where electromagnetic fields must be avoided or extreme precision is required. However, it is also used in the semiconductor industry, for example in the manufacture of chips or in the electronics sector.

One important aspect is the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. It usually contains at least 10.5% chromium, which - either alone or in combination with nickel and molybdenum - forms a dense passive layer of chromium oxide. This protective layer regenerates itself when damaged and thus contributes to the high resistance of the material.

Stainless steel is well suited for use in food production and packaging, where liquids are sometimes filled and aggressive cleaning agents act on the bearings.

Aluminum has proven itself as a material for bearing housings for decades. By using aluminum housing parts, the weight of conventional steel bearings can be more than halved. Due to the integration of a 4-point bearing with inserted steel races, these can absorb the resulting loads and torques.

This material is always used when the aim is to save weight. For this reason, it is often used in the aerospace industry.

Plastic bearings can be manufactured from various polymers to meet the desired requirements. Due to their low weight (up to 80% lighter than steel) and smooth running, they are wear-resistant and reduce energy requirements. The forces are absorbed by the integrated wire race bearing.

By using 3D-printed housing parts in slewing rings, fiber-reinforced structures can be produced in a targeted manner. At the same time, there is a wide range of materials that can be used for printing, including polycarbonate, ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and various fiber-reinforced plastics.

Plastic bearings are used in a wide range of applications. They are used in conveyor technology, handling equipment or in filling systems in the food or pharmaceutical sectors.

The specific weight of CFRP is around 75 percent lower than that of a steel structure. The enormous variety of ways in which carbon fibers can be processed into complex materials with the highest load-bearing capacity is another reason for the popularity of CFRP in lightweight construction. Carbon housings can be fitted with aluminum sleeves for bolting to the adjacent construction. Load ratings, rigidity and temperature behavior correspond to similar slewing rings made of aluminum.

Franke wire race bearings can be integrated into any enclosing structure made of CFRP and enable the construction of extremely compact and ultra-light slewing rings.