THE-TIMKEN-COMPANY-LOGOWhat can steel producers do to compete more effectively in today’s marketplace? Using the latest bearing technology to keep critical equipment running longer is one idea that The Timken Company will showcase at AISTech 2017.

AISTech—the premier technology event for The Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST)—will be held May 8-11 at Music City Center, Nashville, Tenn. Featuring innovations from all over the world, the conference is considered a must-attend for those who want to gain perspective on the technology and engineering expertise necessary to succeed in the metals industry.

Timken engineers will host three technical presentations at AISTech, including a review of field results showing distinct advantages for the ADAPT™ bearing design. ADAPT bearings can be used where toroidal, self-aligning cylindrical and other types of roller bearings are used in the float position on rotating shafts that experience simultaneous misalignment and thermal axial growth. Examples include slab support rolls in continuous casters, large gear drives and industrial fans

Nigel Los, application engineering specialist for Timken, will discuss field test results that demonstrate how ADAPT bearings, when compared to equivalent-size toroidal bearings, provide higher load ratings, less running torque, cooler operating temperatures and longer life in high-load, high-temperature environments.

“Steel producers might think conventional roller bearings meet most of today’s requirements,” said Los. “However, some applications are so demanding that a bearing that is more reliable, easier to mount and easier to maintain is needed. Anyone who’s ever run up against issues with their caster bearings will be especially interested in what we’ve developed.”

Also presenting at AISTech are Tom Triola, principal application engineer, and Mike Allega, application engineering specialist. Triola will explore best maintenance practices and the merits of sealed roll neck bearings designed to provide increased reliability and sealing protection in flat product rolling mills, while Allega will look at the potential for labor savings and increased mill speeds and precision via an innovative new backup roll system.

From heat to contamination, Timken understands the extreme conditions of steelmaking and uses its mechanical and metallurgical expertise to engineer solutions tough enough to perform in the harshest environments.