NSK Develops the World Thinnest Microactuator Pivot Ball Bearing Assembly

NSK Corporation, a leader in the motion and control industry, is pleased to announce that it has successfully developed the world thinnest microactuator pivot ball bearing assembly. At just 1.83 mm in height, it is a full 25% thinner than its predecessor and is designed for use as the support mechanism of the head that reads and writes information on discs in the ultra-thin 2.5 mm HDD. Thinner than a flash memory-type media CF card, the ultra-thin 2.5 mm HDD possesses a larger storage capacity. In addition to being thinner, the pivot ball bearing assembly needed to also offer improved impact resistance due to handling issues as well as reduced friction. NSK met the challenge head on. A critical component in their success lay in the design and manufacture of the bearing cage itself. By molding the cage from resin reinforced with nano-scale fibers, it was possible to create a cage wall that was a mere 0.1 mm thick. With the cage wall reduced to such an incredibly thin layer without sacrificing its structural integrity, engineers were able to maximize the steel ball size in the bearing, which improved impact resistance by 25%. Furthermore, the advanced cage design and materials, in conjunction with advances in process and assembly technology, also translated into lower torque and reduced friction when compared to a conventional steel cage. We are very excited by this latest development.?observed (Tom Rouse, President of NSK Corporation). It not only enables us to help our clients make significant improvements and progress in their industries and technologies, it entrenches NSK position as a global leader in motion and control technology. ABOUT NSK LIMITED Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, NSK Limited is a world-class producer and innovator of motion and control products. Established in 1916, NSK became a world leader in the industry because of an intense commitment to engineering research, modern manufacturing processes and superior quality. Today, the company is the world second largest bearing manufacturer, employs over 20,000 people worldwide, has more than 47 global manufacturing facilities and over 100 sales operations, operates 13 technology centers and produces and distributes over 100,000 different types of bearings, linear motion and automotive component products.