Northeast Manufacturing News • Sept 21 • Emerson Bearing Boston Announces Robotics/High Tech Division

Boston-based Emerson Bearing, a bearing company catering to niche markets nationwide and the sister company of Action Bearing that serves the New England market, has established a Robotics/ High Tech Division dedicated to a fast-growing customer base, particularly manufacturing and warehouse automation markets.

Emerson Bearing’s Marketing Specialist Rick Piracini oversees the division. Piracini assists clients in determining which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application.

Robotic and automation technologies utilize bearings to perform accurate and precise motions. “With today’s advancements in software development and networking technology, it is easier than ever to implement efficient robotics and automation solutions,” said a company spokesperson. “Manufacturers around the world continually adopt industrial robots to meet consumers’ expectation that manufactured goods be increasingly sophisticated and technologically advanced.”

Warehouse automation is another growing field within robotics and automation. Autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) and picking robots have helped the sector streamline processes and complement a smaller human workforce amid a long-term logistics labor shortage. Automation has risen to meet demands within the medical and pharmaceutical industries as well. Medical manufacturers commonly use flexible automation for the packaging, assembly, and inspection of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and accessories.

“Robots can accurately and efficiently produce high volumes of identical products, handle repetitive tasks and run continuously without the need for breaks,” said Steve Katz, Emerson Bearing’s President. “As such, robotics and automation solutions require the highest standards in bearings. All movements have to be supported with extremely high precision and reliability in every axis. This provides smooth running, high load capacity, rigidity and long life.”

Emerson Bearing provides a variety of bearing solutions for production and warehouse automation applications, including:

• Linear motion systems that offer high load capacity and long travel life in applications requiring single-direction motion. They are available in metric and inch series and constructed from chrome or stainless steel to fit most linear motion applications.

• Super precision bearings. These chromium steel or stainless steel bearings feature controlled end play and radial runout, which allow them to provide more accurate and precise output. They are rated by the Annular Bearing Engineers Committee (ABEC) of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA).

• Cam followers. These pillow blocks/ mounted units support bearings outside of machine enclosures and are an essential component of automated conveyor systems.

• Rod ends are used in the articulation joints of robotic arms. They are classified as either male or female, depending on the design of the threading.

“Emerson Bearing’s special solutions include thin cross section, high capacity, ball bearings available in radial, angular or four-point contact styles, off the shelf linear guidance for unique applications, and plain bearings (bushings) for small radial or axial design envelopes,” said the spokesperson. “These are maintenance-free and are available in metal backed style with a liner or thermoplastic with a composition to suit various needs: food grade, high load, dirty environment, etc.”