NSK – New method for predicting service life

NSK revolutionises the service life prediction of rolling bearings

NSK presents a genuine world first: a new calculation method enables a significantly more realistic prediction of the service life of rolling bearings for the first time. It is based on the analysis of non-metallic inclusions in bearing steel – i.e. the size and quantity of tiny particles in the material.

This innovative method leads to a significantly increased nominal service life for various types of bearings, such as angular contact ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, deep groove ball bearings and tapered roller bearings. Depending on the application, the service life of the bearings can even double in the best case scenario thanks to the optimised dynamic load ratings.

Digital twins for more accurate bearing calculations

NSK is pursuing an innovative approach to bearing development: in addition to extensive practical testing, computer-aided models – known as ‘digital twins’ – are increasingly being used. These virtual representations of real rolling bearings make it possible to calculate service life accurately and optimise dynamic load ratings in a targeted manner. The aim is to reduce the number of real-world tests while at the same time making well-founded, simulation-based statements about the performance of the bearings.

Reliable service life values thanks to modern simulation

End users can rely on NSK’s new bearing service life data: it is based on a sound methodology and a broad empirical database. All values – which have been increased across the board – are within the safe range.

A key element of the development is a precise evaluation method that enabled NSK researchers to quantify the influence of contaminants on crack propagation in rolling bearing steel. For the complex simulations, they used high-performance computers that enabled realistic calculations with the aid of digital twins – as a basis for reliable and traceable results.

Source: © NSK Ltd. 2025