Timken Super Precision Introduces Improved Measurement Tool

    KEENE, N.H., Feb. 27 What a difference a letter makes.
Engineers at Timken Super Precision (MPB) have significantly improved their
RT2C Running Torque Tester, a sophisticated diagnostic tool that measures
bearing precision.  The new torque tester, the RT2C-E now features an improved
electronic interface, vastly simplifying the process of recording bearing
torque values.
    
    A Timken Company subsidiary, Timken Super Precision manufactures ball
bearings and related products for applications such as airplane instruments
and artificial hearts where precision is critical.  The RT2C-E Running Torque
Tester measures that precision.

    "The E doesn't stand for easy," insists Doug Cloutier, electrical systems
engineer and project leader.  "But the RT2C-E is easier to use.  It offers our
bearing customers a more user-friendly, graphical interface, and provides on-
screen torque trace features that provide for fast bearing analysis."  Armed
with this data, users can identify a number of common bearing problems
including poor geometry, retainer hang-ups, dirty or contaminated bearings,
flat or pitted raceways, and poor race-to-face parallelism within the bearing.
"And this allows them to diagnose and address problems with the system or
bearing to improve efficiency of the application," Cloutier said.

    After loading a bearing into the gauge, the torque tester uses a "triple-
action" air assembly to simultaneously load, isolate, and align the bearing.
These traces can then be saved to the built-in hard drive for future
reference, or printed to paper with the attached printer.

    "The Running Torque Tester automatically computes average running torque,
peak running torque, average hash width and maximum hash width.  We use this
data to assess the quality of a single bearing, or a group of bearings using
sampling methods," said Jeff Johnson, senior manufacturing technician.  "The
Running Torque Tester can also be used to determine a bearing's quality prior
to use, or in analysis after bearing failure.  Operators can then archive test
data for future use in diagnostics and forecasting."

    The system provides users clearly labeled on-screen buttons, providing
easy, efficient access to specific operations.  The standard tooling delivered
with the RT2C-E is capable of accepting 26 industry standard miniature and
instrument bearing sizes, ranging from 1/8" to 7/8" outside diameter.
Optional tooling is available to accommodate larger sizes as well as bearing
assemblies, motors, and other rotating assemblies.

    The Running Torque Tester meets or exceeds the guidelines established by
MIL-STD-206, the most comprehensive running torque specification in the
industry.  Torque tests are usually done at the low rotational speed of 2 rpm,
and at axial loads of 75 or 400 grams.  However, the Timken tester can handle
speeds as high as 30 rpm, and loads up to 20 lbs.

    Other features of the RT2C-E Running Torque Tester include SPC compatible
"Data Streaming" for statistical analysis, and JPEG picture documentation.