Development of a Feeding Chute for Lapping of Silicon Nitride Balls In Collaboration with AB SKF
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Product development (MPPDE), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
Oldeaus, Olov
Khona, Pranay
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Driven by the increasing demand for electric vehicles and sustainable energy pro duction, the manufacturing industry anticipates significant growth in the market for
hybrid bearings using silicon nitride bearing balls. This material is sought after for
its durability, low density, and resistance to corrosion. However, the high production
cost represents a major obstacle to widespread adoption. Consequently, this mas ter’s thesis focused on addressing the challenges encountered in the production of
silicon nitride balls for hybrid bearings, specifically in the realm of surface machining.
This thesis addresses the limitations of the current lapping machine used by AB
SKF, to improve its performance. By focusing on the importance of uniform ball
feeding for productivity and efficiency, the objective is to analyze the capabilities
and constraints of the machine. Additionally, innovative concepts for a feeding chute
capable of handling large volumes of silicon nitride balls and ensuring their even
distribution within the lapping grooves will be developed and evaluated through
prototype production and testing.
Feeding solutions for the lapping process was developed, following the process of
establishing requirements, generation of concepts and evaluating them through var ious methods. As the solutions converged on a feeding chute, an agile product devel opment approach was used for rapid prototyping, testing and refinement. Through
multiple short iterations, chute designs were tested and refined on a simulated setup.
Based on this testing, final designs were then created. These involved two propos als for a chute design to be evaluated by future tests in the real lapping machine.
Finally, recommendations on further development was included regarding further
testing, manufacturing and material selection.
Overall, this thesis project provides valuable insights into the design and develop ment of the feeding chute, emphasizing the significance of future research and testing
in a realistic manufacturing environment to validate the proposed solutions.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Feeding, Lapping, Silicon Nitride, Chute, Ceramic Ball, Hybrid Bearings