The pursuit of ultra-high precision
- Technology introduction
The strengths of Sanwa Needle Bearings are:"Ultra-precision grinding with sub-micron (10000 /1mm) accuracy"We are good at centerless grinding as our core technology, and we have developed a system that other companies cannot imitate.Outer diameter accuracy: ±0.0001mmWe provide high-precision processed products in accordance with customer requests, including mass production of products with inner diameter, roundness, straightness, cylindricity, roughness, etc.
With high-precision grinding at the core, we integrate a range of in-house processing technologies—including cutting, heat treatment, and plastic forming—and apply the technical expertise we have cultivated with our customers since our founding to deliver tailor-made, optimal solutions.
We are also committed to developing new technologies, striving each day to achieve even greater precision and quality. Here, we would like to share some of our ongoing efforts in the pursuit of ultra-high precision.
【Related article】
What is precision machining? A detailed explanation of its types, characteristics, and the advantages and disadvantages of its use
Pursuit of ultra-high precision ①: Real commitment is what others cannot understand
At first glance, the products produced by Sanwa Needle Bearings are simple metal rods.The precision required is extremely high; for example, how can we minimize variation in the outer diameter of millions of metal rods, how perfectly can we make cylindrical circles, and how can we make rods that are completely straight without any bends?
Our company has pursued the intangible added value of finishing shapes that can be made anywhere with unmatched precision since our founding in 1946, shortly after the war, and has accumulated the know-how and "commitment" to ultra-high precision grinding technology along with Japan's period of high economic growth.
【Related article】
Sanwa Needle Bearing's commitment to quality
Pursuit of ultra-high precision ②: Proven technical capabilities to meet required specifications
The specifications requested by our customers—particularly outer diameter accuracy, roundness, and cylindricity—are precisely where TNK’s ultra-precision grinding technology shines. We are capable of mass-producing components with precision levels that many other companies would consider unachievable.
- Outer diameter precision: φD±0.0001mm
- Roundness: 0.0001 or less
- Cylindricity: 0.0001 or less
Outer diameter precision: φD±0.0001mm
This is an indication of the degree to which a product's outer diameter deviates from the ideal dimension.Simply put, outer diameter accuracy measures how accurately the outer diameter of a part is manufactured. The more accurate the outer diameter, the better the fit with other parts.
In particular, for bearings, shafts, gears, etc., if the outer diameter is not properly manufactured, errors will occur during assembly and they will not function properly. High-precision outer diameters ensure smooth assembly and joining. Parts with high-precision outer diameters distribute friction and load evenly, which extends the life of the parts.
In addition, accurate outer diameter helps prevent excessive vibration and heat concentration, which can lead to deterioration of parts.High diameter accuracy allows rotating and moving parts to operate smoothly and reduce vibration and noise, which improves machine stability and creates a quieter working environment.
Parts with highly accurate outer diameters require less adjustment and correction in later processes, making the manufacturing process more efficient.This reduces unnecessary costs.
Roundness: 0.0001 or less
Geometric tolerance indicates how much an object's cross section deviates from an ideal circular shapeis a measure of how closely a circular part or surface conforms to an ideal circle. Greater roundness allows parts to come into even contact with each other, resulting in more even friction. This reduces wear and heat generation, and extends the life of the part.
In particular, it helps reduce friction in rotating parts. High circularity means rotating or moving parts operate more smoothly and with less vibration. It also improves stability in equipment that requires high rotation speeds or high precision operation.Greater roundness reduces wasted energy loss between parts, improving overall efficiency.
For example, high circularity accuracy in engines and motors improves energy efficiency and performance. Maintaining high circularity also ensures smooth connection of parts during assembly and reduces assembly errors.
Circularity plays an especially important role in precision machinery, motors, engines, etc.
Cylindricity: 0.0001 or less
Cylindricity is a geometric tolerance that indicates how close a part is to an ideal cylindrical shape.It measures how straight a cylinder is and how well it maintains its shape. Parts with high cylindricity precision have less friction and uneven loads on them, improving the mechanical performance (extended product life, stability, reliability, etc.) of moving parts and bearings.
In addition, This makes it easier to combine with other parts and reduces errors during assembly, improving ease of assembly for customers.
Pursuit of ultra-high precision③: Development capabilities for efficient processing equipment
We are also actively developing equipment to achieve ultra-high precision processing. While some manufacturers are able to deliver high precision in small quantities by sorting parts after processing, true ultra-high precision lies in the ability to maintain that level of accuracy in mass production. Only when ultra-high precision can be achieved at scale do such products become practical for real-world applications.
At Sanwa Needle Bearing, we provide ultra-high precision products by utilizing specially ordered equipment developed in collaboration with equipment manufacturers and modified general-purpose equipment that incorporates our unique know-how, in order to process ultra-high precision products efficiently and with sufficient production capacity.