Schaeffler components enable increased safety and flexibility in medical technology

2023-05-25 | Birmingham

• Schaeffler portfolio ranges from standard components through to customer-specific complete solutions
• Rolling bearing and drive solutions for imaging processes, operating rooms, and laboratory automation
• Lifting columns as well as the lifting and tilting module from the supplemented Ewellix range

Birmingham, UK | May 25, 2023 | The global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler is focused on the complete value-added chain of medical technology. This is reflected in its portfolio, which ranges from standard components through to customer-specific complete solutions. The latest product developments from Schaeffler fulfill the high quality and safety requirements in the medical technology sector, offer increased reliability and flexibility, and extend the range of possible applications for medical equipment.

Ralf Moseberg, head of the Industrial Automation business unit at Schaeffler, emphasises: “Medical technology is an established sector at Schaeffler. For computer tomography, for example, we have been offering customer-specific bearing and system solutions for more than two decades. These set the benchmark in terms of speeds, noise pollution, and frictional torque. Alongside robotics, medical technology is now one of our most important future markets. Both sectors are characterised by stable and strong growth, as well as a high level of innovative strength.”

Rolling bearing solutions for imaging, hybrid operating rooms, and laboratory automation

Schaeffler offers a wide range of specialised rolling bearings and drive solutions for imaging, operating rooms, and laboratory automation. For example, an X-ray C-arm can be completely equipped with bearings and linear guidance systems from Schaeffler. These include curved precision shafts with profiled track rollers in the C-arm. They are particularly smooth running, quiet, and, of course, can be set clearance-free. Fitted components can also include slewing rings with mechanical and electromechanical brake, which are used in X-ray C-arms and the ceiling mounts of operating rooms and intensive care wards.

Schaeffler also provides monorail guidance systems for horizontal movement of C-arms and patient couches, such as those already used reliably in machine tool construction for many years.

Schaeffler can now also cater for the last missing axis for C-arms – for height adjustment – as a result of the acquisition of Ewellix, which was completed at the beginning of 2023. Ewellix is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of electromechanical actuators and lifting columns. “With the acquisition completed in January 2023, we have laid the foundation to become one of the world’s leading complete suppliers of linear technology and electromechanical actuator systems. Thanks to our expanded distribution network, a strong joint team, and a supplemented product portfolio, we are able to offer our customers worldwide very attractive solutions,” emphasises Ralf Moseberg. The lifting and tilting module for operating table bearing supports also originates from the Ewellix range.

Precision gearboxes for the hybrid operating room

Schaeffler offers the PSC-series precision planetary gearbox and RT1 and RT2-series precision strain wave gears for both surgical robots and the movement of heavy ceiling mounts and ceiling mounted C-arms.

For laboratory automation, a new size of the UPLplus linear direct drive completes the portfolio of linear guidance systems, drives, and multi-axis systems.