X-Roll Oil bearing

SMS group has banked 60 years of experience supplying all generations of oil film bearings to rolling mills in the steel and non-ferrous industry worldwide. Today, you can identify our modern and cost-effective roll neck bearings by the SMS group trademark.

More than 36,000 bearing bushes installed in our own as well as competitors’ rolling mills demonstrate the high quality and reliability of our components. To date, our oil film bearings have been installed in almost 600 mill stands in some 175 rolling mills since 1980.

SMS support means you can count on outstanding technical assistance and services for oil film bearings from day one. That’s how we have developed long-term relationships with so many big names all over the world.

Heavy plate and Steckel mills
Hot strip mills
Cold rolling mills
Roughing mill stands in wire rod mills
High-speed aluminum foil mills
Roller mills in the minerals industry

Development and design Manufacturing Spare parts and repairs Customer training and service Modernizations

Development and design

It’s standard procedure for us to steadily improve our oil film bearing technology. What’s more, you can rely on our advice for the very best new bearing solutions as well as upgrades and repairs. There is no gamble or guesswork for you here because we focus firmly on your requirements so you get the solutions you want and need.

Our design team applies modern CAD software to create 3D models of the bearing complete with the chock and roll neck. Just as crucial is detailed FEM analysis for optimal bearing components and backup roll necks. To validate and update our bearing dimensioning software, we regularly record bearing data under true load conditions in mill stands. Using model techniques, we simulate the fluid flow and physical properties and analyse the elasto-hydrodynamic behavior of the bearing.
Manufacturing
Competence in manufacturing for high precision and reliability

Included among the rolling mill components essential for strip quality are the bearing housing for work and backup rolls, and the bearings themselves. Our focus on the technical demands of these complex components forms the basis for regular investment in our workshop. This is where our special machines give each component the right finish.

Efficient processes and modern technologies in manufacturing, such as plasma soldering of bushings, ensure consistent high quality.
Spare parts and repairs
Original-equipment-manufacturer (OEM) quality

Whatever brand of oil film bearings you use, whether X-Roll^® Oil Bearing or any other type, SMS group supplies first-class spare parts that guarantee efficient plant operation.

Expert repairs of main bearing components:

Regrinding roll-neck sleeves

Repairing bushings, incl. babbitt replacement

Reconditioning and retrofitting roll chocks

Benefits
Value-added customer training and service
Technical support in your roll and bearing shop

While rolling mill operation is going on, the operational change rolls and bearings are machined and prepared in the roll and bearing shop. That boosts your productivity because high-quality and high-performance mill components such as oil film bearings are crucial to meeting ever-higher quality requirements.

Wherever in the world you are, an SMS group service team is only a phone call or a click away. So you can count on rapid, uncomplicated, and flexible support every time.

Our X-Roll^® Oil Bearing specialists work with your roll and bearing shop as well as maintenance teams to analyze weak points. Then they initiate the necessary steps so your system works perfectly.

Preventive maintenance support

What you get from our service
Modernizations
State of the art backup rolls and oil film bearings

It makes sense to revamp and extend older mills so they can handle today’s challenging products. That ensures your long-term competitiveness.

Included in the critical components are the backup roll and bearing unit. To start with, we team up with you to determine the current status of your bearing system. Then we perform a thorough analysis. This is how we identify what optimizations will get the best out of your system. There is plenty of scope for practical improvements in areas such as safe handling of the bearings or better sealing systems. These can make all the difference.

That’s where our design ideas and systematic improvements come in. They cover all components – from the bearings and their chocks to the roll necks and oil lubrication systems. Our modernizations ensure your bearings achieve the high standards of occupational safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to guarantee your success.

Benefits