MORGOIL® KLX® Bearings: Engineered for Superior Flat Rolling Mill Performance
For nearly a century, MORGOIL® bearings have been the premier oil film bearings utilized in rolling mills for the metals industry, offering unmatched reliability, efficiency, and durability. Introduced in 1932 as the first oil film bearings, MORGOIL® bearings addressed critical limitations by developing faster, more powerful rolling mills. By replacing outdated bearing technologies, MORGOIL® bearings enabled higher load capacities, greater speed capabilities, lower power consumption, and extended equipment lifespans, thus revolutionizing the metals industry. Building on this legacy of innovation, the MORGOIL® KLX® bearing enhances the performance and reliability of oil film bearings.
The KLX® bearing represents the latest innovation in MORGOIL® technology, delivering unparalleled performance and reliability for flat rolling mills. Building on the proven success of its predecessor, the KLX® offers significant advancements in load capacity, maintenance simplicity, and overall cost efficiency.
With a design that increases the width of the load zone by up to 15%, the KLX®’s thin-walled sleeve ensures superior load distribution and hydrodynamic pressure management. Its reduced part count simplifies maintenance, lowering both initial investment and operational costs. This innovation is supported by an extensive patent portfolio, highlighting a commitment to development and technological leadership.
Key Features and Benefits of MORGOIL Bearings
- Higher load capacity: enhanced bearing area accommodates heavier loads with minimal wear.
- Simplified maintenance: fewer components reduce downtime and operational expenses.
- Optimized lubrication: proprietary oil film technology ensures reliable performance in extreme conditions.
- Compact and cost-efficient design: advanced engineering minimizes material use without sacrificing durability.
KL Bearings: Proven Durability and Performance
For customers requiring compatibility with existing bearings, KL bearings remain a reliable choice, offering proven durability and performance across all applications. These bearings feature a tapered neck, keyless sleeve, Hydraulic Bayonet (HB) locking system, and DF® or HD® seals.
The tapered neck allows for easy mounting and dismounting without the need for special chocking equipment, while critical parts remain protected when off the roll neck. The sleeve’s keys are positioned outside the load zone, preventing variations in roll force. The HB lock ensures consistent and straightforward installation.
Comprehensive Solutions for Flat Rolling Mills: Beyond Bearings
Primetals Technologies offers custom-engineered solutions tailored to the specific needs of flat rolling mills. In addition to the KLX® bearing, the company designs, manufactures, and reconditions essential equipment, including:
- Automatic gauge control cylinders
- Shifting blocks
- Bending blocks
- Coiler mandrels
- High-capacity universal drives
- Lubrication systems specifically designed for MORGOIL® bearings
Engineering Excellence and Tailored Solutions: Precision Design for Peak Performance
Primetals Technologies delivers solutions that optimize performance and extend equipment life. The MORGOIL® bearing is designed for simplicity and precision, ensuring reliable operation under extreme conditions. Its locking mechanism secures the bearing to the roll neck, enabling quick installation and seamless operation.
Innovations such as the Hydraulic Bayonet (HB) locking system, along with options like the Removable Mount (RM) and Compact Bayonet mounts (CB and CR), enhance safety, reliability, and flexibility. Additional locking conversions, including the HM lock, SL lock, and LD™ backup roll and work roll locks, provide adaptable solutions for various mill requirements.
Heat-treated and ground alloy steel sleeves are engineered for minimal wear and maximum durability. A continuous hydrodynamic oil film ensures high load capacity, low friction, and reduced power consumption. Robust thrust bearings effectively handle axial loads, remaining isolated from radial stresses to ensure long-lasting performance.
Manufacturing: Precision Craftsmanship and Global Expertise
Primetals Technologies combines state-of-the-art facilities with decades of expertise to deliver unmatched quality in MORGOIL® bearings and mill components. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer, the company upholds strict quality standards across all global operations.
Global Advanced Manufacturing Network
In addition to its flagship facility in Warren, Ohio, USA, Primetals Technologies operates specialized manufacturing and reconditioning centers for MORGOIL® bearings in Mumbai, India, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sheffield, United Kingdom, and Shanghai, China.
Equipment is sourced from these locations based on local content, pricing, and delivery needs, with each facility adhering to the same stringent quality standards. These facilities feature advanced turning, milling, drilling, and grinding equipment.
Benefits of MORGOIL® Bearings Manufacturing
- Precision assembly: components are meticulously assembled to ensure proper fit and function.
- Extensive testing: rigorous testing guarantees that all equipment meets customer requirements and performs flawlessly upon installation.
- Specialized grinding machines: custom-designed machines in Warren and Shanghai simultaneously grind sleeve inner and outer diameters, achieving wall thickness variations of less than 2.5 microns.
MORGOIL® Bearing Upgrades
As the OEM of MORGOIL® bearings, Primetals Technologies brings decades of expertise in bearing design and rolling mill operations. Upgrades by Primetals Technologies enhance reliability, extend bearing life, and improve mill productivity.
MORGOIL® bearing upgrades increase load capacity and efficiency while maintaining product quality. Solutions from Primetals Technologies, including our revolutionary sleeves, bushings, locking mechanisms, and sealing systems, are engineered for durability, precision, and long-term performance.
Strategic upgrades extend a mill’s lifespan without requiring full equipment replacement. Leveraging decades of expertise, Primetals Technologies delivers cost-effective conversions that optimize rolling processes. Many mills achieve rapid ROI through increased output and improved equipment utilization. With MORGOIL® upgrades, mills can roll products previously beyond their capabilities while ensuring long-term operational success.
Sleeve Upgrades for Rolling Mills
MORGOIL® sleeves enhance mill separating force and strip quality. Upgrading to KLX® bearing technology supports larger roll necks, increasing bearing load capacity by up to 45%. For mills not requiring a full KLX® upgrade, the KT short key design sleeve offers up to an 18% increase in load rating while allowing the reuse of existing rolls. These upgrades modernize older mills without the high cost of new equipment.
Features of Sleeve Upgrades
- KLX® bearing increases roll neck size and load capacity.
- KT short key design sleeve enables incremental load rating increases without requiring new rolls and with minimal mill modifications.
Advantages of Sleeve Upgrades
- Improves mill separating force and strip quality
- Increases production capacity with minimal downtime
- Cost-effective alternative to complete mill replacement
Benefits of Sleeve Upgrades
- Higher yield and productivity
- Extended equipment life with modernized components
- Reduced capital investment for mill upgrades
Bushing Upgrades
Increasing bearing capacity is essential for mills looking to enhance output while maintaining compact equipment size. Welded high-strength babbitt bushings by Primetals Technologies offer a durable alternative to cadmium-based materials. This significantly improves compression strength and reduces creep, which is ideal for high-speed, high-temperature applications.
Features of Bushing Upgrades
- High-strength babbitt maintains embeddability, bond integrity, and fatigue resistance.
- Welded construction enhances durability and reliability.
- Safe alternative to cadmium and lead-based babbitts for older mills
Advantages of Bushing Upgrades
- Increases compression strength and reduces creep
- Enhances performance in high-speed, high-temperature environments
- Environmentally friendly, free of hazardous materials
Benefits of Bushing Upgrades
- Longer service life and reduced maintenance costs
- Improved mill efficiency and reliability
- Compliance with environmental regulations
Locking Upgrades
Accurate bearing mounting is crucial for maximizing mill productivity and ensuring safety. Locking system upgrades from Primetals Technologies improve precision while eliminating the need for overhead cranes. HM and LD™ hydraulic lock solutions enhance mill efficiency and reduce operational risks.
Features of Locking Upgrades
- Hydraulic locking mechanisms ensure precise bearing mounting.
- HM and LD™ lock solutions enhance operational efficiency.
- Eliminates dependence on overhead cranes
Advantages of Locking Upgrades
- Speeds up and simplifies bearing installation
- Reduces misalignment risk and related mill issues
- Improves safety for maintenance personnel
Benefits of Locking Upgrades
- Minimizes downtime during bearing changes
- Lowers operational risks and enhances worker safety
- Increases mill productivity and longevity
Sealing System Upgrades
Effective sealing is crucial for maximizing the longevity and reliability of oil film bearings. The HD Sealing System, developed by Primetals Technologies, provides superior sealing performance with zero leakage. This system incorporates a hydrodynamic neck seal, seal end plate, and coolant guard, providing optimal protection in both wet and dry mill environments.
Features of Sealing System Upgrades
- Hydrodynamic neck seal ensures superior fluid retention.
- Integrated seal end plate and coolant guard
- Designed for both wet and dry mill environments
Advantages of Sealing System Upgrades
- Prevents contamination and lubricant loss
- Reduces maintenance needs and downtime
- Ensures optimal performance in extreme mill conditions
Benefits of Sealing System Upgrades
- Extends bearing and equipment life
- Lowers operating costs through improved reliability
- Enhances product quality by maintaining optimal rolling conditions