Conveyor technology for SKF: IPM Industrieprodukte Meißner automates material flow in bearing ring production

The first inquiry for the project was received by IPM in May 2025. In October 2025, the order was placed by SKF. The first partial delivery took place in June 2026. At the time of the announcement, the overall project was in the final phase before commissioning. The scope of services includes technical consulting, preparation of the offer, and complete design of the facilities using computer-aided design software. It also includes the manufacturing of individual components, delivery to the production site, as well as assembly and commissioning. According to the company, about ten employees from the areas of project planning, design, and assembly were involved in the implementation. IPM has already executed several orders for the rolling bearing manufacturer.

Conveyor Technology for Various Bearing Ring SizesThe two conveyor systems are based on aluminum conveyor technology with plastic chains. Each system occupies a footprint of approximately 100 square meters. Conveyor lines with a usable width of 100 millimeters are used, on which bearing rings with diameters between 60 and 180 millimeters are transported. The components weigh between 0.1 and 2.0 kilograms. Therefore, the conveyor systems must accommodate different product dimensions and weights within the specified transport ranges. In addition to the conveyor lines, the technical equipment includes accumulative buffer storage systems and pneumatic cylinders. The buffer storage allows for intermediate storage of bearing rings within the conveyor system. The pneumatic cylinders perform various functions in product control. They separate the components, stop their transport, or direct them onto the intended conveyor lines.