[K-BIZ] Magnetic Levitation 'Smart Roller'

A South Korean machinery research team has developed a "smart roller" based on a magnetic levitation technology.

The team of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) has developed the magnetic levitation roller with its shaft floated by magnetic bearings, which is capable of rotating without friction.

The novel roller is expected to contribute to reducing dust particles and vibration levels, while boosting operating accuracy at work.

The roller can be used in diverse production and manufacturing equipment and devices. It also will be able to be applied to high-end electronic printers.

[Park Cheol-Hoon, researcher, KIMM]
"Magnetic bearings are used (in the 'smart roller') to drastically reduce its vibration levels. The 'smart roller' technologies enable the roller to be aligned automatically and even to adjust printing capabilities when used in printers."

Operating without friction and dust particles, the smart roller sharply reduces operating vibration by up to 90 percent and improves accuracy by about 10 times.

The KIMM says it is now seeking to commercialize the new technology in cooperation with private research and development firms.