Versatile and mobile new Schaeffler MFT induction heaters enhance safety by eliminating open flames from bearing mounting and dismounting - Schaeffler Australia

12 Jun 2025 8:00 AM

A versatile new family of safety and efficiency-focussed medium frequency induction heaters is being introduced to Australasia by global motion technology company Schaeffler, offering shorter heating times and cutting bearing mounting and dismounting times in half.

 

The new generation Medium Frequency Technology (MFT) heaters enhance safety during bearing mounting and dismounting by eliminating the need for traditional heating methods involving open flames, such as gas burners or oil baths, ensuring more controlled, stress-free heating of machinery components.

 

Crucially, unlike conventional heaters that are only suitable for mounting, MFT heaters have a large thermal capacity and flexible installation methods to enable safe and efficient bearing dismounting, minimising the risk of damage to both the bearing and the shaft, thereby allowing quick dismantling and rebuild times.

 

The productivity gains of the energy-conserving MFT heaters – incorporating nine models from 1.2 kW to 45 kW – dramatically reduce maintenance costs, including on heavy workpieces such as gear wheels, gear drives, bearings, and couplings.

 

The “HEATER” series of induction heating devices are used for fast, more controlled, and gentle heating of complete rolling bearings, inner rings of roller bearings, and other rotary machine elements that have to be fixed onto a shaft and thermally expanded before assembly.

 

The new tools are part of Schaeffler’s Lifetime Solutions suite, which offers a comprehensive approach to machine lifecycle management. This suite combines monitoring, analysis, and maintenance support into a cohesive package, addressing various industrial maintenance needs with a focus on making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable in industries including mining and energy, quarrying and cement, manufacturing (inc food and beverage processing), materials handling, pulp, paper, sugar, and primary production.

 

MFT heaters overcome major challenges of mounting and dismounting large bearings and workpieces in an energy-efficient manner, with controlled, stress-free heating that prevents damage, extending the lifespan of bearings and other machine elements,” says Schaeffler Australia, which supplies and provides technical backup for its technologies in Australia and New Zealand. 

 

Uptime benefits

 

Schaeffler's MFT technology’s compact and lightweight design – which takes the tool to the job, rather than vice-versa – makes the units more mobile and easier to use in various locations and applications, even in difficult-to-access areas, says Schaeffler Australia, which distributes the tools in Australia and New Zealand where it provides in-house technical backup to optimise benefits.

 

“The time, labour and safety benefits are substantial. For example, removal and installation of components in a large raw material mill gearbox, with several shafts, gear sets and large bearings, can take up to 30 days, due to the complexity of the job, if conventional methods are used for such maintenance work.

“MFT induction systems not only simplify this type of maintenance work, but also cut time-consuming installation and removal in half, protecting the workpieces and ensuring greater safety for man and machine.”

 

MFT heaters are known for their high efficiency, leading to lower energy consumption. The units offer intuitive control through a 7" touch panel and offer a wide range of options for safe and complex heating processes. 

 

Advantages of the new induction heaters with MFT include:

• More opportunities – Mounting and dismounting a wide range of bearings and also for large work pieces
• More flexibility – Through the use of flexible and fixed inductors
• More individuality – Broad range giving the best solution for each application
• More efficiency – Through lower costs and higher productivity
• More sustainability – Through energy efficiency
• More mobility – The MF-GENERATOR comes to the workpiece, not the other way round
• More safety – For both man and machine. MFT eliminates the need for open flames, allows precise temperature control, prevents overheating and potential damage, ensuring a safe and controlled heating process.
  
  

About us:

Schaeffler Group – We pioneer motion.

The Schaeffler Group has been driving forward groundbreaking inventions and developments in the field of motion technology for over 75 years. With innovative technologies, products, and services for electric mobility, CO₂-efficient drives, chassis solutions and renewable energies, the company is a reliable partner for making motion more efficient, intelligent, and sustainable – over the entire life cycle. Schaeffler describes its comprehensive range of products and services in the mobility ecosystem by means of eight product families: From bearing solutions and all types of linear guidance systems through to repair and monitoring services. Schaeffler is with around 120,000 employees and more than 250 locations in 55 countries, one of the world’s largest family-owned companies and one of Germany’s most innovative companies.

Contact details:

Jack Mallen-Cooper
PR Consultant
Whyte Public Relations
(02) 9901 4306
[email protected]

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