SKF and Imperial College London combine forces to overcome friction

SKF and Imperial College London, which is ranked among the top research universities in the world, have opened the SKF University Technology Centre in Advanced Modelling and Measurements in Tribology.

Understanding tribology has enormous implications in the life and the efficient running of any machinery, wherever friction may play a part. The new centre will focus on tribology modelling and advanced testing.

SKF says that working in close cooperation with its own research centre in The Netherlands, the important research carried out at the new centre will enable it to provide, in the future, technology and products that are designed to prolong the service life of bearings in a wide variety of applications and operating environments.

In addition to day-to-day operations of the new centre, SKF will also support a number of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers, gathering experts from around the globe.

Research covering tribology is also part of SKF's commitment to environmental responsibility, which is a major driver of the company's business strategy.

Tom Johnstone, President and Chief Executive Officer, SKF, commented: “We are pleased to establish this University Technology Centre with Imperial College London. The projects that will be undertaken will build on the foundation of over 30 years of close cooperation between us. The combination of the knowledge and skills of our two organisations creates a world-beating partnership in the field of tribology.”

For further information, contact:

SKF (UK) Ltd, Sundon Park Road, Luton, Bedfordshire LU3 3BL, UK. Tel: +44-1582-490049, Fax: +44-1582-848091, Web: www.skf.com/uk, Web:www3.imperial.ac.uk/tribology/skfutc

SKF, SE-415 50 Göteborg, Sweden. Tel: +46-31-337-1994, Fax: +46-31-337-2832, Web: www.skf.com