SKF expands industrial intelligence and aftermarket service solutions

SKF is expanding its technological and service offerings through new hardware platforms and a strategic shift in its aftermarket division.

The company has introduced SKF Core, an integrated hardware platform designed to simplify the deployment of SKF Insight bearings. Developed in partnership with fiber optic sensor specialist Sentea, this technology utilizes fiber optic sensors to provide real-time data on machine conditions, including loads, speeds, temperatures, and vibrations. According to Mark Verbakel, head of SKF Insight bearings, the goal is to enable a shift from reactive to predictive maintenance by providing insights into lubrication conditions and contact pressure.

Simultaneously, SKF’s aftermarket division is transitioning from a supplier of individual parts to a provider of complete repair solutions. Olaf Henning, President of Global Vehicle Aftermarket at SKF GmbH, noted that the company is focusing on repair kits, specialized tools, and comprehensive training to address the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. This strategy aims to manage the total cost of ownership for customers as the industry adapts to electrification and software-defined vehicle technologies.