Wherever there is motion, you'll find Timken at work. Timken is one of the world's leading producers of highly engineered antifriction bearings and related products and services and alloy steel and components. We help create, transfer and control power, putting our friction management and power transmission technologies to work across a broad industry spectrum.
Timken has operations in 26 countries on six continents, and our team of 25,000 employees is dedicated to improving our customers' performance in a variety of applications.
History of The Timken Company
For more than 100 years, Timken has focused on value creation for diverse industries and market segments. We deliver a variety of friction management and power transmission solutions for applications ranging from aircraft and automobiles to mining equipment and medical instruments. We've grown considerably since our founding in 1899, but solving customer problems is still at the core of our business, just like it was when founder Henry Timken patented a tapered roller bearing design that made life easier for freight wagon operators and their mules.
The Beginning
Henry Timken, a St. Louis carriage maker, recognized that heavy freight wagons had a hard time making sharp turns. To solve the problem, he applied a tapered roller bearing design that could handle both radial (weight) and thrust (cornering force) loads. There were several customer benefits. First, the application ran more smoothly, reducing repair and replacement costs. In some cases, the bearings improved wagon performance so much that fewer mules were required to pull them. Finally, better cornering meant less chance of losing a load of goods. Always focused on customer benefit, Henry quickly realized that the tapered roller bearing could improve product performance in many other applications as well. He and his sons, H.H. and William Timken, quickly founded The Timken Roller Bearing and Axle Company and began building the business into what it is today.
CANTON, Ohio: April 22, 2009 – Being a good corporate citizen isn’t something new to The Timken Company (NYSE:TKR), but having a report in one place which details how Timken earns the trust of its stakeholders marks a new milestone in the company’s long tradition of active citizenship.
“We know that global citizenship touches every aspect of our business and underscores the policies and practices for which we hold ourselves accountable,” said Chairman Ward J. “Tim” Timken, Jr. “By continuing to grow our enterprise in ways that build sustainable value, we help to fulfill our responsibility to our associates, customers, and all business interests, including our communities and the environment.”
Published online on the company’s website on April 22nd to commemorate Earth Day, the report reflects Timken's strategies and goals, while also highlighting achievements during 2008 in a number of areas, including:
Developing more efficient ways to create, transfer and control power can have endless societal impacts, from improved energy efficiency that saves businesses and consumers money to reduced emissions that help sustain our environment.
Here are a few examples of how Timken technology is making a powerful difference.
Creating Power
High temperatures, pressures and frictional forces in heavy diesel engines create unique challenges for equipment designers and end consumers. Cylinder liners are used in these engines to help withstand these harsh conditions while maximizing horsepower and torque through sliding motion. Timken customers are discovering that steel gives them a better option over traditional cast iron designs. Thinner Timken steel liners are more durable, increase energy efficiency and reduce the amount of machining necessary to make the liners. Steel cylinder liners also reduce engine maintenance for end users and comply with future emissions regulations while retrofitting into existing engine block designs.
Transferring Power
Planetary gear systems are used to transfer power in a variety of industries, from automotive and agriculture to aerospace and defense. Conventional systems have evolved to the point where further refinements can only result in modest performance and capacity gains. Through extensive application analysis and technology developments, Timken has increased the power density of planetary gearsets with the Timken Flex Drive. This design features a bearing assembly and annular sleeve that supports the gear and provides significant torque reduction. Studies show that the flex drive can create 50 percent more power than traditional designs – providing greater horsepower capacity within the same space.
Controlling Power
Speed, position, direction and torque are vital pieces of information for a variety of control systems. In transmissions, it enables more efficient shifting based on torque and speed. In wheel ends and drive shafts, it provides dynamic data and power control. Timken magnetic encoders help control power by providing more accurate speed and position data for antilock braking systems and are designed to withstand harsh environments. Ultimately, this technology increases transmission efficiency in a variety of vehicles.
Each day, Timken engineers analyze customer application problems and develop new ways to solve them. We have nearly a century of experience in materials science and steelmaking, and an even longer history in friction management. We use technical know-how to move customers toward improved performance. Our capabilities include:
Advanced Material Technology
Timken invests in technology development that results in cleaner, stronger materials. Our engineers drive technology in many markets, producing new and better products that demonstrate superior performance in high stress conditions. Whether we need to develop new material specifications, or help solve a customer processing problem, our advanced material engineers are among the most knowledgeable in the industry.
Advanced Press Technology
Our expertise in advanced material conversion, finishing, gaging and assembly ensures high quality production of every Timken-made product. With resources dedicated to studying, developing and implementing next generation manufacturing processes and technologies, we’re able to support new product growth and performance value for our customers.
Tribology Technology
Tribology is the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion. At Timken, our experts in engineered surfaces, advanced sealing technology, advanced lubrication, friction and wear analysis and contact mechanics work together to develop a wide range of motion solutions. We create new product and market opportunities through tribological innovations that enhance existing products and contribute to the development of new ones.
Design & Analysis Technology
Our design and analysis technologists specialize in using advanced engineering tools to design Timken products and analyze their performance. They also work directly with customers to analyze their applications and develop customized solutions that overcome special challenges.
Magnetics & Electronics
Emerging technologies developed and used by our magnetics and electronics specialists help machines work smarter and more efficiently. Information technology is incorporated into products for a variety of purposes, including motion control, condition monitoring and system prognostics.
The Timken Tech Series program is an interactive, multimedia tool that helps you learn about and get the most out of Timken's automotive and heavy duty products. This resource provides thorough explanations that are detailed and easy to follow.
As you move through each section, take a Driver’s Exam to test your knowledge. You’ll earn certification, recognition and other rewards!
Timken Tech Series includes information on tapered, cylindrical, needle and ball bearings as well as hubs, seals and lubricants. Each product section is divided into information-packed chapters for ease of navigation. Chapters include:
Take the test as often as needed to achieve the 80 percent passing rate. After successfully completing a test, you will receive:
Timken Wheel Bearing
One of the most critical systems on your car or truck is the wheel bearing. Your wheel bearings allow the wheels to turn on the spindle. Without them, your vehicle would just be an expensive piece of sculpture. Wheel bearing will eventually fail, and because they are so important, you should always replace them with high quality bearings, such as a Timken Wheel Bearing. Timken Wheel Bearings are designed to handle the extreme stress of performance driving. They are available in six different designs, and no matter what you application, you should be able to find a Timken Wheel Bearing to fit your car or light truck. Every one of the six Timken Wheel Bearing designs is done in different sizes for different applications. For example, the UNIPAC series of Timken Wheel Bearing features a two-row tapered design that is especially useful when weight is a factor. An example of such an application is a racing vehicle, when every gram saved is horsepower earned. Many of the Timken Wheel Bearings come with integrated sensors and friction controls that work with antilock brakes and traction control systems. No matter which of the six designs of Timken Wheel Bearing you choose, you can be confident that it is a quality bearing that is able to get you where you need to go. Auto parts customers should certainly get superlative support while shopping for quality parts for their car or truck. So of course we make available a 24/7/365 sales assistance bureau to support you with your queries. Nobody likes to pay for shipping, so all parts come with totally free shipping for all orders $50 or more. If you spot a better price somewhere else, tell us - we will meet or beat any advertised price for auto parts.
Timken Wheel Hub Assembly
Your wheel hub assembly is one of the most critical parts of your car or truck. It is responsibly for mounting the wheel to the vehicle. As durable as a wheel hub is, eventually it is going to wear out. The symptoms of a failing wheel hub are a grinding noise that is magnified or diminished in turns and uneven tire wear. If your wheel hub is failing, you should replace it immediately. If neglected, your wheel could actually fall right off of your car, a catastrophic situation. You always want to use quality replacement parts, especially for a component that is this important. A great replacement wheel hub is the Timken Wheel Hub Assembly. Timken has been designing and manufacturing high quality hubs and bearings for a long time. With this kind of experience, you can be confident that the Timken Wheel Hub Assembly is up to the heat and friction that will be thrown its way. The Timken Wheel Hub Assembly is crafted to be superior in every way to your stock hub. It is lighter, has better lubricant, and the internal bearings are manufactured to the very highest standards. Any way you look at it, the Timken Wheel Hub Assembly is the way to go, and it is available for a very wide range of applications. Auto part buyers certainly deserve great technical support while looking at quality car parts from us. For all our customers, we make available a twenty-four hour a day information and support call bureau to answer your calls. To sweeten the deal, you always get 100% free shipping on every order $50 or higher. If you can find a better price, call us - we will meet or beat any legitimate auto part price.