Founded in 1967, with over half a century of history, CPM is one of Italy’s leading companies in the design and production of special rolling bearings. Over the years, the company has steadily grown in terms of revenue and customer base, while progressively expanding its product portfolio.
At its facility in Nova Milanese, near Milan, CPM employs approximately 200 people and produces over 4 million bearings annually for both domestic and international markets. The domestic market accounts for about 55% of revenue, with approximately 80% of that volume ultimately being exported by customers to their international branches. The remaining 45% is generated through direct exports, primarily to Germany, France, China, Japan, Canada, and North America.
The company has long held certifications such as UNI EN ISO 9001:2015, UNI EN ISO 14001:2015, UNI ISO 45001:2018, and IATF 16949:2016 for the automotive sector.
With extensive experience in the bearing industry, CPM continuously strives to elevate technological standards through the adoption of advanced materials, efficient production processes, and new manufacturing technologies. Thanks to a dedicated team of highly qualified engineers and technicians, the company develops tailor-made special bearings that meet the most demanding customer specifications.
Special Bearing Applications
When discussing special bearing applications, it is important to highlight the wide range of industries in which they are used. Recently, CPM has developed a series of bearings specifically designed for harmonic drives.
Harmonic drives are essential components in precision mechanical transmission, with applications in advanced fields such as robotics, aerospace, mechatronics, and medical device manufacturing. A key element for their optimal functionality is ball bearings, which ensure precision, reliability, and long service life.
In harmonic drives, motion is achieved through the controlled deformation of a flexible component, which interacts with a rigid outer ring and a wave generator. Ball bearings are positioned between the wave generator and the flexible component, allowing for smooth rotation and the transmission of radial and axial loads with high precision.
These bearings perform three main functions:
- Friction Reduction – The movement of the balls minimizes friction between components, improving system energy efficiency.
- Load Support – Bearings distribute loads evenly, preserving the structural integrity of the harmonic drive.
- Precision Assurance – High-precision bearings help maintain tight tolerances and minimize mechanical play, which is crucial for robotic and automation applications.
Key Requirements for Bearings in Harmonic Drives
Bearings used in this field must meet strict requirements. Some of the most critical characteristics include:
- Low Noise and Vibration: Essential for applications in sensitive environments such as collaborative robotics and medical devices.
- Dimensional Precision: Harmonic drives require bearings with tight tolerances to ensure synchronized movement.
- High-Quality Materials: Special steels or advanced ceramics are used to enhance durability and withstand extreme conditions, such as high speeds or elevated temperatures.
Recent Innovations
Recent advancements in the field include:
- Hybrid Ball Bearings: Featuring ceramic balls to reduce wear and enhance efficiency.
- Advanced Lubricants: Designed to lower friction and improve resistance to high temperatures.
- Customized Designs: Integrating bearings directly into harmonic drive components to save space.
Ball bearings for harmonic drives are a crucial component for the efficiency of these transmission systems. Their development is closely tied to progress in robotics and mechatronics, making continuous improvements in precision, efficiency, and durability essential. Investing in high-quality bearings is therefore a critical step in ensuring the performance of harmonic drives in the most demanding applications.
Conclusion
CPM stands out as a benchmark in the production of special bearings, thanks to its dedication to innovation, quality, and customization. With a strong reputation for technological excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement, the company continues to lead the industry toward new frontiers, providing cutting-edge and reliable solutions to meet the evolving needs of the global market.