Advanced Manufacturing Institute Recognized for Work in National Trade Publication

(Manhattan, Kan. March 19, 2007) Kansas State University's Advanced Manufacturing Institute was recently recognized in OEM Off-Highway magazine, which provides information to help product development teams design and produce better off-highway vehicles and component systems.

The article highlights a project the institute completed for GGB, formerly known as Glacier Garlock Bearings, in Thorofare, N.J. GGB manufactures metal-polymer plain bearings.

For the project, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute was responsible for testing GGB's sealed bearing cartridge against greased hardened steel bearings. To do this, the K-State institute developed a test rig that simulated the most abusive field applications possible, tested the bearings and reported the results.

"The Advanced Manufacturing Institute is an excellent resource for advanced manufacturing capabilities and quality technical support," said Michael Jendro, district sales engineer, GGB North America.

"AMI has allowed GGB to better serve our industrial customers with improved performance through their unique, cost-effective approach via AMI's design verification services. Validating design and new materials is an extensive process for our bearing products. By utilizing AMI, GGB has been able to free up personnel to focus on other immediate needs without shelving key projects," Jendro said.

"We are extremely proud of the work our team did on this project," said Brad Kramer, director of the Advanced Manufacturing Institute. "Taylor Jones, our chief engineer, has developed an outstanding design verification team. AMI's capabilities in this field provide a competitive advantage to manufacturers in hardening and testing new technologies that can lead to the development of new products."