A leading manufacturer of professional grade equine dental equipment used by veterinarians and large animal dental specialists.
Veterinary equipment – Dental Tools – Medical Device Manufacturing
Following implementation and field validation, the customer observed:
Longer bearing life reducing maintenance frequency and reducing total cost of ownership
High-speed handheld equine dentil drill designed to operate under shock loads, variable angles, and tight radial loads during tooth reduction and contouring procedures.
Elimination of premature bearing failures in both clinical and field environments
Lower operating temperature improving tool comfort and longevity
Enhanced stability under shock loading preventing vibration induced damage
The customer was experiencing premature failures in the steel bearings used within their dental drill tool. These failures were driven by:
High rotational speed that pushed the limits of steel ball performance
Significant shock loads generated when the tool engaged hard tooth material
Light operating loads, which made lubrication film stability more difficult because grease will not be “pulled” into the contact zone.
The result was increased heat, rapid wear, and unexpected bearing seizure leading to costly repairs, warranty claims, and interruptions in veterinary procedures. The customer needed a reliable solution that could withstand extreme speed and shock without compromising tool ergonomics or requiring a redesign.
The Boca Bearing engineering group performed a detailed evaluation of the drill’s duty cycle, vibration behavior, load spectrum, and lubrication characteristics. Using a combination of test data and field simulations, the team analyzed failure modes and compared alternative bearing materials, cage designs, and lubrication strategies to identify a path to long-term reliability.
