Driving Progress in Partnership with Our Customers
Timken R&D is the technical engine of real-world progress for our customers. The group’s specialized expertise, 125 years of cross-industry experience, and depth of knowledge are unparalleled in the industry.
Our R&D investments focus on driving advanced motion technology breakthroughs.
A Unique Model
Timken R&D is not siloed. Members of the R&D group pair with associates throughout the organization who are close to the customer and know their capabilities. This collaborative and disciplined approach informs our systems and solutions. It ensures our specialized expertise and deep knowledge are applied in the most effective way possible and are always closely aligned with emerging trends.
Friction Management — understanding and implementing the scientific fundamentals of friction to achieve performance benefits
Materials Science — manipulating and applying the properties of matter that constitute and govern the performance of our solutions
Mechanical Power Transmission — efficiently transferring energy through engineered equipment to meet application performance goals
A Clear Focus
Our R&D group is organized around five technical platforms that provide the foundation for our leading portfolio of products and solutions:
Materials Fundamentals & Characterization
Product Fundamentals
Focus: mechanical science and engineering foundational to Timken’s product design
R&D Processes: including but not limited to noise, vibration, harshness, performance, and dynamic modeling and analysis
Materials Fundamentals & Characterization
Focus: science and engineering of materials critical to the manufacturing and performance of Timken’s products
R&D Processes: including but not limited to materials modeling, heat treatment, characterization and selection
Manufacturing Technologies
Focus: development of modern, automated, connected, factory-robust, and accurate manufacturing technologies for use in making Timken products
R&D Processes: including but not limited to finishing processes, material handling, robotic automation technologies and data-driven smart manufacturing technologies
Measurement Technologies and Non-Destructive Evaluation
Focus: application of advanced dimensional and non-destructive materials evaluation technologies to ensure Timken product quality
R&D Processes: including but not limited to gauging systems for rapid and accurate dimensional measurements, as well as electromagnetic-based techniques to ensure bulk material and surface quality
Testing and Product Validation
Focus: Advanced product testing methods and execution to validate Timken product know-how and support customer application development
R&D Processes: inducing but not limited to 24-hour always-on life performance testing, application specific testing, and Timken’s international bearing performance audit
A Multinational, Accessible Expert Team
Our team of experts is known for their rigorous thinking and their exceptional accessibility and availability to both customers and Timken employees. The group focuses simultaneously on high-risk technical challenges while also providing continuous expert support across the business. From our first tapered roller bearing patent in 1898 to our growing collection of present year patents, Timken R&D continues to make the unknown, known — advancing our customers and our expertise.
Disciplined
Horizon Scanning
Timken R&D invests a significant amount of time growing expertise in friction management, materials science, and mechanical power transmission. The group surveys the fields for new opportunities and new technologies, including emerging trends in digital manufacturing and automation, performance modeling, heat treatment technologies, and advanced lubrication science.
Join Our Team of World‑class
Problem Solvers
We are always looking for next generation talent to join our R&D team. Ideal candidates are self-starters and original thinkers with advanced degrees who are interested in developing solutions that draw on
R&D and IT.