Restored bearings yield economic and environmental benefits for manufacturers
EDITOR ’ S CHOICE REMANUFACTURING BEARINGS
SMB BEARINGS
Restored bearings yield economic and environmental benefits for manufacturers
Bearing remanufacturing is gaining traction in heavy-duty industrial applications as a practical and sustainable alternative to replacing worn bearings . The process involves rebuilding a used bearing to meet or exceed the original manufactured product ’ s specifications . Here Chris Johnson , managing director at bearing relubrication specialist SMB Bearings , explores how the remanufacturing process can yield economic and environmental benefits .
Bearing remanufacturing is the process of restoring used or wornout bearings to their original or improved operating condition . As an end-of-life management solution it is gaining popularity , and for good reason . Not only do remanufactured bearings offer a cost-effective solution for businesses , but they also provide an environmentally-friendly alternative to buying new bearings . According to SKF , it reduces the amount of raw material needed by around 62 per cent . It also creates 70 per cent less waste . This is because making a new bearing from scratch involves more than 100 separate processes . In remanufacturing , this is cut to under ten .
How does it work ? Remanufactured bearings can use a combination of reused , repaired , and new parts , and bearings with more than 30 per cent of their remaining service life can be remanufactured . A thorough inspection is conducted to determine the appropriate refurbishment process . The
The energy requirement for remanufacturing is also as low as 90 per cent when compared to the production of a new bearing , which minimises the need for new raw materials and offers quicker manufacturing turnaround times .
process involves several steps , including inspection , reclassification , refurbishment , and remanufacturing .
The first step is to inspect the used bearing thoroughly , which involves comparing it with the initial specification drawing . The bearing is then disassembled , cleaned , and degreased . Following a visual inspection , microscopic inspection , dimensional inspection and testing will occur . This will culminate in a detailed analysis report that details recommendations for appropriate refurbishment and remanufacturing processes .
The next step is reclassification services , which encompass minor repair , demagnetisation , dynamic testing , relubrication , reassembly , and packaging for the bearing ’ s return to the industry .
If further intervention is needed , then refurbishment might be necessary . This step will include the previous actions in addition to one or more of the following : replacing rolling elements or components like seals and snap rings , remanufacturing the bearing ’ s cage , plating mounting surfaces or polishing the bearing ’ s raceways .
The final stage of remanufacturing involves altering the component
10 PECM Issue 66