Should remanufactured bearings become the norm?
Published: 08 November, 2021
It takes approximately 100 process steps to produce a new bearing, compared to roughly ten for a remanufactured bearing, according to SKF. It’s no surprise, therefore, that there has been an increasing demand for remanufactured bearings in heavy duty industrial applications. Chris Johnson* explores this attractive alternative to bearing replacement.
If a bearing becomes worn, due to misalignment, false brinelling or corrosion, for example, the most common approach is to replace the entire component. However, there is another option using a remanufacturing process to restore the component back to working life. As the name suggests, remanufacturing involves rebuilding a bearing to either meet or exceed the specifications of the original manufactured product. This can use a combination of reused, repaired and new parts.
Bearings with more than 30% of their remaining service life can be remanufactured. This can offer a practical and crucially, environmentally sustainable alternative for industrial sectors such as pulp and paper, food and beverage, mining and marine. The key is knowing when to opt for remanufacturing and which approach will yield more cost-savings in the long run.
How does it work?
Firstly, the used bearing must undergo a thorough inspection, which will compare it with the initial specification drawing. At this stage, the bearing will also be 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 will detail recommendations for appropriate refurbishment and remanufacturing processes. In addition, the data gathered during this initial analysis phase of the remanufacturing process can be used to improve future maintenance programmes. Data relating to recurring failures or accelerated wear can be used as part of an on-going preventative maintenance schedule.
Next follows reclassification services — encompassing minor repair, demagnetisation, dynamic testing, re-lubrication, reassembly and packaging for the bearing’s return to industry. If, however, further intervention is needed, refurbishment is called upon. This will include the previous actions in addition to one or more of the following: replacing rolling elements, remanufacturing the bearing’s cage, replacing components like seals and snap rings, grinding or polishing and plating mounting surfaces and polishing raceways.
Remanufacturing is the final set of services including grinding, installing a new ring and modifying the component. At this stage, engineers can opt to improve the performance or properties of the original bearing to increase operational efficiency and decrease future maintenance interventions. Upgrade possibilities include adding features such as black oxidation or incorporating additional sensor functions for condition monitoring.
Cost saving benefits
Large bearings such as spherical roller bearings, deep groove ball bearings, tapered roller bearings, caster bearings and slewing bearings are good candidates for remanufacturing. Consider this as an example. If a large industrial bearing in a pumping system failed unexpectedly before the end of its service life, remanufacturing could increase the life cycle of the bearing by more than 50% and provide up to 60% savings compared to the cost of a new bearing. In this scenario, the advantages of remanufacturing are undeniable. In contrast, for smaller bearings, it is not considered cost effective. But, depending on the condition, complexity, price and application of larger bearings, remanufacturing may offer a favourable cost-benefit. That being said, smaller bearings can benefit from services such as relubrication, which can extend a bearing’s service life and improve operational performance at an affordable price point. Similarly, re-lubrication is important if you want to take old, healthy bearings and use them for another application. This kind of smart recycling can save businesses money compared with continually buying new bearings.
Environmental sustainability
Improved performance characteristics is not however the only advantage. Remanufacturing bearings has a positive impact on the environment too, as it reduces the unwanted use of natural resources and the disposal of components when they become damaged or fail. Instead of the make-use-dispose industrial model, remanufacturing feeds into the circular economy model by recovering and regenerating products and materials.
The energy requirement for remanufacturing is as low as 90 per cent when compared to the production of a new bearing. It also minimises the need for new raw material, and therefore can also offer quicker manufacturing turn around. For specialised industrial bearings, it could take weeks for a replacement to arrive. On the contrary, remanufacturing can reduce lead times significantly, increasing machine up time and profit. Remanufacturing also allows facilities to maintain better machine availability and reduce stock.
While not all bearings are suitable for remanufacture, in many instances this is an economically viable route that extends a bearing’s service life, reduces maintenance costs and supports sustainability. Re-lubrication on the other hand, is arguably a good middle ground for most bearing types, and should be considered if old bearings are healthy, but are no longer required for their original application.
*Chris Johnson is managing director at SMB Bearings
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