28 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk Annual Buyers’ Guide 2024 Energy & Environmental Management Focus on: Circular Economy 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. Bearing remanufacturing is the process of restoring used or worn-out bearings to their original or improved operating condition. As an end-oflife 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%. It also creates 70% 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% of their remaining service life can be remanufactured. A thorough inspection is conducted to determine the appropriate refurbishment process. The 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 Remanufacturing bearings: How to yield economic and environmental benefits Chris Johnson, managing director at bearing relubrication specialist SMB Bearings, explores how the remanufacturing process can yield economic and environmental benefits. 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 by grinding, installing a new ring, and modifying it. At this point, engineers have the option to enhance the performance or characteristics of the initial bearing, which can lead to increased operational efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements in the future. Upgrades may include the addition of features such as black oxidation, or the incorporation of extra sensor functions for condition monitoring. Economic benefits Replacing a worn bearing can be costly and, in many cases, remanufacturing can provide significant cost savings. For example, if a large industrial bearing in a pumping system fails 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. Smaller bearings, like miniature bearings, may not be cost-effective to
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=