Back

Remanufactured by SKF

11 April, 2022
—

Being proactive instead of reactive is a rare way of doing things in today’s time. More and more manufacturing plants tend to have the “run to failure” way of doing things.

This can be extremely costly in the long run. Spares, downtime, and loss of production make up a significant portion of a plant’s maintenance spend, budget, and overall profitability.

With large size bearings carrying a significant cost and long lead times, it is even more important that the overall life cycle is maximised.

Bearing life is often shorter than the calculated rating life due to wear, corrosion, indentations, and microcracks that occur.

Rather than running large bearings to failure, applying a controlled remanufacture process prior to the occurrence of any major damage or bearing failure is advised.

Selecting larger size bearings can extend the intended bearing life and reduce costs by +- 40%.

When should a plant consider remanufacturing a bearing rather than buying a new one?

All large size bearings are candidates for remanufacturing provided the bearing has not failed or worn beyond the point of remanufacturing.
If the lead-time for a new bearing is too long.

What is the cost saving?

On average the cost of a remanufactured bearing is +- 40% of the purchase price of a new unit.

Is the bearing as reliable as a new bearing?

SKF does extensive testing and measuring to ensure that the unit will fall within the ISO grade clearance and tolerance factor. Stress and fatigue test are also done to make sure that there is not any subsurface damage or cracks.
The bearing’s old and new loaded zones are marked on the bearing to ensure that the bearing is now running on a new loaded zone.

What is the turnaround time for a remanufactured bearing?

Total turnaround time is 10 to 12 working days
From drop off at the SKF reman center it will take +- 5 days to wash and inspect. A report with a recommendation as to whether the bearing is a remanufactured candidate will be sent.
The remanufacture process has a 5 to 7 working day turnaround.