For many Original Equipment Manufacturers, service and replacement parts are significant source of revenue. Large assemblies and custom parts have traditionally been supplied as service parts, but bearings are usually supplied by bearing distributors as MRO. A custom designed bearing offers the opportunity to improve the performance of an OEM’s product and create additional sales as a service part.
A custom bearing can allow equipment designers to optimize the space available and can integrate features that would have typically required additional components. A custom bearing design can improve the assembly process since fewer components are required. As a service part a custom bearing is very difficult to replace with a standard bearing.
For production volumes, custom bearings can be provided in bulk packaging or packaging that presents makes presentation to assembly machines or personnel easier. As service parts, custom bearings can be packaged individually with identification and bar coding for distribution.
Mark Bos
National Bearings
