FEATURE BEARINGS, SEALS & GASKETS
SPECIFYING BEARINGS FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE
With the rise in demand for highly specialised machinery and growing interest in custom manufacturing, should you choose
bearings tailored to the application or opt for off-the-shelf solutions? Chris Johnson, managing director of SMB Bearings, comments
M
ass-produced off-the-shelf bearings, which offer consistent availability plus lower lead times and costs without
compromising quality, are ideal for engineers working under tight deadlines or within budget constraints. These undergo rigorous standardisation and testing to meet industry standards, like ISO 281, bearing life calculation and ISO 492, tolerance classes for rolling bearings, ensuring predictable performance and reliability across a wide range of applications. Furthermore, with a broad range of options designed to accommodate different loads, speeds and environmental conditions, they are widely used across industries from automotive to medical and manufacturing sectors. However, some
applications require a more tailored approach – a custom bearing specifically designed to meet unique specifications such as non-standard sizes, extreme operating conditions or specialised load capacities. Industries like
aerospace and medical devices often require bearings with high precision, meaning tight dimensional tolerances, low friction and consistent rotational accuracy. These bearings must also be resistant to harsh environments and be capable of functioning under high speed or heavy load conditions. Custom bearings allow engineers to address these challenges, ensuring optimal performance and durability. However, custom solutions come with trade- offs. The design and manufacturing process often requires significant time and investment, resulting in higher costs and longer lead
30 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MAY 2025
Next, evaluate the project’s budget – custom bearings often involve higher manufacturing and design costs. Lead time is another consideration. Custom bearings typically require longer production timelines, which could impact your overall schedule. If a faster turnaround is essential, off-the-shelf bearings might be more practical. Finally, think about the performance trade- offs. In some cases, off-the-shelf bearings can be adapted to meet specific requirements through modifications, such as relubrication or
times. Engineers must therefore carefully evaluate whether the added benefits of custom bearings justify these challenges.
ASSESSING KEY FACTORS When making the choice between custom and off-the-shelf bearings, it is crucial to assess several key factors to ensure the most suitable choice for your application. First, consider the specific requirements of
your application. Are there unique operating conditions – such as high temperatures, unusual loads or non-standard dimensions – that off- the-shelf bearings may not be able to address?
Customisation, such as applying specialised lubricants, can improve bearing performance
material coatings. Thin dense chromed (TCD) plating, for example, can be applied to improve wear resistance, reduce friction and improve corrosion resistance, offering benefits in harsh environments like food processing or marine. This approach can achieve the desired performance improvements in a cost-effective manner, bridging the gap between standard and custom solutions. In cases where off-the-shelf bearings
almost meet the requirements, additional customisation, such as applying specialised lubricants, can improve performance without the need for fully-customised designs. For example, perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricants are commonly used in aerospace and vacuum applications because of their excellent thermal stability and resistance to extreme temperatures. Polyurea- based greases offer excellent oxidation stability and are ideal for high-speed electric motor bearings, while food grade lubricants ensure compliance with safety regulations in food and pharmaceutical processing.
SPECIFICATION
Specifying custom or off-the-shelf bearings ultimately comes down to striking the right balance between functionality, cost and efficiency. By understanding the demands of the application and exploring ways to enhance standard bearings, engineers can often achieve high-performance outcomes without the cost and lead time of a fully custom solution.
SMB Bearings T: 01993 842555
www.smbbearings.com
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