The world is full of
counterfeits: the Brand Protection Team at
Schaeffler keeps track of the countries in which
copies of a Data Matrix Code are found. Credit: Schaeffler
italian cuStomS Stop counterfeitS deStined for morocco
at the start of January 2020, the BPT received an inquiry from the customs office in la Spezia, italy, where a container of suspicious Schaeffler-branded rolling bearings had been stopped in transit. once the BPT specialists saw the photographs of highly suspicious goods submitted via the originCheck app, they headed to la Spezia to check for themselves. Their suspicions were confirmed: 1,236 counterfeit Schaeffler rolling bearings were on their way to Morocco. The BPT then requested the seizure of the goods, thus setting proceedings in motion to ensure the destruction of the counterfeit rolling bearings.
one data matrix code but Several caSeS?
Schaeffler sales partners regularly send inquiries regarding suspicious products to the BPT, who thoroughly review every single case. The data matrix code (DMC) – a unique code for each Schaeffler bearing – plays an important role here. Schaeffler has been able to identify duplicated codes on counterfeit products that had originally been applied to original Schaeffler products. These can of course only be counterfeits.
a Strategic approach – the firSt caSe
Spectacular deStruction of goodS in Spain
During a raid that took place in Spain in 2010, large quantities of counterfeit Schaeffler bearings were identified. The subsequent legal proceedings took nine years to complete, and it was not until December 2019 that the goods that had been seized could finally be destroyed. Those who might have purchased these counterfeit bearings were therefore saved from both technical damage in potential applications and financial losses.
Spain, December 2019: only after the proceedings were concluded did Schaeffler receive permission to
destroy the parts that had been seized in 2010.
The first of these duplicated DMCs was identified by the BPT at the end of 2019. This code was immediately tagged in the system and reported as suspicious to the originCheck app’s users. once a DMC is marked as a counterfeit in the system, all subsequent inquiries relating to that code trigger a red warning message. Soon after blocking the code, Schaeffler received inquiries regarding the very same code from several countries including Greece, Brazil and russia. it therefore became clear that this code had been used worldwide for different products. The counterfeiters have clearly been at work – and Schaeffler is investigating.
how you can help
Should you come across a similar case, please send photographs of the suspect products to Schaeffler, who can then establish beyond doubt whether the code in question has been copied and used for counterfeit products. Schaeffler recommends using the originCheck app to draw on the experience that the Brand Protection Team is continuously gathering to help you detect suspicious and counterfeit goods. The originCheck app is available free
of charge for ioS and android operating systems in German and english:
www.schaeffler.com/
content.schaeffler.com/ en/news_media/mediathek/apps/apps.jsp To report any suspicious counterfeit bearings, please contact the BPT via
piracy@schaeffler.com
Schaeffler
www.schaeffler.com
UlTraSoniC DeviCe raiSeS aCCUraCy of re-lUBriCaTion
a
unique ultrasonic device, which ‘listens’ to the sound of grease filling a bearing, makes the re-lubrication process more
accurate and effective. By overcoming problems associated with
over- or under-lubrication, the Ultrasound lubrication Checker TlGU 10 from SKf can help to extend bearing lifetime. re-lubrication is critical in prolonging the
life of bearings and must be applied at the right time – and in the right quantity. However, this often relies on a technician’s experience, machine manufacturer’s recommendations or theoretical calculations. “The TlGU 10 makes re-lubrication a more
practical, condition-based process, by delivering the correct amount of lubricant to a bearing at the right time,” says Sylvain Humbert, Product Development Manager – instruments at SKf. While under-lubrication can cause premature
failure, or allow contaminants into the bearing, over-lubrication is wasteful and expensive and can cause grease spills. Both over- and under- lubrication can reduce bearing lifetime. This can be overcome with the TlGU 10. The device is easy to use and is supplied as an
all-in-one kit. it relies on a robust, repeatable ultrasound sensor that can withstand harsh conditions. once connected to a grease gun, the TlGU 10 allows a technician to listen to the sound of lubricant filling the bearing, via headphones. When the correct amount of grease has been dispensed, the sound changes abruptly. a coloured display confirms that filling is complete. This combination of aural and visual displays, both delivered in real time, helps technicians to re- lubricate bearings with high accuracy. The TlGU 10 saves costs by preventing the use
of excess grease (over-lubrication). at the same time, accurate re-lubrication leads to optimum bearing performance. This reduces the likelihood of bearing wear and failure, which helps to raise the reliability of a customer’s assets. The device can be used in a wide range of bearing applications including electric motors,
pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors.
www.skf.com
SealS & BearinGS
faCTory&HanDlinGSolUTionS | May 2021 45
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