When purchasing bearings for your equipment, you want to ensure that only the pieces that suit your needs are selected. However, this is not always easy, especially when looking for non-standard parts. In some instances, you will find the bearing larger/smaller or not of the preferred hardness. In such a case, you need custom specialty bearings. Keep reading to learn more about custom specialty bearings, including their benefits and methods of customization.

Methods of Bearing Customization

Bearing customization is categorized into two; modified standards and completely custom. In modified standards, you get additional machining features on the regular bearings to enhance their usability on your equipment. For example, you might want the bearings to have repositioned tapped holes or extended length. The additional features are done through actions such as machining and shaft grinding.

The second method, complete custom, involves working with clients to determine what they want and then developing it. For example, suppose a client is working on a new product and needs a unique bearing that is not available on the market. In that case, the bearing manufacturer works with the product development team to create a model that will be a perfect fit. Therefore, do not limit your production capacity by trying to only work with what is available on the shelves; custom specialty bearings can be designed fast and in line with your preference.

Advantages of Custom Specialty Bearings

The following are the top advantages to expect for buying and using custom specialty bearings:

• It is Easy to Avoid Over-Specification

There are instances when the regular bearings you use with the industrial motors or pumps have higher performance abilities than the applications require. For example, a bearing might have a higher load capacity compared to what the application, be it a motor or pump, requires. It might also be able to run at a higher speed and have more tolerance than the application. Although such bearings will work well in your facility, it implies you will be paying for what you don’t require.

With custom specialty bearings, they are designed based on your equipment or facility. Therefore, you can expect them to match your equipment’s needs for high productivity. Even with customizations, custom specialty bearings are sold affordably and might be cheaper than the standard models. The custom design serves you the best!

• Serves Your Facility’s Need for Complexity

When you have some applications that require high levels of complexity, standard bearings might not work. Good examples are the current research developments of electric cars. In such situations, custom specialty bearings provide you with the freedom to make alterations without getting limited by the standard parts in regular bearings.

Another reason why people go for custom specialty bearings is if they cannot find the models that suit their applications on the market. Here, you only need to work with the manufacturer to demonstrate what you want and the bearings are designed for you. With advanced production technology, such as 3D printing, the design for your custom bearings will be easy, fast, and convenient.

• New Material Availability

Although that split bearing or groove ball bearing might be the right size, what about the material? If it is made of the wrong material, there is a risk of bearing failure and extended downtime. For example, bearings made with corroding materials are not recommended for food processing. The bearing might also be designed of material that is not hard enough. However, you can avoid these challenges by going for custom specialty bearings because you specify the preferred material, design, and other attributes.

Custom specialty bearings have made it easier for manufacturers to get creative with their products because they do not have to limit themselves with the regular bearings. Remember that even with the custom bearings, they still need to be handled with a lot of care for optimal performance. So, ensure they are installed correctly and lubricated regularly to reduce excessive friction.