Differences between premium (SKF, FAG, NSK...) and low-cost Chinese bearings

Bearings are key elements in many machines and devices that require precise rotation and durability. As with everything, there are bearings on the market from premium manufacturers such as SKF, FAG, NSK, NTN, TIMKEN..., as well as low-cost versions usually made in China. The differences between them are significant and can affect the performance and life of the machine.

Materials and heat treatment

Premium bearings (SKF, FAG, NSK...) are made of high-quality materials and with the latest technologies that exceed normal standards. These bearings are known to have very tight tolerances on all dimensions and ensure smooth and efficient operation. In addition, they have a high load capacity and durability, which ensures a long service life of the machine. Premium bearings are usually significantly more expensive than low-priced bearings, but their high quality and reliability is known for a longer machine life, which can lead to money savings in the long run.
 

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On the other hand, low-cost bearings are made of similar or cheaper materials, but according to our experience with a worse heat treatment. Typically, low-cost manufacturers also do not use the latest technologies. These bearings are therefore often less accurate and have a shorter service life. They also have a lower load capacity and durability, which can affect the life of the machine. Nevertheless, low-cost bearings may be suitable for less demanding applications where there is no need for high load capacity or long service life. They are also significantly cheaper, which can reduce production or repair costs.

FAG, SKF VS CHINESE BEARINGS

Quality control

Quality control in the entire production process is another factor that significantly affects the final quality and reliability of the bearings. Control and frequency of control in all production steps, as well as systems for detecting and correcting irregularities, are very important. And in this, premium bearing manufacturers are definitely a big step forward compared to low-cost ones. In the end, this is reflected in significantly greater consistency of quality, which is reflected in greater reliability of premium bearings.

Design

Although the bearings of different producers can be very similar to each other, small differences in design details can occur, which can significantly affect the characteristics of the bearing, such as the load capacity. The increased load capacity can be reflected in a significantly longer service life. Premium manufacturers have very strong development teams that take care of continuous improvements, which low-cost manufacturers cannot compete with.

Usage

It is important to keep in mind that the choice between premium and low-cost bearings is not only a question of price, but also of quality and reliability. When choosing bearings, the requirements of the machine, its workload, operating conditions, and how much work and costs are involved in changing a used bearing must be taken into account. If the machine has high requirements in terms of precision, durability and load capacity, premium bearings are a better choice. In less demanding cases, where the potential failure is not critical, low-priced bearings may be sufficient.

Factors such as operating temperature, lubrication intervals, speed, vibration and loads must also be considered when choosing bearings. Premium bearings are usually better at handling these factors, but must be properly selected and installed to ensure efficient machine operation. In the case of inappropriately dimensioned or the selected bearing will quickly fail, even in the case of premium bearings. We must also pay great attention to the proper installation of bearings, because improper installation is responsible for more than 50% of cases of premature failure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that the choice between premium and low-cost bearings is not only a question of price, but also of quality and reliability. Machine requirements, workload and operating conditions must be taken into account when selecting bearings. If the machine has high requirements in terms of precision, durability and load capacity, premium bearings are a better choice. In less demanding cases, where the failures are not critical and the bearings are quickly replaceable, low-cost bearings may be sufficient.
 

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About the author


Jure Pleško is co-owner of Tuli, a family business that helps innovative mechanical engineers by supplying them with machine elements to assemble machines and devices. As part of a family tradition, he grew up with machine elements from an early age and also completed his studies in mechanical engineering, earning a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering. As a 2-year-old child he was also the inspiration for the company name, because at that time he was shouting a lot and hence the name Tuli, which in translation means screaming. Jure is an innovative mechanical engineer himself, which he proved during his student years with the construction of an electric vehicle, which was also awarded by the Slovenian Fund for Human Resources Development and Scholarships.

 

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