Mechanical Technology July 2016

⎪ Power transmission, bearings, bushes and seals ⎪

Bearing root-cause failure analysis service

Bearings International (BI) is establishing itself as a technical partner to industry with an array of value-added services on offer, including bearing root cause failure analysis. BI engineering manager, Josu P rez-Sánchez, explains.

The report also includes a conclusion and detailed recommendations – and it is presented to the customer in person. “From a warranty standpoint, we offer the service in order to help us determine whether or not our customers are entitled to a claim,” P rez-Sánchez elaborates. This service also plays a key role in customers’ production improve- ment programmes, as the information provided allows for continual plant reli- ability improvement. “We strongly believe we should rather compete on value, providing advanced, industry-specific solutions and services, thus safeguarding industry sustainabil- ity,” adds Burtie Roberts, CEO of BI. BI, part of the Hudaco Group, has consolidated its position as a leading distributor of bearings and power trans- mission products in Southern Africa by launching a new brand identity at the end of last year. “Our aim is to become a proactive company providing excel- lent service to our customers to ensure we are the preferred supplier,” Roberts concludes. q

“ R oot cause analysis is a process for identifying the true underlying cause of a particular failure and using that information to allow for cor- rective or preventative action,” says P rez-Sánchez. The process commences with a criti- cal data-collection phase, followed by an analysis and concluding with the imple- mentation of a solution. Data collection is initiated by BI’s customers, with BI sales staff tasked with collating as much information about the customer and the particular application as possible. “A general schematic of the applica- tion can give a lot of insight into any problems and potential solutions. This information is critical for the compila- tion of an accurate root cause analysis report,” he advises. International (BI) displayed a slew of its top international brands at Grain SA’s NAMPO Harvest Day, which was held from May 17 to 20, 2016 in Bothaville in the Free State. Billed as one of the largest privately- organised and owned exhibitions of its kind in the world, BI marketing manager Gugulethu Nkutha says the event provided an ideal opportunity for the company to showcase its product and service offering to the agricultural sector. BI’s diverse product line-up meets a broad spectrum of requirements of the South African agricultural sector. This runs the gamut from supplying bearings and chain to couplings and transmission products for arduous farming applications such as ploughing, planting, harvesting and baling. BI is also able to provide expert advice on keeping farming equipment operating at optimum efficiency, in addition to outlining the most optimal maintenance procedures. It carries a comprehensive stockholding of spares, in addition to chain and V-belt drives. “We work together with our customers,

“The process also allows for interac- tion and the opportunity to get to know our customers’ challenges and specific needs better,” P rez-Sánchez continues. The data-gathering process may also involve an engineering representative visiting the plant to provide holistic insights into that customer’s specific requirements. The information gathered is then tabulated into an inspection report sub- mitted to the BI engineering department, where the product in question is cleaned and disassembled in order to carry out a proper forensic investigation. The solution phase encompasses compiling the actual root cause analy- sis report, which includes a thorough description of the damage incurred, the primary reason for this damage, and any contributing factors for the failure.

BI brands showcased at NAMPO 2016 F rom bearings and transmission com- ponents to power tools and hand cleaners, leading supplier Bearings with the understanding that the current eco- nomic environment places more pressure on them to do more with less – together we ensure they grow, while we grow,” Nkutha says.

comprehensive information on the brands represented. Top international brands showcased included KML (bearings and transmission components), Loctite (adhesives, sealants and surface treatment), FAG (special- ist bearings), Citronol (hand cleaners), Makita (power tools), Rocol (lubricants), Dodge (housed bearings), KML, Agri Chain, TR Gearboxes, Jonnesway and Opti/ Goodyear. q

A highlight of BI’s participation at this year’s event was the presence of a dedi- cated sales team and product managers to answer all customer queries and to provide

BI showcased its diverse product and service offering to the agricultural sector at NAMPO 2016 held in the Free State town of Bothaville.

Mechanical Technology — July 2016

17