If you need replacement bearings for your heavy machinery it’s a good idea to pick out the best variety for your needs.
Using lower quality phenolic bearings will decrease efficiency and lower overall productivity.
They’ll also wear out faster and cause more downtime than if you put the time in to buy the best phenolic bearing.
Use this guide to learn how to choose the best bearing supplier for your operation.
Check Reviews
The first step when purchasing just about anything is to ask around for recommendations and check out reviews. You can get a pretty good picture of an organization’s product quality and overall customer relations this way.
Find out what variety of bearings they offer and see how they compare in head-to-head tests with other manufacturers. Double check how they are with delivery schedules, timetables, and how they deal with issues when they crop up.
Ask your business associates and other suppliers who they’ve used in the past and how they would rate their experience. It’s always a good idea to check out what other types of bearings a manufacturer provides. A well-rounded manufacturer with a wide range of experience in the industry will probably be able to assist you more effectively than a smaller one.
Compare Phenolic Bearing Prices and Properties
Phenolic bearings are composite bearings that use a cotton or other fiber layer bonded to phenolic resin. The best quality phenolic or nylon sleeve bearing will have extremely low thermal conductivity.
Make sure and get a firm answer on the level of thermal conductivity a manufacturer’s bearings have. Also, figure out what varieties of lubricant will work with them. This is especially important in roll stands, paper mills and construction equipment applications where heavy loads will be placed on bearings.
Don’t be afraid to shop around. One of the best ways to find the best price on phenolic and nylon bearings is to get quotes from numerous fabricators and manufacturers. This allows you to get a general feel for market prices and can help you in making counter-offers to a high-quality supplier’s offer.
Ask for Samples
If you only need two or three bearings you probably won’t have much luck getting samples to test out. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to create a continuing business relationship for a major source of supply don’t be afraid to ask for samples.
A quality manufacturer will have no problem letting you try out their products to see if they meet your long-term needs. There is a caveat here of course. If you need to get parts custom fabricated it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get a sample.
Weigh the Costs
Phenolic bearings are designed to provide expensive equipment with flawless functionality under extreme conditions. It’s not a good idea to cheap out on something that can cause a catastrophic failure in your capital machinery. Make sure you weigh the costs of high-grade bearings vs. savings.
If you’re having trouble sourcing a specific bearing, get in touch with us to get a free quote on custom machined parts.