SKF South Africa recently announced the launch of their remanufacturing facility in Jet Park, east of Johannesburg. One of the drivers of this initiative is the increasing lead time for large size bearings (LSBs).
SKF's Warren Walker demonstrates the Kevlar ruler for accurately measuring bearing diameters
"Remanufacturing presents the best possible solution in terms of both cost and lead time as bearings that are in service can be removed during planned maintenance shut down periods, allowing refurbishment within a reasonable turnaround time. We can now remanufacture a large size spherical roller bearing that does not require replacement components in approximately two weeks," explains SKF bearing remanufacturing manager, Giscard Lailvaux.
Lailvaux believes that the current energy crisis will increase demand on remanufactured bearings as Eskom de-mothballs some power stations.
According to MD, Gavin Garland, demand from the wind power and tunnel boring industry has put bearing manufacturing facilities under severe pressure world-wide. SKF is making a concerted global effort to address the problem of the shortage of large size bearings and Garland quotes new production facilities in India and China that will target those product categories for which current demand outweighs availability.
SKF Remanufacturing will focus on high value LSBs that have to be removed from service before having reached their design life, LSBs that have been stored beyond the recommended preservative shelf life as well as LSBs that require new packaging due to handling errors.
By proactively remanufacturing LSBs, bearing service life will be prolonged through thorough condition inspection. This process will expose and prevent potential problems that, if left unattended, may lead to premature bearing failure.
New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
Read more...Sealed split spherical roller bearings slash MTTR by 70% SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
SKF Cooper sealed split spherical roller bearings have a unique split design combined with a robust sealing system. These innovative bearings enable fast, simple, onsite, in-place bearing replacement or repairs even in hard to reach areas.
Read more...Next-generation grease pumps SKF South Africa
Other technologies
SKF has introduced its latest advancement in lubrication technology with the unveiling of a new line of air-operated grease pumps.
Read more...Investment in training is key for the lubrication industry
News & events
Lubrication management has grown more sophisticated in recent years, yet equipment failure rates linked to lubrication problems remain stubbornly high. The reason for this is that technology can only go so far without the people behind it being properly trained.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
News & events
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A tool not a crutch Technews Publishing
News & events
Every year, the dictionaries try to summarise a year of human behaviour with a single word, the word of the year. You can question the value of this, but it’s quite entertaining. Words are important, ...
Read more...Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News & events
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version