Mechanical Technology July 2016

Mechanical Technology — July 2016

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Power transmission, bearings, bushes and seals

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“

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.

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.

BI brands showcased

at NAMPO 2016

rom bearings and transmission com-

ponents to power tools and hand

cleaners, leading supplier Bearings

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,

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.

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

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.

Bearing root-cause failure

analysis service

BI showcased its diverse product and service offering to the agricultural sector at NAMPO 2016

held in the Free State town of Bothaville.

“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.

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.