From wheels to electric motors, bearings are used everywhere.
A single flawed bearing can introduce vibration, create unwanted noise, and even lead to equipment failure. That is why Inspection of bearings is important.
However, in today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, many bearing producers still rely on traditional inspection methods
Traditional bearing testing requires operators to mount bearings on test rigs and evaluate vibration or noise levels manually.
This approach introduces several challenges:
• Low throughput: Manual testing typically allows only a few hundred bearings per day, slowing down production.
• Risk of bearing damage: Operators manually pressing or inserting bearings into the fixture may apply excessive force, potentially damaging the bearing.
• Inconsistent results: Operators may overlook subtle variations in vibration or surface waviness.
Such limitations lead to compromised accuracy, inconsistent quality, and increased labor costs.
Let’s explore about Sugawara’s bearing inspection systems. How Anderon Meters and Waviness Meters ensure every bearing meets the highest quality standards.
• Anderon meter performs high-precision measurements of ball bearing vibrations.
• Race waviness meter system rotates the outer and inner rings of a ball bearing to perform high-speed, high-precision measurements of surface waviness of a race.
Bearing Testing with Sugawara Systems
• High-Sensitivity Vibration Measurement
Sugawara’s velocity sensors capture vibration data with precision.
• Fast and Automated Testing
Automated Anderon Meters can measure both sides of a bearing in about 6 seconds.
This allows manufacturers to test up to 15,000 bearings per day.
• Bearing Positioning with Automated Pushers
Automated pushers ensure every bearing is positioned with the exact same force and alignment, improving repeatability of the inspection process.
• Torque Measurement for Sealed Bearings
Some bearings, such as rubber-sealed types generate small amounts of torque.
Sugawara’s pusher-type torque sensor can measure the torque values, giving manufacturers a complete picture of bearing friction characteristics.
• Detection of Abnormal Patterns
Rare manufacturing defects, such as missing balls may occur during bearing production process. Sugawara’s Anderon Meters can detect these abnormalities automatically.
If vibration or frequency thresholds are exceeded, the system triggers an alarm, preventing defective bearings from moving further into production.
Sugawara’s Anderon Meters and Waviness Meters help manufacturers improve inspection, reduce labor costs, and prevent defective bearings from reaching customers.
