In order to qualify bearing manufactuers as suppliers, we carry out both assessment of the related samples and an evaluation of the relevant processes. On this way, we combine two different points of view on the related company and may thus offer you valuable support for the development of new sources.

The sample assessment starts with the analysis of operation conditions and damage history. Both provide valuable infomation on:

• the relevance of the single part characteristics and
  
• the actual requirements on the parts in the related application.
  

Both pieces of information are necessary to adapt the intended investigation programme to the operation conditions, while limiting it to the necessary amount.

The next step is to inspect and measure the functional surfaces in order to discuss especially the microgeometry such as roughness, roundness or possibly the profiling of the raceways. In case of very special requirements, we can carry out numerical simulations of contact pressure distribution between rollers and raceways considering overall deflections of housing and shafts.

Furthermore, metallographic investigations will be carried out to gather information on chemical composition, cleanliness and micro-structure of the used materials. In combination with the mentioned geometric measurements, severe weak points may already be detected or excluded so that in case of low requirements a release of the product might be possible.

In case of high requirements on product reliability, lifetime tests are recommended. For this purpose, a set of test rigs are available, on which a broad spectrum of parameter combinations may be realized in order to carry out the test runs as close to reality as possible.

The supplier evaluation starts with a questionnaire concerning economic and organizational issues. Based on this, we may prepare on the following audit which may be carried out worldwide.

The core of our investigation is a process audit concerning:

In context with the release process, we may not only verify the implementation of the requested improvements but also support the development of cooperation between your quality management and that of the new supplier by moderation.