Design Target and Life Cycle Cost Management Through Bearing Value Analysis

Traditionally, bearings have been selected on the basis of a calculated fatigue life or price. These are important, but do not represent the entire spectrum of variables that determine a bearing's value. As companies are forced to seek out only the highest value components, a standard methodology is needed to make comparisons (of value).

To address these issues, a new procedure has been developed that links bearing selection decisions to a financial analysis by combining advanced bearing life analysis tools, bearing prices, Weibull statistics, financial data, and end-user demographics. Bearing consumption rates, warranty claims, and relative cash flow generated by a bearing-to-bearing comparison are modeled. The input data and calculation methodology will be discussed along with the results and applicability of this process.