TURNING UP THE HEAT WITHOUT LOSING BEARINGS: BOCA BEARINGS’ ENGINEERING ADVANTAGE
Customer: Major automotive supplier
Industry: Automotive manufacturing
Application: Welding wheel support bearings
THE CHALLENGE
The customer was experiencing rapid failure of chrome steel ball bearings supporting welding wheels. The bearings were exposed to high temperatures during welding, resulting in heat damage, loss of lubrication, and bearing lock-up, leading to unplanned downtime and maintenance challenges.
THE APPROACH
The failed bearings were sent to the Boca Bearings engineering team for detailed analysis. Engineers examined the bearings, reviewed process parameters, and analyzed customer photographs. They quickly saw visual signs of high heat exposure, including oxidation, flaking and spalling, and lubrication loss, and evaluated material performance under extreme heat.
THE SOLUTION: FULL CERAMIC BEARINGS
Boca Bearings recommended replacing the chrome steel bearings with ceramic bearings, which are better suited to high temperatures. To manage excess thermal energy, a heat shield was suggested between the welding source and the bearing, and cooling pathways were proposed within the bearing housing to minimize temperature differentials and reduce thermal stress.
THE RESULTS
The engineering analysis gave the customer a clear understanding of the root cause and a roadmap for mitigating future risk, combining material substitution with thermal management to extend bearing life and maintain process reliability.
CUSTOMER IMPACT
The customer can now expect significantly longer bearing life, fewer unplanned shutdowns, and less lost production time, along with improved operational efficiency and reduced maintenance costs.
CONCLUSION
Boca Bearings goes beyond supplying bearings. Our engineers analyze application challenges, identify root causes, and design tailored solutions, often looking at the entire assembly, not just the bearing. Manufacturers facing demanding or high-temperature applications can rely on that expertise to extend equipment life and keep production on track.
At Boca Bearings, we don’t just solve problems; we engineer solutions that perform.
For additional assistance, contact one of our bearing experts at Info@bocabearings.com or call (561) 998-0004.