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How to identify and avoid buying fake bearings

When a company’s reputation is at stake, no purchasing or engineering teams want to fall into the trap of purchasing fake bearings. Every year, NSK invests heavily in identifying and prosecuting counterfeiters but knows that the best way to stop these bogus operations is to halt demand. With this thought in mind, informing customers of ways to identify and avoid buying replica bearings is hugely beneficial for all stakeholders.

Both of these bearing products are counterfeit, showing incorrect packaging (left) and no markings (right)

Most end users that receive counterfeit bearings believe they have purchased genuine products and, lacking expertise in this technology, will find it almost impossible to tell the difference between real and fake items at the point of delivery. As a result, users are completely reliant on their supply chains to have the necessary quality control procedures in place that avoid the arrival of counterfeit bearings.

Use authorized sources

Buying from an authorized NSK source is a certain way to guarantee the acquisition of authentic bearings. When purchasing premium bearings from an Authorised Distributor or Dealer, users can be sure that rigorous quality assurance procedures are in place, as this is one of the many stringent control processes with which distributors must adhere to receive NSK approval.

To verify the use of an approved source, visit the NSK website. Alternatively, call NSK for confirmation of the distributor’s status.

Although similar in general appearance, there are several areas in which authentic (left) and counterfeit (right) are different, including indentation on the rollers

A further source of potential vulnerability to counterfeits is when subcontractors are used for repairs on assets such as electric motors, pumps, gearboxes and fans. It is sometimes easy for a subcontractor – unaware of the dangers (which include premature failure) – to inadvertently fit fake bearings. As a result, each subcontractor should be vetted to ensure they know the risks that surround copycat products and have the appropriate controls in place to avoid ill-fated acquisitions.

If there are any doubts about the authenticity of bearings, a few basic checks can help identify NSK as the original manufacturer. To begin, check the markings. An absence of markings is an obvious sign that the bearings are fake. If markings are present, are they similar to standard manufacturer markings, or are they located on different areas of the bearing to normal? Both can point to illegal manufacture.

Insufficient quality standards

Poor quality is another factor that can help reveal fraudulent bearings. A close-up inspection of the rolling elements and raceways will provide key indicators, such as rough finishes and abnormal roller appearance. NSK’s manufacturing processes have been refined over many decades and, in combination with rigorous quality procedures, means there is zero potential for poor-quality products.

The photo on the left shows a single-piece machined brass cage with broached pocket, while the photo on the right shows a counterfeit two-piece cage with rivets. The difference in the cage could cause bearing failure

Another giveaway when it comes to identifying fake bearings is the packaging. In the first instance, users should check that the bearings have been packaged in appropriate shipping material. Insufficient or low-quality packaging means the bearings have not been supplied by NSK. Additionally, examine the pallet configuration and container load, and compare manufacturer country with shipment country. Crate quality should also be checked.

Once the outer packaging has been removed, observe the bearing cartons. Are the cartons similar to other packaging received previously? Always look to see if the cartons have the proper markings and that the logo is genuine.

The easy solution

Of course, buying from a trusted source such as an Authorised NSK Distributor will negate the need for any of these checks. Carefully chosen and meticulously monitored, NSK Authorised Distributors are professional, knowledgeable, and service-orientated. With extensive stocks of NSK and RHP products and unlimited access across the range, these distributors deliver genuine bearings quickly and reliably. In addition, everything from stock management and product and application knowledge, to engineering advice and support based on a total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) approach, is assured.

Look out for the NSK Authorised Distributor logo

Every NSK Authorised Distributor is part of a tripartite relationship delivering the peace of mind that comes from a fully committed global and local alliance. Purchasing from these distributors will ensure users receive factory-fresh, genuine, premium NSK bearings that provide optimum performance levels.