SKF’s specialist Bearing Remanufacturing (Reman) Centre says it has helped a leading bulk materials handling equipment original-equipment manufacturer to salvage inventory that would otherwise have been rejected, consequently avoiding redundant procurement and scrap costs.

Located at the company’s Johannesburg head office, the remanufacturing centre aims to support a commitment to circularity by extending the life of high‑value bearings and housings through second, third and even fourth use. Circularity is said to replace the conventional ‘take‑make‑waste’ approach with regenerative cycles that keep products, materials and resources in circulation for longer. By prioritising reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling, SKF helps minimise waste, conserve valuable resources and contribute to lower emissions.

“Our customer had previously purchased SKF 24160CCW33 spherical roller bearings with standard clearance, designed for use in the mining industry, specifically in crusher units. However, their end-user specified C3, placing the customer at risk of having to scrap the inventory. This prompted them to approach SKF to modify bearing clearance to C3, within the framework of the existing value‑based partnership,” explains SKF key account manager: heavy industries Shailin Govender, adding that clearance modification through remanufacturing was a new capability for the Reman team.

Govender notes that radial internal clearances are set in ranges with C3 denoting greater than normal clearance, while C4 is larger still. These ranges can be further refined to indicate position within the band; for example, C4L reflects the lower end of the C4 range, whereas C4H marks the upper end.

“This rigorous focus on clearance not only secures accuracy in remanufacturing and extends bearing life but also underscores SKF’s commitment to sustainable practices by responsibly prolonging product lifecycles. We are able to adjust tolerances for multiple bearing types, provided they meet the necessary criteria for remanufacture," he asserts.

In addition to delivering value for the customer through its scope of Reman capabilities, SKF highlights additional sustainability gains, including reduced emissions and lower direct energy consumption.