In the world of manufacturing, lead times for custom-made bearings have significantly increased, often stretching to an unmanageable 52 weeks. This delay can severely impact project timelines, making it difficult for companies to wait for bearings from typical manufacturers. However, Napoleon Engineering Services offers a promising solution through their specialized bearing modification capabilities.
Located in Olean, New York, NES has built a reputation for its unparalleled ability to modify standard bearings, transforming them into customized solutions that meet specific needs. This approach not only saves time but also reduces manufacturing costs. NES’s modification services include precision modifications such as duplex grinding, ceramic hybrids, radial clearance changes, special cages, and inner- and outer-ring production. They also offer simpler modifications like snap groove rings, bearing relubrication, seal/shield replacements, and special marking.
What sets NES apart from other machine shops is its exceptional application engineering knowledge and stringent bearing design and manufacturing standards, honed over 27 years in the industry. This expertise allows NES to provide high-quality, customized bearing solutions that address both short-term and long-term needs.
Chris Napoleon, president of NES, emphasized the company’s commitment to solving client problems with tailored bearing solutions. “What NES is able to do for someone is create a bearing solution to solve a problem,” Napoleon said. “We’re offering all these a la carte items that can be included and doing it in a short lead time, typically within 2-8 weeks.”
NES’s ability to modify bearings quickly and efficiently makes it an invaluable partner for companies needing immediate solutions. For instance, a customer might purchase bearings through a distributor and send them to NES for up-certification. NES inspects these bearings to higher ABEC tolerance levels than originally certified and performs necessary modifications such as off-set grinding to enter a specific pre-load.
This process ensures that the bearings meet higher quality standards and are ready for use in production environments. Napoleon explained, “That customer isn’t having the plant do that, and that plant isn’t going to do that. We perform the inspection and the modification, both of which are critical characteristics of this service.”
NES’s comprehensive range of modification services provides a valuable alternative to waiting for custom-made bearings. By taking stock products and altering them to meet specific requirements, NES helps clients avoid long lead times and ensures their projects stay on track. As Napoleon noted, “Let the high-volume plant make that standard product day in and day out, and we’ll take it from there.”
