The introduction of a structured maintenance management programme, which can be implemented in-house, or partially outsourced to a professional organisation, is critical to maximising production efficiencies, says industrial products supplier BMG specialists, noting that the effects of friction and the resulting wear of moving components are significantly reduced by effective lubrication.

Conditioning monitoring identifies lubrication problems, misalignment and vibration troubles and also helps in identifying the causes of the damage so that units can be fixed before further destruction occurs. This means reduced downtime, efficient production and substantial cost savings.

Hence, BMG’s focus on optimising productivity and reducing operational costs for companies in all sectors encompasses a total solutions service.

This productivity drive involves the selection of appropriate quality branded components and correct installation, as well predictive maintenance services, comprising condition monitoring and oil analysis.

To this end, BMG’s team of mobile technicians conducts breakdown and routine maintenance on site and carries out troubleshooting, while advising on possible productivity improvements to ensure the highest level of plant output and reliability.

Specialist services include installation, adjustment, replacement and maintenance of components; shaft and pulley alignment; balancing; condition monitoring; oil sampling; and analysis and critical equipment inspections and lubrication schedules.

Additionally, BMG’s Bearings Division, together with global bearings manufacturer Timken’s local expertise, offers a complete bearing remanufacturing and repair service. When used, large size bearings are reconditioned to original specifications for optimum performance and extended service life.

This repair service includes a customised assessment, analysis, remanufacturing and preventive maintenance programme for the bearings and auxiliary components used in all industries.

Remanufacturing ensures substantial savings in downtime and reduced replacement costs. A reconditioned bearing can result in significant cost and time saving compared with purchasing a new one.

Efficient refurbishing options, using sophisticated processes and equipment, are offered for all brands, types and size of bearings. BMG works closely with a customer’s maintenance team to analyse the condition of bearings and to assess when a bearing needs to be serviced.

When preventive maintenance programmes complement reconditioning, bearings are capable of reaching their fullest potential.

Technical training is available to all BMG staff which promotes a culture of ongoing learning. This training is also available to BMG customers to support them in their understanding of bearings products and maintenance practices.

Productivity

According to BMG specialists, bearings – which are critical in all types of machinery – are key components for the efficient and reliable operation of any equipment that involves rotating shafts or accurate movement.

Bearings are essential components for reducing friction and supporting loads wherever two connected parts of a machine are required to rotate or move relative to each other. They also maintain alignment and accuracy and support the transmission of power.

In this vein, the BMG Bearings Division offers a comprehensive range of bearings throughout Southern Africa, including ball, roller and linear bearings – ranging in size from miniature to extremely large units.

The company’s product offering is enhanced by technical expertise, including bearing selection to suit exact requirements, condition monitoring, reclassification and repairs, bearing modification, manufacturing of assemblies and bearing and housing interchanges.

“Our bearings team focuses on every customer’s specific process needs and the formulation of integrated product solutions to ensure high efficiency. “Very often, an enquiry for a bearing translates into a comprehensive long-term solution for a machine or provides a solution to an ongoing problem in the machine,” explains BMG consumables divisions GM Wayne Holton.

“By providing the correct components, we are able to improve machine performance, enhance reliability and extend maintenance intervals and service life. This approach to bearings reduces the total costs of owning and operating an asset, which translates into maximum return on investment for our customers.”

Holton notes that BMG has secured distribution and service agreements with global bearings manufacturer, including NSK, NTN, Timken, IKO, TR, Rollway, FSQ and Rollix.

“Our extensive bearings portfolio is carefully selected in terms of consistent quality controls, compatibility, standardisation, reliability and extended service life,” Holton concludes.