Second Life for Steel Bearings:
Extending Value, Minimizing Waste
Bearing Reconditioning Program for the Steel Industry
In today’s industrial landscape — where uptime, cost-efficiency, and sustainability are critical—bearing reconditioning
emerges as a high-impact strategy. ABS’s reconditioning program reflects a growing global trend: recovering high-value
components to like-new condition, reducing waste and cost while maintaining performance and safety.
ABS supports circular economy principles by offering technically validated reconditioning services. This initiative
targets key challenges in the steel rolling sector, extending bearing life, lowering total cost of ownership, and reducing
environmental impact.
Development and execution of a comprehensive bearing reconditioning program to extend
the life of large, high-performance bearings under heavy load and thermal conditions
What is Bearing Reconditioning?
It is the process of returning a used bearing to like-new condition using industry-standard inspection, cleaning, and precision machining—ensuring compliance with OEM specifications.
- Cleaning and dimensional verification
- Non-destructive testing and fatigue analysis
- Grinding and polishing raceways
- Replacement of components if necessary
- Reassembly, lubrication, and final QC
When is it Applicable?
- Bearings > 300 mm diameter
- Non-catastrophic surface wear
- Preventive maintenance windows
- Long lead times or supply chain constraints
TECHNICAL & OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
Technical Risks
- Assessment accuracy: Misdiagnosing fatigue, spalling, or plastic deformation can undermine reliability
- Dimensional precision: Post-repair BEP (Bench End Play) and tolerances must match OEM specs
- Material integrity: Surface rework must not alter core metallurgical properties
- Component compatibility: Internal parts must match the original bearing geometry and materials
Operational Barriers
- Traceability: Full documentation is essential from disassembly through QC
- Handling and logistics: Bearings must be safely removed and transported without secondary damage
- Downtime risk: Turnaround time must be faster than new bearing lead time to justify adoption
- End-user confidence: Convincing maintenance and procurement teams of long-term reliability is key
BEFORE RECONDITIONING
Receiving condition
Receiving condition
Receiving condition
Receiving condition
AFTER RECONDITIONING
Receiving condition
Receiving condition
Receiving condition
Engineering
Highlights
- Full restoration of bearing geometry through CNC regrinding
- BEP verification to ensure preload/load-sharing accuracy
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) for crack and hardness detection
- Polishing of raceways without undermining load-bearing capacity
- Reuse of bearing bodies with precision-fitted new internal components when required
Engineering Highlights
Cost Efficiency
- Reduces replacement costs by up to 60%
- Eliminates import delays and inventory issues
Operational Value
- Faster turnaround versus OEM procurement
- Extends uptime of critical line equipment
- Supports condition-based and predictive maintenance plans
Sustainability
- Minimizes scrap and energy use associated with new manufacturing
- Aligns with corporate sustainability and ESG goals
Global Benchmarks
Sustainability programs:
Promoting remanufacturing to improve
energy efficiency and resource use
Remanufacturing services:
Offering bearing reconditioning to reduce CO2
footprint and increase component longevity
Specialized programs
Reconditioning custom bearings with full traceability and performance validation
List of Key Applications for Bearing Reconditioning
- Rolling Mills (Hot and Cold)
- Continuous Casting Machines
- Converters & Steelmaking Equipment
- Ladle Turrets and Transfer Systems
- Coilers, Laying Heads, Pilger Mills
- Industrial Fans, Blowers, and Large Electric Motors
- Gearboxes and Drive Systems (Non-integrated Units)
CONCLUSIONS
ABS’s reconditioning program exemplifies how advanced maintenance practices can deliver both economic and environmental value. Our commitment to asset optimization, circular economy models, and operational excellence makes us a strategic partner for industrial leaders looking to modernize maintenance without compromising reliability.
For more information or to evaluate how bearing reconditioning could benefit your operation:
[email protected]
atlantic-bearing.com