How to Identify Counterfeit Bearings
High performance, high quality bearings are often counterfeited and have serious implications for the people and businesses that trust them. The use of counterfeits can lead to unexpected downtime, costly repairs, and public liability concerns. It is imperative that you protect your bearings and your business by understanding the cues and warning signs of counterfeiting.
What is a Counterfeit Bearing?
Simply put, a counterfeit bearing is a product masquerading as something it is not. The most common type of counterfeited bearing are high performance bearings manufactured by well-known and respected brands. These bearings typically come with a high price tag, as they must be subjected to strict quality control during manufacture. However, with counterfeit bearings, these rigorous standards are not adhered to, resulting in poor quality bearings being put onto the market.
Where do Counterfeits Come From?
Counterfeit bearings can come from a number of sources. They can originate from original bearing manufacturers that have leaked designs to rival producers, from go-betweens that specialize in counterfeiting, and from unscrupulous manufacturers that produce copies of original products. Counterfeit bearings can also originate from manufacturers or businesses who mislabel their products and present them as genuine while they are actually copies.
What Are the Warning Signs of Counterfeit Bearings
When it comes to protecting your bearings, watch out for the following warning signs that could signal counterfeiting:
1. The Price is Too Good to be True
Beware of any bearings that come with an unusually low price tag. This could signal that the bearings are counterfeit and do not offer the quality or performance promised by genuine bearings.
2. Too Good to be True Performance Claims
Another sign that a bearing is counterfeit is if the manufacturer or retailer is making extremely unrealistic claims about its performance capabilities, such as promising it will outlast all the competition.
3. Noticeable Damage
Bearings purchased from reputable, trust-worthy sources should be in good condition. If you notice signs of damage that is a sure sign that the bearing was not manufactured to the original manufacturer’s standards.
4. Different Brand Name
Be wary if the brand name on the bearing does not match that of the reseller. This could be an indication that the bearing is a counterfeit, or the reseller may be attempting to mislead customers into believing they are buying a genuine product.
5. Not Previously Used
Be cautious of any bearing that is presented as “new” but has clearly been previously used or opened. High-quality bearings should never be resold if they have been used previously.
6. Missing or Incomplete Documentation
Genuine bearings should come with detailed technical documentation and application data. If the bearing you are being sold does not come with detailed information, then it is likely to be counterfeit.
7. Unprofessional Packaging
Genuine bearings are typically packaged with professional-looking materials including detailed product labels and application data. If the manufacturing and packaging of a bearing does not look professional, it is likely to be counterfeit.
How to Avoid Buying Counterfeit Bearings
The best way to avoid buying counterfeit bearings is to buy from reliable and trusted suppliers that specialise in original bearing manufacturers. Make sure you always ask for certification and original documentation from the supplier to confirm its authenticity. Where possible, buy bearings directly from the manufacturer rather than resellers who may be selling counterfeit products. If you have any doubts about a bearing, then it is best to seek expert opinion first. It is also important to carry out regular inspections of bearings to ensure they remain in good condition and are not showing any signs of wear and tear.
Conclusion
Counterfeit bearings can have serious implications not only for your machinery, but also for your business. To protect your bearings, it is important to understand the cues and warning signs of counterfeiting. Be cautious of any bearings that come with an unusually low price tag, make unrealistic performance claims, or appear to be previously used. Always buy from reliable and trusted suppliers and make sure you always request certification and original documentation to ensure authenticity. By being vigilant and taking measures to spot counterfeits, you can protect your bearings and your business from the dangers of counterfeiting.
