NSK fights counterfeit bearing manufacture30 October 2020

Japanese bearing manufacturer NSK continues to fight the production of counterfeit bearings.

Some 23,000 counterfeit NSK packages and labels were recently discovered in Hebei Province, China. A follow-up raid at another factory owned by the same offender revealed over 90,000 counterfeit bearing boxes and 10 imitation printing plates covering four major bearing companies, including NSK.

Upon examining the premises, the range of machinery and equipment in-situ indicated the level of capability many counterfeiters have at their disposal. Several machines for printing, laminating, die-cutting, creasing and cutting were discovered. Aside from the fake boxes, officials also found many stacks of uncut packages, most of which were NSK.

All products were confiscated and taken to the Market Supervisory Board (MSB), the local trademark infringement office.

NSK argues that the acquisition of counterfeit bearings is not cost effective. Although such products may come with a lower price tag, due to issues such as poor-quality machining and the use of lower grade raw materials, they will almost certainly fail prematurely. Early bearing failure impacts on product/system reliability, introducing unplanned maintenance and repair costs, which in turn increase TCO (total cost of ownership). There is also a major cost associated with the subsequent damage to company/brand reputation.

NSK has recently developed the ‘NSK Verify’ free app which allows customers to assess the authenticity of machine tool bearings by using their smartphones to scan a unique 2D barcode found on the box.

In addition, it has joined forces with the non-profit association WBA (World Bearing Association). WBA works globally to enforce the law on counterfeiters and eliminate fake bearings – including through app development.

It has created a new app covering multiple manufacturers’ components, ‘WBA Bearing Authenticator: WBA Check’.

Similar in function to NSK Verify, the WBA Check app assesses the bearing authenticity of WBA member companies by scanning a compatible 2D barcode, making it easier for customers who use bearings from multiple manufacturers. Furthermore, if an unregistered bearing is detected, the app automatically notifies NSK. It can be downloaded via the link below.

Although NSK admits that apps are ideal for identifying fake bearings that have already arrived at the end user, it contends that a more preventative way of combatting the counterfeiters is to buy exclusively from authorised NSK distributors and dealers. Such outlets obtain original NSK products directly from the NSK group and add value through the provision of advice, aftersales service and warranties.

Operations Engineer

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NSK Bearings Europe Ltd

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