The way in which bearings are stored can affect the overall performance of your application, correct storage can maximise shelf life.
The term ‘shelf life’, when it comes to bearings, refers to the length of time in which bearings are expected to remain in optimal condition while stored on a shelf before being put into use. Shelf life varies depending on factors such as the type of bearing, its design, and the storage conditions.
If a bearing exceeds its shelf life and hasn’t been used, its service life may be diminished, leading to potential breakdowns and the need for replacements sooner than expected.
Certain brands that we stock here at Quality Bearings Online have techniques factored into their manufacturing process to protect the bearings and prolong shelf life. For example, some SKF bearings are coated in a compound that protects them from rusting quickly. This prolongs their shelf life up to a maximum of 3 years, similar to sealed bearings which also maintain a shelf life of around 3 years. It’s important to check with the manufacturer to find out the shelf life of the bearings you are buying, because all products will differ.
With this being said, the products will not last the estimated shelf life if they are not stored in the correct conditions. Within this blog, we’ll outline some of the guidelines to follow when it comes to the storage of your bearings.
The Guidelines For Storing Bearings
Firstly, bearings should only be stored flat to ensure even support across the entire surface. Secondly, avoid stacking bearings as this unnecessarily risks them falling and being damaged. Additionally, bearings should be stored in a vibration-free location where there are no windows or airflow. This prevents any risk of the bearings being contaminated by dust and reduces risk of damage to the bearings.
Can Temperature Affect A Bearings Shelf Life?
The temperature in which bearings are stored in makes a significant impact on their performance. Bearings should be stored in a cool temperature, with the recommended range being between 20°C. It is advised that you use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity of the room the bearings are stored in as low as possible. It is important that the temperature is kept to the recommended amount because higher temperatures can cause the lubrication on the bearing to deteriorate therefore, it will not be as effective when it comes to using them in your machinery
How Should Bearings Be Stored To Avoid Contamination?
Bearings should be kept in the original packaging they are received in and remain unopened until you are ready to use them. This prevents contamination and corrosion which could significantly impact a bearings performance. Contamination could occur from the environment, such as chemical products or acids, where they are stored. If keeping the products in their original packaging is not possible - due to loss of packaging or it breaks in transit - then the bearings should be stored with the same level of protection as the original packaging provided.It is advised that you should inspect products for rust every 10-12 months.
What Should I Avoid When Storing Bearings?
There are many things that should be avoided when it comes to storing bearings, like, for example, storing them directly on the floor. This is because there is increased risk of the product becoming contaminated with dust or water. If the bearings do need to be stored on the floor, they should always be put on pallets, so they are raised up rather than on the ground. When it comes to cleaning bearings, you should never clean them with cotton as contaminants and cotton fibers are often left deposited on the bearing.
Contact our in-house product team with expert knowledge for any guidance or advice you may need when trying to correctly store your bearings.
If you’re looking for more information as to why bearings may fail, check out our latest blog for everything you need to know to avoid unplanned downtime.
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