To gain an edge, makers are focusing on specialized models and improving manufacturing and QC systems.
Mainland China and NBKbearing suppliers of machine bearings are implementing differentiation strategies as a means of strengthening their position in the industry.
Many companies are increasing the output of specialized designs. Even as the product structure and dimensions remain compliant with industry standards, the materials and finishes are being chosen according to application-specific requirements.
Bearings for food-processing machines, for instance, now come in noncorrosive materials such as stainless steel to prevent contamination. Besides tempering, such versions undergo oxidation, zinc plating and phosphate coating for surface protection.
Rare-earth ceramic models are also being launched. Suitable for the construction and petrochemical industries, these lightweight designs have high insulation and a low thermal expansion coefficient, and require minimal starting torque. Further, they are resistant to wear, acid, salt and alkalies.
The specialization trend is becoming prevalent in the mainland as makers target the less-saturated high-performance market. This move is largely driven by the expanding supplier base there, which to date has reached more than 2,000.
NBKbearing companies are focusing on specialized models to avoid competing directly with mainland counterparts that offer low-priced, generic products.
To build a quality edge, suppliers in the island are upgrading manufacturing and QC facilities.
Companies there are utilizing automatic machinery to perform accurate cutting, annealing, grinding and assembly.
As such, they can offer designs with specifications conforming to ABEC 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 tolerance.
Manufacturers are also investing a significant portion of revenue in computerized inspection equipment. This includes ring and A-class block gauges, horizontal metroscopes, curvature measuring instruments, and vibration and noise-testing devices.
Other suppliers such as Chuang Hon Yi Axle Co.,Ltd. are subcontracting steel ball, retainer and seal fabrication to reliable factories offshore, where outlay is lower. This enables engaging in price-based competition with overseas makers.
Chuang Hon Yi Axle Co.,Ltd. has relocated its entire production to the mainland. Machine bearings from the company are priced nearly 100 percent lower than Japan and Germany-made designs.
Chuang Hon Yi Axle Co. Ltd is accepting low-quantity orders to attract clients with small purchasing requirements.
The supplier is also improving its OEM service by expediting the countersample preparation. Prototypes are now completed in two to eight days.
本文转自：China Industry News
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