How An Industrial Equipment Manufacturer Solved Precision Bearing Challenges with Custom 3D Printed Solutions

​Introduction​

A leading industrial equipment manufacturer based in Sweden faced significant production challenges with specialized bearing requirements for their heavy machinery line. Their equipment required custom-sized bearings that were not available through standard suppliers, causing production delays and increased costs from custom machining. They needed a manufacturing partner who could produce precision bearings with specific dimensional requirements and material properties for demanding industrial environments.

Addressing Specialized Bearing Requirements

The manufacturer produced specialized packaging machinery that required non-standard bearing sizes to fit unique design configurations. Traditional bearing suppliers required minimum order quantities that were too large for their production needs, while custom machining solutions were prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. The company needed a solution that could provide small to medium batch production with precise dimensional accuracy and material properties suitable for continuous operation in food processing environments.

Yuesun3D’s ​Custom 3D Printed Bearings​ offered the perfect solution. The ability to produce bearings with exact dimensional specifications and custom material properties addressed their core technical requirements. The manufacturer was particularly impressed by the capability to create complex internal structures that improved lubrication distribution and wear resistance.

Technical Collaboration and Precision Manufacturing

The project involved close engineering collaboration between Yuesun3D’s technical team and the manufacturer’s design engineers:

• ​Design Optimization:​​ Developed bearing designs with integrated lubrication channels and customized cage structures that reduced friction by 30%
• ​Material Selection:​​ Utilized food-grade certified polymers with excellent wear resistance and low moisture absorption for hygiene-critical environments
• ​Precision Manufacturing:​​ Achieved dimensional tolerances within ±0.02mm, ensuring perfect fit and smooth operation in precision machinery
• ​Testing Protocol:​​ Implemented comprehensive testing including load capacity analysis, rotational accuracy verification, and longevity testing under simulated operating conditions
• ​Rapid Production:​​ Delivered initial production batches within 2 weeks, enabling the manufacturer to meet urgent production deadlines

Transformative Operational Impact and Performance Improvement

The implementation of ​Custom 3D Printed Bearings​ delivered exceptional results for the industrial equipment manufacturer. Production delays were reduced by 60% as custom bearings became available on-demand rather than waiting for traditional manufacturing lead times. The manufacturer reported a 45% reduction in bearing costs compared to previous custom machining solutions.

The performance of the 3D printed bearings exceeded expectations, with improved operational smoothness and reduced noise levels in their machinery. The custom lubrication channels significantly extended service intervals, reducing maintenance requirements for their end customers. This performance improvement became a key selling point that enhanced their competitive position in the market.

Financially, the manufacturer achieved annual savings of approximately €220,000 through reduced component costs, decreased inventory requirements, and lower maintenance costs for their customers. The ability to produce small batches also allowed for continuous design improvements based on field performance feedback.

The success of this partnership has expanded to include other custom rotational components for their machinery line. The manufacturer is now exploring using Yuesun3D’s capabilities for other custom mechanical components throughout their product range.

This case demonstrates how additive manufacturing can transform precision component production in industrial equipment manufacturing, enabling custom solutions that were previously economically unviable while simultaneously improving product performance.

For industrial equipment manufacturers seeking precision custom bearing solutions, explore our capabilities in producing custom industrial bearings bulk orders.