Assessing the Health and Functionality of Linear Bearings: A Comparative Study Between Original and Replicated Models Using Time-Domain Statistical Techniques

The investigation involves a comparative analysis of linear bearings fabricated by two different manufacturers. One manufacturer is known for producing original, high-quality bearings that come with a higher price tag, while the other provides more affordable alternatives through reverse engineering of the original bearings. The primary aim is to understand the practical behavior of these replicated bearings compared to the original ones and determine whether the cost-effective replicated bearings can be chosen over the more expensive originals for specific applications. This requires assessing their performance under various operational conditions (speeds of 6000, 8000, and 10,000 mm/min, and loads of 500 and 1050 g) and evaluating the impact on functionality in real-world scenarios. Time-domain statistical techniques are incorporated to quantify the differences between these bearings. Statistical scalar indicators, such as root-mean-square value, crest factor, peak, skewness, and kurtosis, are used to characterize the health status of the bearings, with the monitored parameter being the vibration signal. It has been observed that these indicators are consistently higher for the replicated bearings compared to the original ones, the defects are introduced may be during the manufacturing process or utilization low-quality materials for production of replicated bearings. The analysis, therefore, highlights notable deviations and potential issues with the replicated bearings, reinforcing the superior performance and stability of the original bearings despite their higher cost. Thus, original bearings are better suited for applications.