Akron Bearing: A Comprehensive Guide to the Ohio-Based Manufacturing Giant

Akron Bearing, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a leading manufacturer and supplier of precision bearings and bearing components. With over a century of experience, the company has established a reputation for quality, innovation, and reliability.

Products and Services

Akron Bearing manufactures a wide range of bearings, including:

• Ball bearings
• Roller bearings
• Needle bearings
• Thrust bearings
• Mounted bearings

These bearings are used in various industries, including:

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Medical
• Industrial machinery
• Renewable energy

History and Milestones

Akron Bearing was founded in 1915 as a small machine shop by Homer A. Cooper. Over the years, the company has grown significantly, expanding its product line and customer base.

Key Milestones:

• 1920: Developed the first ball bearing for the automotive industry.
• 1940: Began manufacturing bearings for aircraft engines during World War II.
• 1960: Opened a new manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio.
• 1980: Acquired Federal-Mogul's bearing division.
• 2000: Became a publicly traded company.

Research and Development

Akron Bearing invests heavily in research and development to stay at the forefront of bearing technology. The company's engineers work closely with customers to develop innovative solutions that meet specific application requirements.

Recent research efforts have focused on:

• Developing low-friction bearings for improved energy efficiency.
• Designing bearings that can withstand harsh environments and extreme loads.
• Creating new materials and surface treatments to enhance bearing performance.

Quality Standards andCertifications

Akron Bearing is committed to producing high-quality bearings that meet or exceed industry standards. The company has obtained the following certifications:

• ISO 9001:2015
• IATF 16949:2016
• AS9100:2016

These certifications demonstrate Akron Bearing's adherence to strict quality control processes and its ability to meet the demanding requirements of the aerospace, automotive, and other industries.

Market Presence and Distribution

Akron Bearing operates a global distribution network with sales offices and warehouses in over 30 countries. The company's products are sold through a network of authorized distributors and resellers.

Akron Bearing has established a strong presence in the following markets:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia
• South America

Acquisitions and Partnerships

Throughout its history, Akron Bearing has made several strategic acquisitions and partnerships to expand its product portfolio and geographic reach.

Notable Acquisitions:

• 2010: Acquired Federal-Mogul's bearing division.
• 2014: Acquired SPM Instrument, a leading provider of condition monitoring solutions.

These acquisitions have allowed Akron Bearing to offer a more comprehensive range of products and services to its customers.

Partnerships:

• University of Akron: Akron Bearing funds research and development projects at the university.
• Ohio State University: Akron Bearing is a member of the Ohio State University Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence.

These partnerships foster innovation and strengthen Akron Bearing's ties to the academic community.

Table 1: Akron Bearing Manufacturing Locations

Table 2: Akron Bearing Industry Applications

Table 3: Akron Bearing Certifications

Tips and Tricks for Using Akron Bearings

• Choose the right bearing type: Consider the load, speed, and environment in which the bearing will be operating.
• Install the bearing properly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure proper alignment and lubrication.
• Lubricate the bearing regularly: Use a high-quality lubricant that is compatible with the bearing and application.
• Monitor the bearing condition: Inspect the bearing regularly for signs of wear, contamination, or damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Akron Bearings

• Using the wrong bearing type: This can lead to premature failure and reduced performance.
• Improper installation: This can cause misalignment, excessive friction, and noise.
• Inadequate lubrication: This can lead to increased wear and damage to the bearing.
• Ignoring bearing maintenance: This can increase the risk of failure and downtime.

How to Choose the Right Akron Bearing in 5 Steps

1. Determine the load and speed requirements.
2. Select the appropriate bearing type.
3. Consider the environment in which the bearing will be operating.
4. Choose a bearing with the correct dimensions and tolerances.
5. Consult with an Akron Bearing engineer if you need assistance.

FAQs about Akron Bearing

1. What is Akron Bearing's history?
   - Akron Bearing was founded in 1915 as a small machine shop and has grown into a leading manufacturer of precision bearings.

2. What industries does Akron Bearing serve?
   - Akron Bearing serves a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical, industrial machinery, and renewable energy.

3. Is Akron Bearing a publicly traded company?
   - Yes, Akron Bearing became a publicly traded company in 2000.

4. Where are Akron Bearing's manufacturing facilities located?
   - Akron Bearing has manufacturing facilities in Akron, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Shanghai, China; and Taichung, Taiwan.

5. What certifications does Akron Bearing hold?
   - Akron Bearing holds ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, and AS9100:2016 certifications.

6. How do I choose the right Akron Bearing for my application?
   - Consider the load, speed, environment, and dimensions of your application, and consult with an Akron Bearing engineer if needed.

Call to Action

Akron Bearing is a trusted partner for all your precision bearing needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and how we can help you improve the performance and efficiency of your machinery.

3 Humorous Stories about Akron Bearing

Story 1: The Missing Ball Bearing

A maintenance technician was troubleshooting a machine when he noticed a missing ball bearing. He searched high and low, but the bearing was nowhere to be found. Finally, he decided to call Akron Bearing for help. The customer service representative asked the technician for the machine's serial number and promised to send a replacement bearing right away. Much to the technician's surprise, the replacement bearing arrived the next day with a note that said, "We hope you find this bearing more satisfactory than the one you lost."

Moral of the story: Even the smallest missing part can cause big problems.

Story 2: The Bearing That Saved a Life

A young engineer was working on a critical project when she noticed that the bearing in her machine was making a strange noise. She knew that if the bearing failed, the entire project would be delayed. Desperate, she called Akron Bearing for help. The customer service representative quickly diagnosed the problem and sent a replacement bearing overnight. The engineer installed the new bearing and the project was completed on time. The grateful engineer later wrote a letter to Akron Bearing, saying that the replacement bearing had saved her life (well, maybe not her life, but it had definitely saved her project).

Moral of the story: A good bearing can be a lifesaver (or at least a project-saver).

Story 3: The Bearing That Was Too Big

A purchasing agent ordered a bearing from Akron Bearing that was slightly too big for the machine he was repairing. When he called Akron Bearing to complain, the customer service representative asked him to send the bearing back. A few days later, the purchasing agent received a package from Akron Bearing containing the correct bearing, along with a note that said, "We're sorry the previous bearing was too big, but we're sure this one will fit."

Moral of the story: Even the best companies make mistakes sometimes, but it's how they handle those mistakes that matters.