BEARING INSPECTOR
Overview
Bearing Inspector
The Vibrac Bearing Inspector is a high-accuracy, high-resolution test system for measuring the torque characteristics of all bearing types, including roller, duplex, quadplex, and needle bearings, as well as bearing assemblies like guidance and stabilized systems. Mounted on a standalone anti-vibration granite block, the unit includes a monitor, keyboard, and computer tailored to each customer’s testing needs, with user-friendly National Instruments LabVIEW-based software.
The BRG 3100/3200 series complies with MIL-STD-206B and features Windows 11, two serial ports, and four USB ports. Test configurations can be stored on the hard drive or transferred to peripheral devices.
For over 30 years, Vibrac has led the industry with torque resolution accuracy as fine as 0.00025 oz-in (0.00018 N-cm). The system is trusted across aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, EV, and industrial automation sectors by organizations including NASA, Raytheon, BAE Systems, and Lockheed Martin.
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Testing Capabilities
On the Vibrac Bearing Inspector, both starting torque and running torque can be measured with the same system, the same tooling, and in the same test cycle. These various bearing problems can be identified with high-accuracy and low-speed bearing testing:
- Bearing Contamination
- Retainer Hang-Up
- Lubrication Viscosity and Dispersion
- Brinelled or Pitted Raceways
- Poor Bearing Geometry
- Structural Defects
- Reporting Options
Customized reports can be generated to highlight information relevant to a specific customer or application. Designed for convenience and clarity, these reports can be reviewed instantly on‑screen and printed using either a standard office printer or a strip chart printer, ensuring seamless integration into your existing workflow.
The system can produce data in 10 different measurements
- oz-in (ounce-inch)
- lb-in (pound-inch)
- mg-mm (milligram-millimeter)
- gm-cm (gram-centimeter)
- kg-cm (kilogram-centimeter)
- N-cm (Newton-centimeter)
- uNm (micro-Newton-meter)
- mN-m (milli-Newton-meter)
- Nm (Newton-meter)
- kg-m (kilogram-meter)
Published Studies
The Vibrac Bearing Inspector is the bearing‑testing standard trusted by NASA. For more than three decades, NASA has relied on this system to verify the performance of every bearing launched into space. Bearings evaluated with the Vibrac Bearing Inspector are integral to mission‑critical assets including the Artemis I and II launches, James Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes, the Perseverance and Opportunity Mars Rovers, numerous satellite programs, and virtually all space‑flight hardware deployed over the past 30 years.
See below for a few of the studies published by NASA referencing our state-of-the-art testing systems.
01.
NASA evaluates space dust effects on bearings
NASA Using Vibrac Bearing Inspector to evaluate space dust on bearings. (Mentioned slide 8)
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02.
NASA tests bearing performance across temperature extremes
NASA Testing Bearing Performance & Lubricant viscosity in a variety of temperatures. (Mentioned page 4)
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03.
NASA studies friction in turbine seal materials
NASA study examining the friction and wear behavior of abradable turbine seal materials under simulated engine conditions using Vibrac torque meter. (Mentioned page 5)
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04.
NASA designs precision bearing cartridge for PACE
NASA study on the design and performance of a precision superduplex hybrid bearing cartridge for the PACE mission's Ocean Color Instrument, using Vibrac torque and vibration data to minimise runout and ensure reliable operation. (Mentioned page 12)
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Tests can range from as little as 4 minutes to continuous running tests that can be customized in the test configurations.
At low speed, high resolution testing, it is possible to see quality concerns in a bearing associated with typical manufacturing, use, or lubrication failures.
Many of the bearings tested with the Vibrac Bearing Inspector are used in critical systems. Adding a second layer of verification provides customers (NASA, JPL, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, BAE Systems) with confidence that each bearing is performing as intended. Regular testing also helps prevent unexpected bearing failures, reducing downtime, and improving overall system reliability and accuracy – especially when bearing failure is not an option.
Bearings manufacturers including, Timken, SKF, NHBB, Schaeffler, and HQW utilize the Vibrac Bearing Inspector to ensure manufacturing standards are met with production goals.
Once an order is approved, the current lead time for a Vibrac Bearing Inspector is approximately three to four months after receipt of order. Each machine is engineered according and fully customizable to meet the specific requirements of your bearing‑testing application.
All Vibrac machines are manufactured in our facility in Manchester, New Hampshire, and we are proud to have maintained U.S.‑based production for more than 65 years. Purchasing a Vibrac Bearing Inspector ensures customers receive reliable, precisely tested bearings—without the added cost associated with import tariffs. In addition, all components are sourced within the United States.
Pricing for units varies based on individual customer needs. Please contact a member of our sales team today so we can create a quote tailored for your specific testing.