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The Challenge
A packaging plant came to a halt when 36 bearing housings cracked across several conveyor systems, bringing production to a standstill.
The damage was caused by material fatigue and thin wall sections in the original cast parts — and new OEM replacements would take weeks to arrive.
The maintenance team needed stronger, longer-lasting replacements, machined to exact dimensions, and installed within 48 hours to avoid extended downtime.
Our Approach
Southside Engineering took immediate action to replicate and improve the existing design.
Our team:
- Inspected the damaged housings and recorded critical dimensions and bearing seat tolerances.
- Modelled the parts in CAD to identify weak points and increase wall thickness for greater strength.
- Machined 12 new housings from upgraded alloy steel, improving both durability and impact resistance.
- Conducted CNC milling and boring with ±0.01mm accuracy to ensure perfect bearing fit.
- Delivered and assisted with installation within 48 hours of receiving the job.
Each part was manufactured and inspected under Australian-based quality control, ensuring consistency across all housings.
The Outcome
The new housings were installed and operational within two days — eliminating the risk of future cracking and improving long-term performance.
Results:
- ⚙️ 36 upgraded alloy housings machined and installed within 48 hours
- 🔩 Improved design with thicker wall sections for durability
- 🧭 Perfect bearing alignment and fit across all conveyors
- ✅ Production fully restored, zero follow-up issues reported
Key Takeaway
Southside Engineering’s CNC machining and redesign services help manufacturers extend the life of critical components while improving reliability and uptime. By combining precision machining, material expertise, and fast delivery, we provide industrial clients with stronger, smarter solutions — not just replacements.
