Bearing Conference 2003 a success, despite multiple challenges

Ian McPherson reports the Bearing Conference 2003, held in Leipzig, Germany from April 11-13 was a success, despite a quartet of major challenges. The conference managed to attract a similar number of attendees as 2002, even though faced with world economic conditions which have many companies curtailing travel, the war in Iraq, terrorism fears, and concern about the spread of the SARS virus. Interviewed by eBearing, Mr. McPherson gave us this review of the Conference: The 2003 Bearing Conference in Germany was most successful considering the heightened global events with attendance similar to last year in France. There were a number of features, including the open tour of the KRW bearing plant, the head speaker Mr. Phil Harper from the University of Sheffield UK, the packed forum in the general discussion session and the contrasts of the city of Leipzig since the fall of the "wall." Mr. Harper, who lectures in Mechanical Engineering at the University, presented in three easy listening and viewing sessions, his research and findings into lubrication of bearings so that self life of new bearings can be determined. His findings suggest that by installing small inducers at manufacture, bearings can be monitored for shelf life expiry. The cost is only a few cents. Such research could have an impact on our industry, with some bearing manufacturers' warranty of only 2 years "shelf life." The General Forum was attended by distributors and manufacturers alike, with many ideas put forward on the format of the Bearing Conference, displays, times and dates, individual meeting points, interactions between manufacturers and distributors, and specified timing for optional presentations. This session was lively and very interactive. The KRW Bearing factory tour was definitely a highlight, and the Patrons of the Bearing Conference wish to thank the Staff and Management of KRW for allowing so many visitors to tour their plant. The 2004 Bearing Conference & Fair will be held in Bratislava, Republic of Slovakia (50 Kilometers from Vienna airport) with factory tours of ZKL Bearing. Situated on the Danube river, Bratislava is known for its beauty. Slovakia officially becomes a member of the European Union in 2004.