Advice from IBS Rotterdam: Independent expertise in bearing technology and technical optimization


Why choose advice from IBS Rotterdam?
Many companies eventually encounter technical challenges. Sometimes bearings wear out faster than expected. In other cases, a specific type of bearing is no longer available. Or the installation has specific requirements that standard components no longer meet.
Our clients come to us with a wide range of questions. We don’t call them problems, but challenges and we are eager to solve them together with you. What makes our advice unique:
- Completely independent: we look for the best solution for your situation, not the product that sells best for us.
- Accessible and without obligation: our advice is usually free of charge, unless specific engineering services are requested.
- Driven by knowledge: with a team of experienced specialists, including co-owners with many years of hands-on experience, we offer advice you can rely on.
Typical advice requests: what can we solve for you?
The advice we provide usually falls into two categories:
1. Availability issues
A customer has a machine with a bearing that has been in use for years but is no longer available on the market. The part is outdated, discontinued, or out of stock with regular suppliers. This can lead to downtime or jeopardize the reliability of the installation.
What do we do?
- We search for an alternative bearing or component that fits the existing application.
- We advise on any modifications needed to install the new part correctly.
- If necessary, we develop custom solutions or involve specialized partners for modifications.
2. Lifetime or performance issues
Some customers experience premature bearing failure in their installations. This results in downtime, higher maintenance costs or production problems. Often the root cause is more complex than just a defective product: wear can be caused by temperature, vibrations, lubrication conditions or load.
What do we do?
- We analyze the cause of wear together with you.
- We assess the environment, load and installation method.
- We suggest alternative bearing solutions, possibly combined with structural changes to the installation.
In other words: we look beyond just the product. We aim for sustainable, structural solutions that lead to longer service life, less maintenance and lower long-term costs.

How does an advisory process work?
The advisory process at IBS Rotterdam is clear, structured, and fully tailored to your situation. Below, we outline the typical steps:
Step 1: Defining the problem
Most customers contact us via email, phone, or through an online form. They describe the issue or question, often including photos or documentation. Sometimes it concerns a specific part that needs to be replaced. In other cases, the issue is more complex, such as recurring malfunctions or unexpected wear.
Step 2: Initial analysis
If it concerns a straightforward replacement query (for example: “this bearing is no longer available, what’s an alternative?”), we can often provide advice and a proposal right away.
If the situation is more complex, we propose an on-site visit. During such a visit, we assess:
- The machine’s operation
- The environment (temperature, moisture, dust)
- The installation and connections
- Possible causes of excessive wear or failure
Step 3: Proposals and choices
Following our analysis, we propose one or more solutions. These may range from using a different type of bearing to modifying an entire assembly. The customer then makes a choice in consultation with us, based on technical and economic considerations.
Step 4: Quotation and implementation
Once you choose one of the proposed solutions, we develop it further. We prepare a clear quotation and, if needed, provide additional drawings or technical documentation. In some cases, we first order samples so you can test the product in practice or on the workbench.
Step 5: Evaluation and optimization
During the testing phase, adjustments may still be necessary. This might involve a slightly different size, a connection that doesn’t quite fit, or a performance level that isn’t yet optimal. Thanks to our flexibility and technical expertise, we can quickly make refinements at this stage.
The result? A fully tailored solution that works and is ready for real-world use!
No obligation, fully transparent
A key benefit of our advisory service is that it’s non-binding in most cases. We do not charge consulting fees for standard queries or feasibility assessments. Only when you proceed to purchase or request specialized engineering services will we provide a cost proposal. We believe that solid advice naturally leads to long-term customer relationships.
Our customers: production, maintenance, and engineering
Our advisory service primarily supports:
- Manufacturing companies with their own technical departments
- Machine builders working with complex assemblies
- Maintenance companies dealing with outdated or suboptimal components
- Technical purchasing departments seeking alternatives during supply issues
We work with both long-term clients and new customers who come to us through word-of-mouth or online search. In all cases, one thing remains central: we aim to help you make the best technical choices, without requiring you to figure it all out yourself.
Why choose IBS Rotterdam?
What sets us apart in the world of bearings and technical components?
Specialization: we are not a general distributor of countless products, but true specialists in bearing technology.
Experience: our experts bring decades of experience across diverse applications.
Independence: we recommend what works best for you, not what earns us the highest margin.
Flexibility: short lines of communication, fast decision-making, and direct contact with people who truly understand the work.
Is your company facing a technical issue and in need of advice? Don’t hesitate and get in touch with us today by email, phone or one of our online forms. Our experts are ready to help.



























