Custom bearing products from IBS: Specifically designed for your application

Discover how we design bearings that perfectly match your specific requirements

At IBS Rotterdam, we understand better than anyone that standard solutions are not always sufficient. In certain situations, you may be dealing with unique technical requirements, limited space, or unusual forces acting on a bearing. In such cases, IBS Rotterdam offers a tailored solution: custom bearing products, developed and delivered in collaboration with carefully selected manufacturing partners around the world.

Why choose custom bearings?

While we always advise our customers to use standard components whenever possible, there are applications where a standard bearing simply won’t suffice. The decision to go with a custom solution typically stems from one of three main causes:

Limited space: The available installation space is too restricted for a conventional bearing size.
Unusual forces: The bearing must withstand specific forces that fall outside the capabilities of standard products.
Application-specific requirements: These may include precision, weight reduction, or non-standard shapes and materials.

The process: from challenge to delivery

When you come to us with a specific challenge, we initiate a carefully structured process aimed at delivering the best possible solution. Customized, but without unnecessary complexity or cost.

1. Initial contact phase

The process usually begins with an email or phone call in which you present your problem or challenge. Often, technical drawings or photos are included to help clarify the situation.

2. On-site visit: understanding the real issue

When it becomes clear that a custom solution is required, we schedule a site visit. Our specialists want to see the construction and conditions with their own eyes. This allows us to properly assess the problem and determine whether it truly originates with the bearing.

During this visit, we gather as much data as possible:

When does the issue occur?
Under what conditions?
What are the constraints in terms of space, forces, and load?

3. Analysis and initial design proposal

After the visit, we first assess whether a standard solution might still be feasible. If not, we contact our manufacturing partners and present the challenge, including your specific technical requirements. Based on this input, we develop an initial custom design together.

Our partners are carefully selected for their quality, reliability, and flexibility.

4. Internal review and fine-tuning

The proposed design undergoes a thorough internal evaluation by our specialists. Where needed, we make adjustments to optimize the solution. We then present the design to you, complete with an explanation of the choices made, the benefits, and any potential limitations.

5. Technical validation and approval

At this stage, alignment takes place with your organization’s technical department. Your engineers can validate the design and confirm that it meets all functional requirements. Only once you approve, a final drawing is produced, complete with signature and stamp.

This mutual approval prevents misunderstandings and ensures that all parties take responsibility for the end result.

6. Production, delivery, and inventory management

Once the design is approved, production begins. Together with you, we determine the delivery schedule—for example, 1,000 units per year in four shipments of 250 units. We also make clear arrangements regarding inventory management:

Do we store the stock at our facility?
Does the supplier hold inventory?
Or do you receive the entire batch at once?

Thanks to this flexibility, we ensure continuity in your production process.

7. Delivery and aftercare

After production, the custom bearings are shipped by air or sea freight. We make sure you receive enough stock to avoid any downtime. In the case of a one-time application, we deliver the full order in one shipment and formally close the project—with follow-up, of course. Customer satisfaction is our top priority.

Reliable partners worldwide

IBS Rotterdam works exclusively with manufacturers that meet our high standards. Our three primary partners for custom solutions are:

THB (China): A reliable intermediary with a wide network of quality manufacturers. THB selects factories based on required quality level (A, B, or C segment) and price point. This allows us to provide targeted custom solutions that match both your budget and functional requirements.
Fluro (Germany): Specializes in custom rod ends, tailored to thread type, material, or length. German precision and engineering excellence are central here.
Arvis (UK): A machining company with its own production capacity. They manufacture large bearing housings and other special components that deviate from standard sizes or materials.

Depending on your preferences—such as a desire for European production—we can also engage alternative partners.

Why do clients choose IBS?

Our approach, grounded in precision, technical expertise, and a personal touch, ensures that clients return to us time and again.

Our clients not only value the quality of our products, but also the fact that we truly think along and prove to be a reliable partner throughout the entire process. Our custom solutions are therefore valuable not only functionally, but also in building long-term relationships.

Are you looking for a bearing solution that perfectly matches your unique application? Then feel free to request advice from the specialists at IBS Rotterdam. We combine technical expertise with a sharp eye for your requirements and deliver custom solutions that work.

Get in touch with us today. Together, we’ll ensure your application is supported with reliability and durability.