Bearing Specialists Association

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The Bearing Specialists Association, also known as BSA since its formation in 1965, is the international service and educational organization Industry trade group of nearly 100 companies distributing and manufacturing factory-warranted ball-, roller-, and anti-friction bearings Bearing_(mechanical) and related products. The association’s mission says, “BSA is the forum to enhance networking and knowledge sharing and promote the sale of bearings through authorized distributors.” An authorized distributor is one who has been notified, specifically and demonstrably, by a bearing manufacturer that it may hold itself out to others that it has the status of an authorized distributor for one or more of such manufacturer’s basic types and sizes of new manufacturer warranted bearings for replacement or maintenance purposes. If such manufacturer withdraws such authorization, the distributor is no longer an authorized distributor for that manufacturer’s products.

BSA has a long history of developing industry specific education. The association’s In-House Training Guide (IHTG) was the first self-study educational tool for the bearing industry and continues to dominate as a baseline measure of bearing-specific training. Designed to present essential bearing information for industry newcomers, the IHTG maintains its relevance to the industry with regular updates that reflect the latest in bearing technology with topics such as ball screws and linear bearings.

BSA’s Lubrication Guide is the only non-manufacturer source for a complete discussion of bearing lubrication. Recent updates to the guide include the latest materials and processes, including flourosilicone oils, an update on grease lubrication, dry solid lubricants, dry film lubricants, and important information on lubrication failures.

BSA Bearing Briefs deliver specific, single-topic technical expertise to bearing manufacturers, distributors and end users in a free, downloadable PDF format from the BSA website. Bearing Briefs include graphics, charts, and additional references for problem-solving and/or trouble-shooting situations.

There are currently 21 Bearing Briefs, with more in draft stages, available for free download in PDF format from the BSA website:

  • Load Ratings and Bearing Life
  • The Domestic Bearing Industry: Investing in the Future
  • Status of Bearing Load Ratings
  • History of Adhesives
  • Plane Bearings
  • Seal Selection
  • Vibration Analysis
  • Wear Sleeves and Other Shaft Repair Options
  • Bearing Repair
  • Bearing Installation and Fitting
  • Bearing Standards Organizations
  • Hybrid Ceramic Ball Bearings
  • Brief History of Bearings
  • Linear Bearings
  • Bearings for the Food & Beverage Industry
  • Spherical Plain Bearings Rolling-element bearing
  • Planetary Roller Screws
  • Bearing Mounting Tools
  • Split Roller Bearing Technology
  • Reduced Operating Costs Through Condition Monitoring
  • Understanding Linear Actuators

BSA’s Certified Bearing Specialist (CBS) designation certifies industry personnel as “bearing specialists,” individuals with excellent knowledge in the selection, application and analysis of bearings. In 2006 the CBS program was updated to meet the demands of recent technology and expanded to include manufacturer participation.

In addition to developing its own materials, BSA has also reached out to other industry partners to endorse complementary training opportunities. BSA endorses the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA) Modern Bearing Technology Continuing Education, and BSA members may participate in the ABMA courses at the ABMA Member Rate. BSA members also have access to an important series of webinars from AEA. BSA is a sponsor of the University of Industrial Distribution, now in its 15th successful year.