NSK Verify provides product authenticity information by reading the 2D barcode printed on each bearing box and checking it against the NSK database. Factors such as authenticity and traceability are vital in an era when fake bearings remain prevalent, despite a considerable amount of NSK resources being engaged in the identification and prosecution of counterfeiters.

With respect to general bearings, NSK Verify now includes the company’s large size tapered roller bearings and large size cylindrical roller bearings. Giant bearings also feature in the upgraded app, including spherical roller bearings, ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, thrust bearings and giant bearing parts. In addition, users of extra-giant bearings will find these products supported by NSK Verify.

Upon reading the 2D code, NSK Verify not only establishes the authenticity of the bearing, but checks the number of access attempts by product ID, the individual identification number and – for general bearings – the 20 digit product number. In addition – for super precision bearings – inspection information is offered, including dimensional tolerances, running accuracy and grease type. Using NSK Verify, convenient links are also provided to product data, catalogues and industry-specific information to help simplify the design integration process.

The app works with all Japanese-manufactured NSK bearings featuring an ‘N’ symbol in the lower right corner of the 2D code on the packing label of the box – the print run for which commenced in 2018. Trying to use NSK Verify on older bearings will result in a failure message.

Users who installed the previous version of NSK Verify will be notified automatically when the latest version has been launched.

The app is available as a free download from the Apple store (for iOS users) and Google Play (for Android).