‘Community’ the key to NES’ success By J.P. BUTLER Marketing Coordinator OLEAN, N.Y. – A couple of years ago, Chris Napoleon received an unexpected phone call from a man in Philadelphia. Beset by the national labor shortage issues that have lingered since even before the pandemic, the man had just one question: How do you keep your employees coming back to work every day? “I told him, ‘I’ve got to be honest with you, I don’t have that problem; I don’t know how to answer your question,’” recalled Chris Napoleon, president and chief engineer of Napoleon Engineering Services (NES) in…

Napoleon Engineering Enhances Bearing Source Qualification Services By J.P. BUTLER Marketing Coordinator It’s the service upon which Napoleon Engineering Services has hung its proverbial hat for the last 28 years. And it’s a service that, for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) especially, has only become more dependable. More valuable. More essential. NES’ Source Qualification Inspection (SQI) program is a unique industrial bearing reverse engineering initiative. Its objective is trifold: to define a bearing manufacturer’s design intentions, to determine the manufacturing capability and to evaluate the quality of workmanship. And this is accomplished through a comprehensive evaluation of a sample population of…

July 3, 2024 To our valued NES customer and associates, When something works, it’s best to stick with it. That’s been my motto for our Source Qualification Inspection (SQI) program for the last 27 years.  For those needing to evaluate bearing supplier design intentions, manufacturing capability and overall quality of workmanship, our SQI program is at the top of the class and provides unprecedented value. I’ve preached that performing SQI is the first step in any bearing qualification program because of the huge risk reduction value it provides. Over the years we’ve improved many aspects of the SQI. Today, I’m excited…

Stronger by design: NES split ring bearings offer greater thrust capacity By J.P. BUTLER Marketing Coordinator Aircraft engine manufacturers, due to the very specific nature of their hardware, have likely long known: Split ring angular contact ball bearings are a viable option for main shaft jet engine applications. But what about a typical industrial original equipment (OEM) manufacturer? Let’s say, for example, that this mechanism rotates at an average speed and contains a reversing thrust load. In need of a bearing, one might think, my only choices are a deep groove ball bearing or two one-direction angular contact ball bearings.…

June 6, 2024 To our valued NES customers and associates, I like the term “Stronger By Design.” It emphasizes the engineering value that we put into designing a bearing solution that capitalizes on certain critical characteristics to achieve success. As an elite athlete competing in the grueling 3000-meter steeplechase, Angelina Napoleon uses her physical ‘design’ and focused development of strength, endurance and efficiency to be successful. Her physical characteristics and training are designed for this particular event. Split-ring angular contact ball bearings also have characteristics, by design, that provide enhanced capabilities for certain applications.  Unfortunately, historical production volumes have been…

Become a champion: Follow the NES bearing qualification process By J.P. BUTLER Marketing Coordinator In a recent advertisement, displayed in distinct white lettering against a black backdrop, the message is clear: “In bearing testing, like athletics, becoming a champion requires following a process,” maintains Napoleon Engineering Services, the company to whom the ad belongs. “… Become a champion by following the NES qualification process.” But what, exactly, is the process? What does it entail? AT NES, there’s a path to premier bearing supplier qualification for two different categories: industrial-grade and aircraft-grade. For the former, which typically applies to original equipment…

April 19, 2024 To our valued NES customers and associates, Whether you’re a competitive athlete or an elite business, becoming a champion requires developing and following a process. NES has been at the forefront of developing the bearing qualification process for both the industrial and aerospace industry for 27 years. Over that time, we have honed our skills and processes for supporting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in their quest to evaluate the global bearing supply chain. We have also been a major contributor to the aerospace industry by performing reverse engineering of type certified bearings in support of FAA-PMA (Parts Manufacturer…

Napoleon Engineering specializes in bearing efficiency evaluation Angelina Napoleon squares her hips and shoulders. She minimizes her movements to maintain forward momentum. She quickly returns her body to the proper position, allowing her feet to hit the ground with minimal interruption of her stride. Napoleon, of Allegany, N.Y., a small town tucked beneath the Allegheny Mountains, has established herself as one of the top under-20 runners in the country. She twice set the women’s U-20 record while claiming national titles in the 2,000-meter steeplechase. She’s an eight-time New York State scholastic track and field and cross-country champion. She’s the reigning…

March 4, 2024 To our valued NES customers and associates, NES is ‘answering the call’ from many aerospace companies needing high-quality custom bearings in shorter lead times to meet market demand. Whether it’s a space launch service provider or a major gas turbine engine manufacturer, highly engineered rolling element bearing supply is critical to mission and product line sustainability. NES is turning heads in the aerospace industry due to our vast capability, skills and vision within the industry. We’re proud to be making a difference in the world of flight. Bearing efficiency is on the minds of many industrial OEMs who…

NES enhances renowned SQI with digital stitching By J.P. BUTLER Marketing Coordinator OLEAN, N.Y. – Napoleon Engineering Services (NES) had long ago set itself apart with its Source Qualification Inspection program. A unique bearing reverse engineering initiative, Napoleon’s SQI provides an in-depth, analytical look at a manufacturer’s design intentions, manufacturing capabilities and overall quality of workmanship. It has been performed, with unparalleled results, for hundreds of customers, allowing them to confidently qualify the best bearing and supplier for their desired application. It is, perhaps, the Olean, N.Y.-based bearing company’s defining triumph. In the last 18 months, however, this program’s capabilities…