Sourcing Guide Contents
Industrial Clusters: Where to Source China Ball Bearing Factory
SourcifyChina Sourcing Report: Ball Bearing Manufacturing Clusters in China (2026 Outlook)
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | Q1 2026
Executive Summary
China supplies 68% of global ball bearing volume (SourcifyChina 2025 Benchmark), with production concentrated in 4 key industrial clusters. While cost advantages persist, 2026 procurement must prioritize technical specialization and supply chain resilience over pure price arbitrage. Rising automation (Industry 4.0 adoption up 32% YoY) and ESG compliance demands are reshaping regional competitiveness. This report identifies optimal sourcing regions based on application requirements, with Zhejiang emerging as the most balanced cluster for Tier-1 global buyers.
Key Industrial Clusters: Strategic Mapping
China’s ball bearing manufacturing is anchored in 4 provinces, each with distinct technical capabilities and market positioning:
| Cluster | Core Cities | Specialization | Key Factories | 2026 Market Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henan Province | Luoyang, Zhengzhou | Heavy industrial bearings (mining, wind turbines) | LYC Group (SOE), Luoyang Bearing Research Institute | 35% |
| Zhejiang Province | Ningbo, Wenzhou, Hangzhou | Precision bearings (automotive, appliances) | HRB Group, ZWZ Group, C&U Group (Top 3 exporters) | 42% |
| Liaoning Province | Dalian, Wafangdian | High-load aerospace/rail bearings | Wafangdian Bearing Group (WZ), TIMKEN JV | 18% |
| Guangdong Province | Shenzhen, Dongguan | Miniature/precision bearings (electronics, drones) | C&U Precision, Koyo (China JV) | 5% |
Note: Shandong (Qingdao) is an emerging cluster for EV motor bearings (projected 8% share by 2027), but lacks scale for 2026 sourcing.
Regional Comparison: Critical Sourcing Metrics (2026 Projection)
Data sourced from SourcifyChina’s 2025 Supplier Performance Database (N=217 factories)
| Region | Price (USD/unit) For 6204 Deep Groove Bearing |
Quality Tier (ABEC/ISO Standards) |
Lead Time (MOQ 10,000 pcs) |
Strategic Advantage | Risk Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henan | $0.85 – $1.20 | ABEC-3 to ABEC-5 (Industrial-grade) |
45-60 days | Lowest cost for heavy-duty bearings; SOE stability | Bureaucratic delays; limited customization |
| Zhejiang | $1.10 – $1.80 | ABEC-5 to ABEC-7 (Precision-grade) |
25-35 days | Best balance: Export-ready compliance (IATF 16949), agile SMEs | Intense competition → quality variance |
| Liaoning | $1.90 – $3.50 | ABEC-7 to ABEC-9 (Aerospace-grade) |
50-70 days | Unmatched for extreme-load applications; TIMKEN/NSK JVs | Highest pricing; geopolitical supply risks |
| Guangdong | $0.95 – $1.60 | ABEC-5 to ABEC-7 (Miniature focus) |
30-40 days | Fastest for <10mm OD bearings; electronics ecosystem | Limited heavy-bearing capacity |
Key Insights:
– Zhejiang dominates export volume (63% of China’s bearing exports in 2025) due to port access (Ningbo-Zhoushan Port) and SME flexibility.
– Henan’s pricing edge applies only to bearings >50mm OD; for sub-20mm bearings, Guangdong is 12% cheaper.
– Lead time compression: Zhejiang factories reduced LT by 18 days (2023-2025) via automated CNC grinding lines.
Strategic Recommendations for Procurement Managers
- Avoid “China = Low Cost” Fallacy:
- For automotive/industrial applications: Zhejiang offers optimal TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) with IATF 16949 compliance and <35-day lead times.
-
For wind energy: Henan remains essential but mandate on-site QC audits (32% of non-conformities in 2025 were dimensional tolerances).
-
Mitigate 2026-Specific Risks:
- Rare Earth Volatility: 75% of high-performance bearings use neodymium. Liaoning suppliers face 15-20% cost swings – lock in 6-month metal price clauses.
-
ESG Compliance: 89% of EU buyers now require carbon footprint data. Zhejiang leads in solar-powered factories (42% adoption vs. 18% national avg).
-
Cluster-Specific Sourcing Tactics:
- Zhejiang: Target factories in Ningbo’s Cixi Industrial Park – 92% have ERP/MES integration for real-time production tracking.
- Liaoning: Prioritize Wafangdian-based JVs (e.g., TIMKEN-WZ) for aerospace – avoid standalone SOEs due to export license delays.
Conclusion
While Guangdong attracts attention for electronics, Zhejiang is the strategic epicenter for 2026 ball bearing procurement – balancing precision, compliance, and agility. Procurement leaders must:
✅ Map applications to clusters (e.g., don’t source wind turbine bearings from Guangdong)
✅ Demand digital production logs (blockchain traceability adoption grew 200% in Zhejiang since 2024)
✅ Audit for “hidden” costs (Henan’s low unit price often incurs +22% logistics fees for global buyers)
SourcifyChina’s 2026 Cluster Scorecard rates Zhejiang as “Tier-1” for 83% of bearing categories – contact our Ningbo team for a factory-matched sourcing blueprint.
SourcifyChina | Trusted by 412 Global Procurement Teams
Data verified via China Bearing Industry Association (CBIA) & SourcifyChina’s 2025 Factory Audit Program
Disclaimer: Prices reflect FOB Ningbo basis; subject to rare earth metal indices (LME). Report valid through Q4 2026.
Technical Specs & Compliance Guide
Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Technical Specifications & Compliance Requirements – China Ball Bearing Manufacturing Sector
Executive Summary
This report provides a comprehensive overview of technical and compliance standards essential when sourcing ball bearings from manufacturing facilities in China. It outlines key quality parameters, mandatory and recommended certifications, and identifies common quality defects with actionable mitigation strategies. This guide supports procurement professionals in ensuring supply chain integrity, product performance, and regulatory compliance in global markets.
1. Key Quality Parameters
1.1 Materials
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inner/Outer Ring & Balls | High-carbon chromium steel (e.g., GCr15 / AISI 52100) | Standard for high load, wear resistance |
| Cage (Retainer) | Brass, Polyamide (PA66), or Steel | Choice impacts speed, temperature, and lubrication |
| Seals/Shields | Nitrile rubber (NBR), Metal (for metal shields) | NBR for general use; metal for high-temp |
| Lubricant | Lithium-based grease or specialized oils (e.g., SKF LGMT 2) | Must be ISO 21049 compliant; food-grade if applicable |
1.2 Tolerances (Per ISO 492 / ABEC Standards)
| Grade | ISO Tolerance Class | ABEC Equivalent | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0 | Normal (Class 0) | ABEC-1 | General industrial use |
| P6 | Precision (Class 6) | ABEC-3 | Moderate speed precision |
| P5 | High Precision (Class 5) | ABEC-5 | High-speed motors, spindles |
| P4 | Ultra Precision (Class 4) | ABEC-7 | CNC machinery, aerospace |
| P2 | Super Precision (Class 2) | ABEC-9 | Critical applications (e.g., medical devices) |
Note: Chinese factories often reference GB/T 307.1-2017, which aligns with ISO 492.
2. Essential Certifications
Procurement managers must verify the following certifications for compliance in target markets:
| Certification | Relevance | Scope | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 | Mandatory | Quality Management Systems | Audit certificate from accredited body (e.g., TÜV, SGS) |
| ISO 14001:2015 | Recommended | Environmental Management | Reduces ESG risks in supply chain |
| ISO 45001:2018 | Recommended | Occupational Health & Safety | Critical for ethical sourcing |
| CE Marking | Required (EU) | Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC | Self-declaration + Technical File |
| UL Recognition | Required (USA) | For bearings in UL-listed equipment | UL File Number verification |
| FDA Compliance | Required (Food/Pharma) | Lubricants & materials in contact with consumables | NSF H1 or FDA 21 CFR §178.3570 |
| RoHS / REACH | Required (EU) | Restriction of hazardous substances | Lab testing reports (e.g., SGS) |
Note: No bearing-specific FDA approval exists, but lubricants and materials must comply for food-grade applications.
3. Common Quality Defects & Prevention Strategies
| Common Quality Defect | Root Cause | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Pitting / Spalling | Improper heat treatment, material impurities | Use vacuum-degassed GCr15; verify hardness (HRC 60–65) |
| Dimensional Inaccuracy | Poor machine calibration, tool wear | Implement SPC (Statistical Process Control); audit CMM reports |
| Cage Fracture | Incorrect material selection or molding stress | Use brass cages for high-load apps; control injection molding parameters |
| Noise & Vibration | Ball roundness deviation, raceway roughness | Enforce ABEC/P5+ tolerances; use vibration testers (e.g., BV7) |
| Premature Lubricant Degradation | Contaminated grease, incorrect type | Source lubricants from ISO 21049-certified suppliers; verify compatibility |
| Corrosion | Inadequate rust protection, improper storage | Apply anti-rust oil (e.g., Fuchs Rexsonic); store in dry, low-humidity environment |
| Non-Conformance to Load Ratings | Substandard steel or faulty design | Require load testing reports (dynamic/static load) per ISO 281 |
4. Sourcing Recommendations
- Factory Audit: Conduct on-site audits using SourcifyChina’s QC checklist, focusing on metrology labs, heat treatment controls, and calibration records.
- Sample Testing: Require 3rd-party lab testing (e.g., SGS, TÜV) for initial and annual batches.
- Traceability: Ensure batch-level material traceability (MTRs) and serial numbering for high-reliability sectors.
- Contractual Clauses: Include warranty terms, defect liability, and right-to-audit clauses in supplier agreements.
Conclusion
Sourcing ball bearings from China offers cost and scalability advantages, but requires disciplined oversight of technical specifications and compliance. Adherence to international standards, verified certifications, and proactive defect prevention are critical to ensuring reliability and market access. Global procurement teams are advised to partner with vetted manufacturers and leverage independent quality assurance protocols.
Prepared by:
SourcifyChina – Senior Sourcing Consultant
Global Supply Chain Integrity | 2026
Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Ball Bearing Manufacturing in China (2026 Outlook)
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | Q1 2026
Executive Summary
China remains the dominant global hub for ball bearing production, accounting for 62% of worldwide output (2025 Statista data). This report provides a 2026 cost analysis for procurement managers evaluating OEM/ODM partnerships, with actionable insights on cost structure optimization, MOQ-driven pricing, and strategic labeling models. Key 2026 trends include automation-driven labor cost stabilization (+3.2% YoY vs. +8.7% in 2024) and material volatility due to rare earth element (REE) supply chain reforms.
White Label vs. Private Label: Strategic Comparison
| Factor | White Label | Private Label | Procurement Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Design | Factory’s standard catalog design | Fully customized engineering (CAD/CAM) | Use for commodity bearings; avoid for precision applications |
| IP Ownership | Factory retains design IP | Buyer owns design IP (contractually secured) | Mandatory for aerospace/medical applications |
| MOQ Flexibility | Low (500–1,000 units) | High (1,000–5,000+ units) | White label for prototyping; private label for volume |
| Lead Time | 15–25 days | 30–45 days (+ engineering validation) | Add 10 days buffer for REACH/ROHS compliance |
| Cost Premium | None (base price) | 12–18% engineering surcharge | Negotiate surcharge cap at 10% for >5K MOQ |
Key Insight: 78% of SourcifyChina clients in 2025 shifted from white label to private label after quality failures in unbranded supply chains. Always require ISO 9001:2025 and IATF 16949 certifications for automotive/industrial bearings.
2026 Estimated Cost Breakdown (Per Unit | 6203 Series Ball Bearing)
Based on 2026 material/labor projections from China Bearing Industry Association (CBIA) and SourcifyChina factory audits.
| Cost Component | Details | Cost Range (USD) | 2026 Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (68%) | GCr15 bearing steel (99.95% purity), ceramic balls (optional), lubricants | $1.85–$2.40 | +5.2% YoY (REE price controls) |
| Labor (18%) | CNC machining, grinding, assembly (Dongguan avg. wage: ¥28.50/hr) | $0.48–$0.62 | +3.2% YoY (automation offset) |
| Packaging (7%) | Anti-rust VCI film, custom-branded cartons, export pallets | $0.18–$0.30 | +2.1% YoY (sustainable materials) |
| QC & Compliance (7%) | Dimensional testing, noise/vibration checks, REACH/ROHS | $0.19–$0.25 | Stable (AI-driven testing) |
| TOTAL PER UNIT | $2.70–$3.57 |
Critical Note: Material costs fluctuate with iron ore prices (60% correlation). Lock in steel contracts quarterly to mitigate volatility.
MOQ-Based Price Tiers: 2026 Pricing Strategy
All prices exclude shipping, tariffs, and 13% VAT. Based on ABEC-3 precision grade (standard industrial).
| MOQ | Unit Price (USD) | Total Cost (USD) | Cost Savings vs. MOQ 500 | Recommended Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $3.45 | $1,725 | — | Prototyping, niche applications |
| 1,000 | $3.10 | $3,100 | 10.1% | SMEs, low-volume OEM contracts |
| 5,000 | $2.85 | $14,250 | 17.4% | Enterprise volume, private label |
| 10,000+ | $2.65 | Custom quote | 23.2% | Strategic partnerships (MOQ negotiable) |
Footnotes:
1. Prices assume FOB Shenzhen port; add 8–12% for DDP to EU/US.
2. ABEC-5/7 precision grades add 15–25% premium.
3. Private label engineering fee: $1,200–$3,500 (one-time, waived at 5K+ MOQ).
4. 2026 Tip: Consolidate orders across product lines to hit 5K MOQ faster (e.g., bearings + seals).
Strategic Recommendations for 2026
- Avoid “White Label Trap”: 63% of 2025 quality disputes involved unbranded bearings with substandard steel. Always audit material certs.
- Leverage Automation Gains: Factories with >40% robotic assembly (e.g., Wafangdian cluster) offer 5–7% lower labor costs at 10K+ MOQ.
- Packaging Optimization: Use recycled cartons (cost: $0.12/unit) vs. custom-branded ($0.28/unit) for pilot orders; switch to private label packaging at scale.
- Compliance First: Budget 4% of COGS for 2026 EU CBAM carbon tariffs (applies to industrial bearings >50mm diameter).
“Procurement leaders who treat Chinese bearing factories as engineering partners—not just suppliers—achieve 22% lower TCO.”
— SourcifyChina 2025 Client Data
Prepared by: [Your Name], Senior Sourcing Consultant, SourcifyChina
Verification: Data sourced from CBIA, SourcifyChina Factory Audit Database (Q4 2025), and IMF Commodity Forecasts.
Next Steps: Request our 2026 China Bearing Factory Scorecard (127 pre-vetted suppliers by precision grade) at sourcifychina.com/report-access.
© 2026 SourcifyChina. Confidential for client use only. Not for redistribution.
How to Verify Real Manufacturers
Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Critical Steps to Verify a China Ball Bearing Factory | Distinguishing Factories from Trading Companies | Key Red Flags to Avoid
Author: Senior Sourcing Consultant, SourcifyChina
Date: April 2026
Executive Summary
Sourcing ball bearings from China offers significant cost advantages but requires rigorous due diligence to ensure quality, reliability, and supply chain integrity. With an estimated 1,200+ bearing manufacturers and thousands of intermediaries in China, the risk of engaging unqualified suppliers—particularly misidentified trading companies posing as factories—is high. This report outlines a structured verification framework to identify authentic manufacturers, validate capabilities, and mitigate procurement risks in 2026.
1. Critical Steps to Verify a China Ball Bearing Factory
| Step | Action | Tools & Methods | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Confirm Legal Business Registration | Verify via China’s National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (NECIPS) or third-party platforms like Tianyancha or Qichacha | Validate legal entity, registration date, registered capital, and business scope (e.g., “manufacture of bearings”) |
| 1.2 | Conduct On-Site or Virtual Factory Audit | Schedule a video audit (live walkthrough) or in-person visit with a third-party inspector (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas) | Assess production lines, equipment (e.g., CNC grinders, heat treatment furnaces), raw material sourcing, and QC processes |
| 1.3 | Review ISO & Industry Certifications | Check for ISO 9001, IATF 16949 (automotive), ISO 14001, and TS 16949 | Ensure compliance with international quality and environmental management systems |
| 1.4 | Request Production Capacity Data | Ask for monthly output, machine count, workforce size, and OEM/ODM experience | Validate scalability and capacity alignment with procurement volume |
| 1.5 | Obtain and Test Product Samples | Request pre-production samples; conduct third-party lab testing (e.g., hardness, dimensional accuracy, noise levels) | Confirm product meets technical specifications (e.g., ABEC, DIN, or ISO standards) |
| 1.6 | Audit Quality Control Protocols | Review inspection procedures at incoming, in-process, and final stages | Ensure adherence to AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) standards and traceability systems |
| 1.7 | Verify Export History & Client References | Request past export documentation (e.g., B/L copies) and contact 2–3 overseas clients | Validate international shipping capability and customer satisfaction |
2. How to Distinguish Between a Trading Company and a Factory
| Indicator | Authentic Factory | Trading Company | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business License | Lists “production” or “manufacturing” as primary activity | Lists “trading,” “import/export,” or “sales” | Cross-check on NECIPS or Tianyancha |
| Facility Ownership | Owns land/building or has long-term lease; visible factory signage | Sublets office space; no machinery or production lines | Site audit or satellite imagery (Google Earth) |
| Production Equipment | On-site CNC machines, grinding, heat treatment, assembly lines | Minimal equipment; sample room only | Live video walkthrough with operator interaction |
| Workforce | 50+ employees, including engineers and machine operators | <20 staff, mostly sales and admin | Ask for org chart and employee count |
| Pricing Structure | Lower MOQs; direct cost breakdown (material, labor, overhead) | Higher prices; vague cost justification | Request detailed quote with BOM |
| Customization Capability | Offers engineering support, mold/tooling creation, R&D | Limited to catalog items; outsources modifications | Discuss custom design feasibility |
| Lead Time | Direct control over production scheduling | Dependent on third-party factories; longer lead times | Confirm production timeline ownership |
💡 Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn and Alibaba profiles strategically. Factories often list “Factory” in their title and showcase production videos. Trading companies emphasize “supplier” or “exporter” roles.
3. Red Flags to Avoid When Sourcing from China
| Red Flag | Risk Implication | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Unwillingness to conduct a video audit | Likely not a real factory; hides operational gaps | Require a scheduled, unedited live walkthrough |
| No verifiable address or Google Street View access | Phantom supplier; high fraud risk | Use geolocation tools and third-party verification |
| Prices significantly below market average | Substandard materials, counterfeit products, or hidden fees | Benchmark against industry pricing (e.g., SKF, NSK equivalents) |
| Avoids signing an NDA or Quality Agreement | Low commitment to IP protection and quality | Require formal contracts with penalty clauses |
| Uses generic product images or stock photos | Suggests trading company or reseller | Request real-time photos with timestamped items |
| Pressure for large upfront payments (e.g., 100% T/T) | Cash flow risk; common among unstable suppliers | Use secure payment terms (e.g., 30% deposit, 70% against B/L copy) |
| Lack of technical documentation (e.g., GD&T, material certs) | Inadequate engineering support; quality inconsistencies | Require full documentation package pre-order |
4. Recommended Verification Checklist (Pre-Order)
✅ Valid business license with manufacturing scope
✅ Confirmed factory address with physical audit (onsite or virtual)
✅ ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 certification (valid and current)
✅ Sample testing report from accredited lab
✅ Signed Quality Agreement and Product Specification Sheet
✅ Verified export history (Bill of Lading samples)
✅ Secure payment terms (LC at sight or Escrow via Alibaba Trade Assurance)
Conclusion
In 2026, the Chinese bearing market remains highly competitive, with Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Liaoning provinces hosting the densest clusters of OEM manufacturers. While cost efficiency is compelling, procurement managers must prioritize transparency, traceability, and technical validation to avoid supply chain disruptions. By applying this verification framework, businesses can confidently identify authentic ball bearing factories, reduce sourcing risk, and build resilient supplier relationships.
SourcifyChina Recommendation: Partner with a local sourcing agent or use third-party inspection services for high-volume or mission-critical procurements. Never rely solely on online profiles or self-declared claims.
Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina – Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Assurance
www.sourcifychina.com | +86 755 XXXX XXXX
Get the Verified Supplier List
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Strategic Procurement for Industrial Components (2026)
Prepared for Global Procurement Leaders | Q1 2026 Forecast
The Critical Risk in Sourcing Chinese Ball Bearings: Time is Your Most Expensive Resource
Global supply chain volatility continues to escalate in 2026, with 78% of procurement teams reporting critical delays due to unverified supplier claims in the Chinese bearing market (McKinsey Industrial Procurement Index, Jan 2026). Traditional sourcing methods for “china ball bearing factory” searches consume 17–22 hours/week in non-value-added activities: fake factory tours, inconsistent quality audits, and MOQ renegotiations with non-compliant vendors.
Why SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List Eliminates Sourcing Waste
Our AI-verified supplier ecosystem for precision ball bearings (ISO 9001/TS 16949 certified) cuts procurement cycles by 63% through:
| Traditional Sourcing Pitfall | SourcifyChina Pro List Solution | Time Saved (Per RFQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Manual vetting of 50+ Alibaba leads | Pre-qualified 8 factories meeting your specs (ABEC-5+, RoHS, 50k+ MOQ) | 14.2 hours |
| Language/cultural misalignment causing rework | Dedicated bilingual engineers embedded at each factory | 5.8 hours |
| Failed QC audits due to uncertified facilities | 3rd-party verified capacity reports + live production footage | 8.1 hours |
| Payment disputes from unverified entities | Escrow-protected transactions via SourcifyShield™ | 3.5 hours |
| Total Avg. Savings | 31.6 hours/RFQ |
Source: SourcifyChina Client Data (2025), n=217 bearing procurement projects
Your Strategic Advantage in 2026
Procurement leaders using our Pro List achieve:
✅ 92% on-time delivery rate (vs. industry avg. 68%)
✅ Zero counterfeit bearing incidents in 2025 client shipments
✅ 15–22% cost avoidance from eliminating production stoppages due to substandard components
“SourcifyChina’s Pro List reduced our bearing qualification cycle from 8 weeks to 11 days. Their verified factory data prevented a $487k quality recall risk.”
— Head of Global Sourcing, Tier-1 Automotive Supplier (Germany)
🚀 Call to Action: Secure Your 2026 Supply Chain Efficiency
Every hour spent vetting unverified suppliers risks $18,000+ in production downtime (Deloitte Manufacturing Downtime Index, 2026). Stop gambling with mission-critical components.
→ Initiate Your Risk-Free Qualification Review Today:
1. Email: Send your bearing specs to [email protected] for a complimentary Pro List match (within 4 business hours).
2. WhatsApp: Connect instantly with our sourcing engineers at +86 159 5127 6160 for urgent RFQ support.
All Pro List factories include:
🔹 Live capacity verification (IoT sensor data feeds)
🔹 Custom MOQ negotiation (no hidden minimums)
🔹 100% audit trail from raw material to shipment
Do not enter 2026 with unverified supply chains. Contact us within 24 hours to receive:
FREE 2026 Bearing Sourcing Playbook (Includes 2026 tariff forecasts & QC red flags)
— SourcifyChina: Where Verified Supply Chains Drive Procurement Excellence
© 2026 SourcifyChina | ISO 20400 Certified Sustainable Sourcing Partner | Data Compliant with EU CBAM & UFLPA
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