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OEM and Non-OEM parts may look the same—but do they really perform the same?

In this episode of Beyond Compression, host Pam Wasielewski sits down with Dave Sleeman, a seasoned service expert, to break down one of the most common—and costly—assumptions in industrial maintenance: that OEM and non-OEM parts are interchangeable.

From reverse engineering and material selection to micron ratings, tolerances, and long-term performance, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what manufacturers see that others don’t. Dave shares real-world field experience, including a case where a seemingly harmless non-OEM air filter led to reduced efficiency, vibration alarms, impeller damage, and nearly $50,000 in unplanned costs.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “looks the same” doesn’t mean “performs the same.”
• What’s lost when parts are reverse-engineered without original design data
• How non-OEM components contribute to early-life failures
• The hidden costs of downtime, efficiency loss, and secondary damage
• What OEM parts protect beyond performance—warranty, safety, and compliance

If you’ve ever considered saving a few dollars on replacement parts, this episode explains why the real cost often shows up later.

👉 Full case study:
https://www.fs-elliott.com/blog/oem-vs-non-oem-parts-explained-what-manufacturers-see-that-others-dont

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