Specialist Bearing News

Enhancing industrial drone operations

Bearings 29-12-2023

The integration of drones in manufacturing is on the cusp of a significant transformation. Commercial and private deployment of airborne drones is revolutionising many industries, and the global commercial market is expected to reach an impressive £15 billion. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings explains why precision bearings will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless industrial drone operations.

Selecting the right bearings for ultra-high vacuum chambers

Bearings 30-11-2023

Contamination in a vacuum chamber can result in dangerous chemical reactions and unwanted side effects. The Princeton University office of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) highlights that vacuum work can lead to implosions and potential dangers of airborne contaminants, glass, chemicals splattering and fire. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains what to consider when choosing lubricants and bearings for vacuum environments.

Bearings for marine environments

Bearings 01-09-2023

Subsea applications are characterised by constantly harsh conditions and extreme environments. In marine environments, various applications involve propeller shafts and components for underwater robots and telecommunication systems. However, in the presence of water, salt, and harsh elements, selecting just any bearing won't suffice — it's crucial to choose the right one for optimal performance and durability. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, examines the potential of ceramic bearings in marine environments.

Less friction, fewer emissions

Bearings 28-06-2023

According to the International Energy Agency, the industrial sector is responsible for a staggering 37 per cent of global CO2 emissions, making it the largest emitting sector worldwide — with industrial machinery being a significant contributor. This alarming reality underscores the urgent need to address the environmental impact of industrial machinery and find sustainable solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explores how specialty industrial bearings can play a pivotal role in mitigating these negative impacts, offering a path towards a more sustainable future.

Bearings for improved patient safety

Bearings 10-05-2023

Precision bearings are among critical components in medical devices that are vital to ensuring patient safety. Yet, according to the 2022 Recall Index by Sedgewick, medical device recalls have reached a record number over the last three years, with safety issues being the top reason. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains why the correct choice of suitable ball and ring materials and the right product design can ensure high-precision bearings — and medical devices — have a long service life.

Bearings in space

Technology 15-03-2023

"Space is a risky business,” once said Aaron Cohen, the Acting Deputy Administrator of NASA. “I always considered every launch a barely controlled explosion." With several new space projects expected in the near future, these risks must be avoided at all costs. This puts a greater onus on engineers to create high-performing components that can withstand violent shuttle launches and inhospitable vacuums of space. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains the vital role of advanced bearings in man’s journeys beyond the stars.

Lowering vehicle emissions with specialist bearings

Bearings 25-01-2023

According to McKinsey & Company’s Lightweight, heavy impact report, the use of lighter materials in the latest aircraft and automobile designs will be essential to reducing the CO2 emissions these vehicles produce. But lightweighting presents design and cost challenges, as well as sustainability advantages, for manufacturers. To overcome these, here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains why design engineers should give serious consideration to thin section and stainless steel bearings.

It starts with material selection

Bearings 06-12-2022

In hazardous environments such as those found in the oil and gas industry, bearings are often subjected to demanding application conditions. Components used in these hostile environments are therefore designed to fulfil rigorous industry standards such as NEMA ratings and the IP Code (IEC 60529). Here Chris Johnson, managing director at steel bearings supplier SMB Bearings explains five considerations when choosing steel bearings for harsh operating conditions.

Condition monitoring methods

Bearings 13-10-2022

It is estimated that bearing faults account for around half of all failures in electric machines. The consequences of failure can result in unplanned downtime, machine breakdowns, equipment damage and financial losses. To prevent this and ensure consistent performance, effective bearing maintenance is essential. But, when a single machine can contain hundreds of bearings, how can this be managed? Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing supplier SMB Bearings explains.

Bearings in smaller robots

Bearings 22-09-2022

Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains why thin section bearings are crucial to helping SMEs benefit from robots with improved manoeuvrability and precision.

The true cost of bearing lubrication

Bearings 06-07-2022

According to research by SKF USA Inc, improper bearing lubrication accounts for up to 50 per cent of machine failures. This comes as machine and equipment manufacturers feel pressure to reduce costs without sacrificing machine performance — a difficult balancing act. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains the different types of lubrication cost and how to avoid them.

Does your supply chain have the personal touch?

Bearings 14-06-2022

With global supply chains still facing disruption as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and shortage of components such as semiconductors, choosing a trustworthy supplier is more important than ever. Here, Chis Johnson, managing director of bearings-supplier SMB Bearings explains why you should consider the importance of personal touch when selecting suppliers.