Specialist Bearing News

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.

Precision agriculture: the hype around drone technology

Technology 02-07-2021

Not even the agriculture sector can escape the hype of drone technology. The European drones outlook study reports 150,000 agricultural drones will be used across European farms by 2035, undertaking tasks such as soil and field analysis, crop monitoring and spraying. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at EZO bearings specialist SMB Bearings, explains the value of agricultural drones and advises on the importance of bearing selection for these devices.

Ultrasound bearing inspection

Technology 01-09-2020

Pierre Langevin patented the first technological application of ultrasound during World War One by inventing a device to detect submarines. Like Langevin, maintenance engineers and plant managers can also use ultrasound for detection. Either by itself or as a companion technology, ultrasound can be an excellent part of condition monitoring for your bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearings supplier SMB Bearings, provides an introduction into some of the benefits of this technology.

Keeping vibration analysis happy

Technology 07-12-2018

Implementing condition monitoring can reduce the frequency and cost of equipment maintenance. Specifically, vibration analysis can provide valuable insight into machine condition, flagging up problems before extensive damage occurs. Chris Johnson, managing director of ball bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains the steps machine builders should take to reduce the likelihood of bearings being the root cause.

What goes into an LMP2 engine?

Technology 22-10-2018

The Le Mans 24-hour race is a high endurance, day-long race that puts the world's best race cars to the test. In 2017, jaws dropped when an LMP2 car was placed second and third overall. But, why was this a poignant moment for this engine type and why is this significant to the design and development of these race car engines?

Designing for cleanrooms

Technology 15-06-2018

There's a lot to consider when designing a robot for a cleanroom application. You're bringing together two genres of priorities, that of the robot; to be precise, smooth and long-lasting, and that of the environment; to prevent contamination in accordance with industry standards.

Grasping the next generation of robotics

Technology 15-06-2018

The Amazon Picking Challenge, set by global online retailer Amazon, challenged roboticists to create a robot that can pick and stow twelve products from a shelf, into a bag. The Shadow Robot Company, designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art anthropomorphic robot hands, addressed the challenge with the help of precision bearing specialist, SMB Bearings.

Manufacturing the future of robotics

Technology 23-06-2017

As UK robotics week (24 to 30, June 2017) begins, Chris Johnson, managing director of specialist bearings distributor, SMB Bearings, examines the state of the UK’s robotics industry.

SMB's new non-magnetic bearings brochure...

Technology 16-12-2016

We're delighted to be starting work on a new brochure, to showcase our non-magnetic bearings - we have plastic acetal resin, ceramic & 316 grade stainless steel bearings available for a diverse range of applications.