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.

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.

How many bearings are in your car?

Bearings 25-05-2022

In this article, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings explains the importance of automotive bearings.

Are plastic bearings fit for high load applications?

Bearings 29-03-2022

Steel has long reigned supreme in the bearing world, but thanks to advances in material science, plastic bearings have evolved well beyond the standard injection-moulded nylon bearings of times gone by. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), along with high-performance polymers, offer wider possibilities than ever before. But are they suitable for high load applications? Here Chris Johnson, managing director of plastic bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains how to assess load ratings for bearings.

How is bearing technology changing?

Bearings 23-02-2022

Simple yet sophisticated, the humble ball bearing is arguably one of the greatest technological developments of all time. However, the story is far from written, over the last few decades the design of bearings has advanced significantly. The need for reduced friction, high carrying capacity, a longer service life and downsizing has led to new material uses, advanced lubrication techniques and sophisticated computer analysis. Here Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings reflects on three exciting developments that have gripped the industry.

Unexpected applications for ceramic bearings

Bearings 07-01-2022

Bearings may be ubiquitous, but these simple mechanical components are integral to some of the most exciting technological innovations taking place today. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at ceramic bearings specialist, SMB Bearings, explores three unexpected applications of ceramic bearings.

Ceramic bearings fit for the world’s toughest rowing race

Bearings 13-12-2021

Ceramic bearing specialist SMB Bearings is sponsoring rowing team, Five in a Row, as they take on this year’s Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The challenge sees over 30 teams of rowers travel west from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, to English Harbour in Antigua & Barbuda. Departing in December 2021, the team will row 3000 miles unsupported, battling harsh ocean conditions and up to 40-foot waves.