According to Report Linker, the aerospace market is expected to grow from USD 9.6 billion in 2021 to USD 17.7 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. From personal flying vehicles to greener aerospace, it’s clear the aerospace sector is developing fast — but where did it all begin? Here, […]

In 2020, stock management issues were estimated to cost UK manufacturers 66 billion GBP because of disruption caused by the pandemic. Consequently, the quest to improve efficiency, cut waste, and enhance supply chain operations is one that suppliers know all too well. Here Chris Johnson, managing director at miniature bearings specialist SMB Bearings, explains how […]

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 […]

Where accuracy is required, it is important for engineers to consider the forces acting on a bearing. Because a bearing typically supports the free motion of a shaft about an axis of rotation, two forces normally act on the bearing: a radial load and a thrust load. But, what is the impact of these forces? […]

Where accuracy is required, it is important for engineers to consider the forces acting on a bearing. Because a bearing typically supports the free motion of a shaft about an axis of rotation, two forces normally act on the bearing: a radial load and a thrust load. But, what is the impact of these forces? […]

Back in 2000, scientists discovered zircon in rocks that showed life might have started 500 million years earlier than previously thought. This incredible compound has made a huge impact, as has its oxide, zirconia (ZrO2), used to make full ceramic bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings, explores if the […]

A bee can travel over five miles and then remember its way home, despite possessing a brain the size of a pinhead. Scientists have been putting them in virtual reality simulators to help improve unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone technology. While the honey bee currently has the edge, drone technology is catching up. Here, […]

In September 2020, Airbus revealed three concepts for the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft which could enter service by 2035. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of SMB Bearings explains how this grand reveal could spark new life in the bearing supply chain. All three of Airbus’s concepts rely on hydrogen as the primary power course […]

3D printing technologies have evolved significantly over recent years, with much of the research effort placed in the materials science field. This has enabled the development of a whole range of high-performance polymers with mechanical characteristics similar to those of metal — so what does this mean for bearing design? Here Chris Johnson, managing director […]

To counteract confusion over the many steel bearing variations available, specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings has published a new materials guide to provide a helpful resource. The guide, Steel bearings: an essential guide to this essential workhorse, also provides practical application advice when choosing a steel bearing, which can be downloaded for free on the […]

What do clocks, skateboards, and industrial machinery have in common? They all rely on bearings to maintain their smooth rotational movements. However, to achieve reliability, they must be maintained and handled correctly. This will ensure a long bearing service life, preventing many common issues that can result in bearing failure and costly downtime. Here Chris […]

There is some confusion surrounding the relationship between the precision of a bearing, its manufacturing tolerances, and the level of internal clearance or ‘play’ between the raceways and balls. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of small and miniature bearings expert SMB Bearings, sheds light on why this myth persists and what engineers should look out […]

There are a huge number of variables an engineer needs to weigh up when selecting the right types of bearings for a project. There is no doubt things can get confusing, particularly if your project is non-standard. Here, Chris Johnson managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains one of six important bearing selection […]

Estimates show that wave power could supply 10% of the global demand for energy by the year 2050. If true, this would be a significant boost to a greener future, but currently, this renewable energy source is still in development. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of ceramic bearing specialist SMB Bearings, explains how bearings will […]

With 13% of bearing failure attributed to lubrication factors, bearing lubrication is a fast-evolving area of research, supported by academics and industry alike. Here, Chris Johnson managing director of EZO bearings supplier SMB Bearings, explains how new innovations in polymer-based lubrication could increase lubrication life while reducing maintenance needs and contamination risks for food processing […]

First-person view (FPV) drone racing is a competitive sport where participants pilot drones via a camera and a head-mounted live stream display. In such competitive races, winning can come down to the smallest of margins, so mechanical components must always perform optimally. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of miniature bearing specialist supplier SMB Bearings, advises […]

It’s easy to believe that something made of steel will last forever. However, no matter how well you care for bearings in your plant equipment, they will eventually wear and need to be replaced. This is because they have what’s known as a fatigue life. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of steel bearing specialist SMB […]

While the origin of the first bearing is unknown, Ancient Egyptian drawings depict tree trunks under sleds with liquid-lubricated runners used to move massive stone blocks. While not as old as Ancient Egyptian bearings, some bearings in use today may have been produced decades ago. So, what happens when manufacturers stop producing a certain type? […]

Across the Western world, factories are restarting or stepping up their operations as lockdown measures are cautiously eased. Owners of machinery and their operatives will be eager to know what to look out for when restarting machinery after a temporary shutdown. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearings supplier, SMB Bearings, provides us with […]

SMB Bearings has partnered with ocean rowers, Gus Barton and Duncan Roy as they attempt to break the world record for the fastest unsupported row around Great Britain. SMB Bearings will be sponsoring the rowing duo by providing two sets of full ceramic bearings for their adjustable rowing boat seats. The event which will commence […]

According to the TUC, the average rail commute in the UK takes an average of 2 hours and 11 minutes, each day. Also, last year more than one-third of trains failed to arrive at stations due to technical faults. Chris Johnson, managing director of industrial bearing supplier SMB Bearings, considers the future adoption of smart […]

Stamping a low-quality metal with a high-quality machine tool probably wouldn’t result in success. But how many operators, unaware of the low-grade material, would blame the machine tool? This event serves as a reminder that pinning the blame on the wrong thing, in any scenario, simply isn’t helpful. But as Chris Johnson managing director of […]

When most people think of ceramic bearings, they are usually referring to hybrid versions. Hybrid bearings sit in the middle of ceramic and steel, typically including stainless steel races or rings, and ceramic balls. The steel inner and outer rings of a hybrid bearing can be machined to very close tolerances, meaning that they are […]

Back in 2000, scientists discovered zircon in rocks that showed life might have started 500 million years earlier than previously thought. This incredible compound has made a huge impact, as has its oxide, zirconia (ZrO2), used to make full ceramic bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings, explains the three […]

Back in 2000, scientists discovered zircon in rocks that showed life might have started 500 million years earlier than previously thought. This incredible compound has made a huge impact, as has its oxide, zirconia (ZrO2), used to make full ceramic bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings, explains the three […]