Specialist Bearing News

AI-driven manufacturing

Bearings 28-10-2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept for manufacturing — it’s already at work on factory floors. A survey by the National Association of Manufacturers found that 72 per cent of manufacturers have seen AI cut costs and boost efficiency. But while attention often centres on software and data platforms, it’s important to remember that AI is only as powerful as the machines it monitors. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, argues that the road to the smart factory doesn’t run solely through algorithms. It also depends on the bearings that keep production moving and supply AI with the data it needs to perform.

Turning torque into savings

Bearings 07-10-2025

According to a study published in MDPI, direct energy inputs such as diesel for machinery account for around 30 to 50 per cent of total energy use in European agriculture, with machinery often representing the largest share. This heavy energy demand, combined with volatile diesel prices and tightening emissions regulations, is putting pressure on farmers to improve machinery efficiency. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explores how improving bearing efficiency can help reduce energy losses in farm equipment, delivering both cost savings and lower carbon emissions.

Small components, big impact

Bearings 09-09-2025

Beverage manufacturing is tough on machinery. High humidity, frequent washdowns, exposure to cleaning chemicals and fluctuating temperatures can all accelerate wear. In this challenging environment, the reliability of production equipment is critical to keeping output high and downtime low. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, argues that, when stakes are high, success depends on components that can deliver precision and durability under constant pressure — like speciality industrial bearings.

Reducing range anxiety

Bearings 04-08-2025

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers aren’t just worried about how fast they can charge — they’re worried about how far they can go. As demand for EVs grows worldwide, so does pressure to overcome ‘range anxiety’ — the nagging fear that a battery will run dry before reaching a charging station. But while much of the spotlight is on bigger batteries and faster chargers, few realise how small precision components like bearings can make a huge difference. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explores why choosing the right bearing technology is essential to maximising EV range.

Grease or oil?

Bearings 22-07-2025

According to Siemens report The true cost of downtime, the annual cost of an idle production line at a major automotive facility has surged to $695 million — one and a half times higher than five years ago. In heavy industry, downtime now costs $59 million annually, a 1.6-fold increase since 2019. While bearing failures are relatively rare, improper lubrication remains a key contributor. Choosing between grease and oil isn't straightforward — it depends on factors such as speed, load, temperature, orientation, and contamination. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, explores the advantages and limitations of each lubrication method.

Understanding automotive bearings

Bearings 12-06-2025

A worn-out bearing might seem like a minor issue — until it leads to a seized wheel or a breakdown in fast-moving traffic. Bearings are critical to the smooth and reliable function of countless automotive components like wheel hubs and alternators. But when bearings fail — which often happens silently and gradually — the consequences can be serious. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, offers guidance on selecting the right bearings to keep vehicles safe, stable and roadworthy.

Sealed bearings for HVAC systems

Bearings 16-04-2025

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems aren’t just essential to controlling temperatures and air quality inside buildings — they could contribute towards massive global savings. An ‘Efficient cooling scenario’ proposed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggests that doubling the energy efficiency of air conditioning could reduce investment and running costs in these systems by nearly $3 trillion by 2050. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, explains how one way to make HVAC systems more efficient is through the better use of advanced sealed bearings.

Should you opt for custom or off-the-shelf bearings?

Bearings 10-04-2025

The choice of bearings in machinery design significantly affects performance, durability and cost. Bearings are essential for reducing friction, supporting loads and allowing smooth operation of moving parts. With the rise in demand for highly specialised machinery and growing interest in custom manufacturing, engineers often face a critical decision — selecting custom bearings tailored to their application or opting for readily available off-the-shelf solutions. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, weighs up the advantages and disadvantages.

From friction to function

Bearings 03-03-2025

Noise and vibration in ball bearings threaten precision and safety in critical systems, costing manufacturers billions annually in maintenance and lost productivity. As demand from medical, aerospace and industrial sectors drives the USD 120.98 billion global bearings market towards a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5 per cent by 2030, tackling these challenges has never been more urgent. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist, SMB Bearings, explores the causes of noise and vibration and shares strategies to ensure optimal ball bearing performance in critical applications.

Precision fits

Bearings 27-02-2025

When evaluating bearing performance, material quality and lubrication typically take centre stage — a focus justified by BDS Bearing’s findings that these factors, along with poor fitting, account for up to 70 per cent of bearing failure cases. Despite this, the critical role of precision fits — the exact interplay between a bearing’s inner ring and shaft, or its outer ring and housing — are often overshadowed by other considerations. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, explores why precision fits demand greater attention from engineers and manufacturers.

The economic benefits of investing in high-quality bearings

Bearings 14-01-2025

The cost of unplanned downtime is staggering, with global estimates suggesting unplanned downtime costs manufacturers $50 billion annually. A critical yet often overlooked component in preventing such losses is the bearing — the small but vital part that keeps industrial operations running smoothly. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, discusses the economic benefits of investing in high-quality bearings.

Ensuring sterility and precision in pharma

Bearings 15-10-2024

According to the Sedgwick 2023 State of the Nation Recall Index, 2022 saw a surge in drug recalls, with sterility failures topping the list for the first time in over six years. This trend continued into 2023, as with microbial and chemical contamination dominating recalls. In such a high-stakes environment, where even minor defects can lead to significant health risks, every component of the production line plays a crucial role in maintaining high standards. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialty bearing manufacturer, SMB Bearings, explains why bearings are essential to ensuring sterile and precise operations.