Specialist Bearing News

Tackling critical points of failure in manufacturing

Bearings 10-06-2026

Maintenance has traditionally been seen as a cost to minimise, though many manufacturers now recognise it as a strategic priority. Despite this, there is still work to be done. Research by IDS-INDATA show that UK and Europe based manufacturers could face costs of up to £157 billion in 2026 alone because of unplanned downtime. Outages can last from hours to days, leading to substantial energy losses and operational costs. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains why bearings can become critical points of failure and why embedding proactive maintenance strategies is essential for operational resilience.

Miniaturisation in MedTech

Bearings 16-04-2026

Medical devices are becoming smaller, lighter and more portable. From handheld diagnostic tools to wearable infusion pumps and compact surgical instruments, reduced size is now a defining feature of many new Medtech products. While miniaturisation brings clear benefits for patients and clinicians, it also introduces mechanical constraints that can influence how reliably these devices perform over time. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, explores how mechanical decisions that once seemed secondary can begin to dictate overall product success.

Keeping hydrogen systems steady

Bearings 13-04-2026

Hydrogen projects are expanding across transport, energy and industrial processing, with global demand projected to rise through to 2030 according to The International Energy Agency (IEA). These systems place heavy demands on small rotating parts, and any change in friction, temperature or material behaviour can lead to wear. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of bearing specialist SMB Bearings, explores why components such as bearings have a direct impact on the safety and stability of hydrogen systems.

Could precision miniature bearings help reduce aircraft maintenance costs?

Bearings 11-03-2026

Rising maintenance costs and declining performance metrics are putting pressure on airlines, especially as ageing aircraft require more complex upkeep. While AI and digitalised maintenance can help streamline operations, they face integration challenges with older systems. Precision miniature bearings, paired with Industry 4.0 sensors, offer a practical way to improve predictive maintenance. By capturing data on vibration, heat and load, these small components play a big role in early fault detection, reducing delays, easing pressure on MRO teams and improving overall cost‑effectiveness.

The expanding universe of miniature bearings

Bearings 10-03-2026

Precision miniaturisation is driving innovation across robotics, medical technology and electric vehicles as engineers design smaller, more efficient systems. Chris Johnson of SMB Bearings explains how high-performance miniature bearings are becoming essential to reliability in applications such as surgical robots, compact EV drivetrains and wearable diagnostics.

SMB Bearings receives safety star award from Avetta

Bearings 09-03-2026

Miniature bearing specialist SMB Bearings has received the prestigious safety star 2025 award from Avetta in acknowledgement of its exceptional safety standards, operational excellence and commitment to reducing risk across its supply network. The award highlights SMB Bearings’ dedication to delivering reliable performance for customers operating in demanding environments.

Clean-label trends in the food industry

Bearings 05-03-2026

Consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for fresher, less-processed foods, with 75 per cent saying they are prepared to spend extra on clean-label products. Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains how industrial bearings are playing an increasingly important role in meeting food safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Unlocking efficiency in pneumatic systems

Bearings 05-03-2026

As automation becomes the norm, industries will require more reliable and efficient pneumatic systems. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings discusses how industrial bearings, can improve the efficiency of pneumatic technologies.

Humanoid robots are among us

Bearings 11-02-2026

Humanoid robots are stepping into real-world roles across industry. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains why choosing the right bearings â€” especially thin-section bearings â€” will be critical to realising the full potential of humanoid robots.

Travelling Light

Bearings 02-02-2026

In aerospace engineering, every gram matters. Reducing weight isnâ€™t just about trimming fuel costs â€” itâ€™s central to improving range, agility, emissions and structural performance. With modern aircraft increasingly designed around composite materials, optimised forms and ultra-efficient systems, even the smallest components are under pressure to do more with less. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains how miniature and specialist bearings help meet the demand for lightweight, highly accurate aerospace parts.

Supporting the surge in global shipping

Bearings 02-02-2026

Global shipping is under pressure. More vessels, bigger loads, tighter turnarounds â€” and all eyes are on ports to keep things moving. To stay ahead, terminals are embracing smarter systems: robotic cranes, artificial intelligence-guided logistics and highly automated infrastructure. But while the tech headlines grab attention, some of the most crucial components operate behind the scenes. A great example? Industrial bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains how these small parts are helping ports handle huge challenges.

AI-driven manufacturing

Bearings 28-10-2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept for manufacturing â€” itâ€™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, itâ€™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 doesnâ€™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.