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Rising temperatures rarely create equipment faults, they reveal the maintenance that never happened.
Read MoreModern manufacturing places extraordinary pressure on supply chains, and vulnerabilities often originate with components that are small enough to be overlooked. Miniature bearings — tiny, precision-engineered parts measuring only millimetres across — are a prime example. Despite their size, they are essential to the reliability of countless pieces of equipment, and when their arrival is delayed, this can disrupt entire operations. As Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains, building resilience around these components is becoming increasingly important.
Read MoreAccording to PwC, 70 per cent of CEOs worldwide believe Generative AI (GenAI) will significantly transform the way their companies create, deliver and capture value. That includes manufacturers, who can use the systems to spot equipment failures and minimise downtime. Here, Chris Johnson of SMB Bearings emphasises how industrial bearings equipped with sensors can support GenAI by providing real-time data and insights.
Read MoreMaintenance 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.
Read MoreMedical 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.
Read MoreHydrogen 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.
Read MoreRising 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.
Read MorePrecision 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.
Read MoreMiniature 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.
Read MoreConsumers 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.
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreHumanoid robots are stepping into real-world roles across industry. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings, explains why choosing the right bearings — especially thin-section bearings — will be critical to realising the full potential of humanoid robots.
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