BLOG CATEGORIES:
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.
Read MoreAccording 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.
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreIn this article, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings explains the importance of automotive bearings.
Read MoreSteel 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.
Read MoreSimple 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.
Read MoreBearings 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.
Read MoreCeramic 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.
Read MoreThe excessive use of the phrase ‘tariff free’’ in media articles has created a misleading impression about the reality of Britain’s Brexit deal with the EU. Crucially, tariff-free is dependent on compliance with complicated rules of origin. Here, Chris Johnson, director of bearings supplier and relubrication specialist, SMB Bearings, explains some of the intricacies of the new trading arrangements and how businesses can get to grips with life after Brexit.
Read MoreIn 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 the Internet of Things (IoT) can enable a stronger, more resilient bearing supply chain.
Read MoreAccording 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 per cent. From personal flying vehicles to a greener aerospace, it’s clear the aerospace sector is developing fast — but where did it all begin? Here, Chris Johnson, managing director of SMB Bearings, explores a brief history of bearings in the aerospace sector.
Read MoreNot 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 of agricultural drones and advises on the importance of bearing selection for these devices.
Read More