Most bearings are used in applications involving rotation: a shaft spinning inside a housing, a wheel turning on an axle, and so on. The thrust bearings, on the other hand, are used in applications involving something entirely different: a force pushing along the length of a shaft rather than around it. If you’ve ever worked with machinery in which parts are trying to slide or shift along the length of a shaft, you’ve probably encountered the problem a thrust bearing solves. The applications are quite universal if one looks hard enough. A vertical pump shaft supporting the weight of the impeller assembly. A gearbox in which helical gears cause axial forces during operation. A ship propeller shaft in which a thrust load of massive proportion must be handled as it... Read More »

Bearings moving or slipping out of place can normally be traced back to the features designated to hold them in place, and the damage depends upon the efficiency or the total failure of the system. Locating rings are essential for keeping bearings properly aligned within a housing. Knowing how to recognise and solve these problems will save time and money while avoiding more complicated mechanical issues in the future.  Primary Cause  Bearings do not usually move around without a good reason. Often it comes down to someone getting the installation wrong in the first place. When a locating ring isn’t seated properly during assembly, it doesn’t take much, such as a bit of vibration here, some thermal expansion there and suddenly your bearing’s shifted out of position.   Corrosion needs additional... Read More »

The field of aerospace engineering has a huge number of specifications, standards and materials that combine to make it possible for planes take off into the sky as well as spacecraft explore space. Amid these, AMS 6515 may not be a popular name, but it is significantly involved in ensuring safety and reliability of aircraft components. This article will get into the world of this incredible material specification and find out why it is so important to aviation sector. What’s is AMS 6515? AMS 6515 is an Aerospace Material Specification (AMS) that prescribes requirements for a particular type of steel alloy. It specifically relates to low-alloy steel with high strength and excellent fatigue resistance. This material usually exists in bars, forgings, or tubes hence making it ideal for many different... Read More »

For applications requiring rotational motion, slewing rings and ball bearings are two potential component solutions. While both provide low-friction rotation, slewing rings and ball bearings have different designs optimized for certain uses. Understanding key differences helps identify whether a slewing ring or ball bearing best fits your project requirements. Load-Carrying Capacity A key consideration is the amount of load the component must support. Slewing rings can sustain both high axial and radial loads, making them well-suited for heavy-duty applications like cranes, excavators and turbines. Ball bearings are more limited in axial load capacity, but accommodate high radial loads efficiently in applications like conveyors or transmissions. Range of Motion Slewing rings allow continuous 360° rotation as well as tilting motion, providing maximum flexibility of motion. This makes them useful in cranes,... Read More »

Behind the UK’s largest multinational manufacturers lies a robust ecosystem of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While less visible than big corporations, these small manufacturing firms are pivotal contributors to local economies and communities across Britain. From machine shops to furniture makers, SMEs create jobs, drive innovation, preserve heritage skills and support supply networks. As manufacturing evolves, maintaining a thriving SME sector is essential for balanced economic prosperity.  Job Creation and Preservation A defining feature of manufacturing SMEs is that most employment is concentrated in one facility or region. This creates stability for local workers who are able to find steady jobs near home versus commuting or relocating for corporate roles. SMEs often sustain traditional or niche manufacturing trades from metalsmithing to sailmaking, preserving jobs in communities. Made-local emphasis means... Read More »

The UK has a storied history of manufacturing excellence spanning centuries of craft mastery. From pottery and woollens to clocks and silver, British artisans established unparalleled reputations for skill and quality. While industrialisation and high-tech processes dominate today’s factory floors, traces of tradition and craftsmanship can still be found in many present-day UK manufacturing sectors. Blending heritage techniques with cutting-edge capabilities reflects the innovation and adaptability of British industry. Premium Autmotive Craftsmanship The origins of UK automotive making reach back to pioneers like Austin, Morris and Rover. Today, brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, McLaren and Aston Martin represent the pinnacle of luxury auto manufacturing. Skilled technicians still hand-assemble the iconic engines, leather interiors and signature styling. At the same time, these brands leverage technology like aerodynamic simulation, sustainable materials and self-driving... Read More »

Without it, the wonders of modern technology may not have been possible. MP35N, also known as Elgiloy, is the versatile alloy that has enabled revolutionary advancements across industries. Its unique blend empowers everything from life-saving medical devices to satellites orbiting the farthest reaches of space. This nickel-cobalt based alloy takes its name from its composition – 35% nickel, 35% cobalt, 20% chromium and 10% molybdenum. Traces of carbon, manganese, silicon and other elements complete the mixture. But it’s the innovative bonding and precise proportions of these metals that gives MP35N its unmatched combination of strength, elasticity, biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. With an exceptional tensile strength approaching 300,000 psi or 2,100 MPa – exceeding even most titanium alloys – MP35N can cope with extremes of pressure, shock and vibration. Its strength-to-weight... Read More »

Drum containers are an essential requirement when it comes to transporting items from one place to the next. A lot of businesses try to find a reliable way to get these items to where they need to be but that’s easier said than done. This is why more and more people are now starting to look towards solutions such as drum containers. These work well and offer a long list of benefits that are key when it comes to the general transportation of key materials. Here are the main benefits that come along with the use of drums containers. Safe Safety is one of those details you are not going to want to overlook. There are so many things to focus on and you are going to get confused along... Read More »

In the last decade or so, electric winches have developed from basic machine drive systems to be more complex machines with considerable power output and lifting capacity. The development of high-power-density electric motors has been a key factor in this process, as they allow for the increase in performance that is an essential requirement for modern production facilities. The electric winch is one particular component that has evolved considerably in recent years. They make light work of lifting heavy items. Load capacities range from 3,500kg to more than 15,000kg. The electric winch is an electrically powered machine that can be used for lifting and lowering loads in construction yards or on building sites. They are typically mounted on a boom (a telescopic arm), which makes them able to extend up... Read More »