Focus on: Seals, Bearings & Lubrication Process, Controls & Plant August/September 2026 www.pwemag.co.uk Plant & Works Engineering | 23 Bearing technology is also evolving alongside increased port automation. New sensor-equipped designs are helping engineers track performance in real time. By monitoring temperature, vibration and load, these smart bearings support predictive maintenance strategies that reduce unplanned stops and extend service life. The benefits of smart bearings aren’t limited to uptime. They also help ports hit sustainability targets by optimising machine usage and reducing energy consumption. When friction is minimised and component wear is tracked accurately, equipment runs more efficiently — cutting unnecessary load on motors and systems. Over time, this adds up to measurable energy and cost savings. Different tasks call for different bearing types Low-noise deep-groove ball bearings work well in electric motors and pumps. 316 grade stainless steel or full ceramic bearings resist salt spray and wear, making them ideal for deck equipment. Angular contact bearings are strong under combined loads while needle rollers are suited to compact spaces with high radial force. Thin-section bearings are used when weight and smooth rotation matter most. But specifying the right bearing isn’t just a technical decision — it’s a business one. Poor component choice can result in shorter lifespans, increased maintenance costs and even equipment failure. That’s why many ports and shipping operators now work closely with bearing specialists to ensure the right fit for each application. For instance, in automatic stacking cranes, bearings must deal with repeated stop-start cycles and variable loads. Choosing a bearing with the correct dynamic load rating and seal design can significantly reduce the risk of early failure. Similarly, for shipboard engines operating around the clock, low-friction hybrid bearings can improve energy efficiency and extend service intervals. Procurement teams are also starting to treat bearings as part of wider asset performance strategies. Rather than focusing solely on upfront cost, the emphasis is shifting to total cost of ownership. Bearings that last longer, require fewer interventions and reduce machine wear may be more expensive upfront — but they can pay for themselves many times over in reduced downtime and maintenance. Today’s ports are built on more than software and steel; they rely on every component, including bearings, to perform reliably under pressure. As cargo volumes rise and schedules tighten, getting the small things right becomes mission-critical. Bearings may not be the stars of the show but in a well-run terminal, they’re part of what keeps the whole operation moving — day in, day out. For further information please visit: http://www.smbbearings.com/ Name: Company Name: Address: Post Code: Tel: Total Number of Copies @ £ p+p Total £ Drives S & S Hyd H/B Pne H/B Ind Mot Comp H/B H/B Air QUANTITY QUANTITY Hydraulics & Pneumatics There are now 6 of these handy reference books from the publishers of the Drives & Controls and Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazines. Published in an easily readable style and designed to help answer basic questions and everyday problems without the need to refer to weighty textbooks. We believe you’ll find them invaluable items to have within arms reach. From the publishers of QUANTITY QUANTITY QUANTITY 2-5 copies £4.30, 6-20 copies £4.10, 20+ copies £3.75. QUANTITY PRACTICAL ENGINEER’S HANDBOOKS HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIAL MOTORS SERVOS AND STEPPERS PNEUMATICS COMPRESSED AIR INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC DRIVES PLEASE ALLOW UPTO 28 DAYS FOR DELIVERY $&! -!.5&!#452).' -%$)! ,4$ 4HE (IGH 3TREET 4ONBRIDGE +ENT 4. "% Postage and Packaging: 1-3 copies: £2.99 4-6 copies: £4.99 7 or more copies: £6.99 If you would like to obtain additional copies of the handbooks, please email info@dfamedia.co.uk or call us on 01732 370340. Alternatively you can return the completed form below to: Engineers Handbook, DFA MANUFACTURING MEDIA LTD, 192 The High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE #HEQUES SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO $&! -ANUFACTURING -EDIA ,TD AND CROSSED ! # 0AYEE #OPIES OF THE HANDBOOKS ARE AVAILABLE AT a PER COPY $ISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR MULTIPLE COPIES
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