Best-of-class and best-of-breed bearings are the resultant product of a combine comprising equipment OEMs, bearing manufacturers, material developers and lubricators. Each combine member focuses on his field of expertise to sensitise bearings to the required applications. Energy-efficient bearings and lubricants are the upcoming megatrend for this essential machinery component segment and the industry is ready to deliver compliant bearings.

In essence, a polygamous but seamless marriage between materials, mechanical, electrical, electronics and lubricant engineering, culminates in new generation smart bearings suitable for rolling or anti/sliding /linear friction applications. Information technologies facilitate their endeavours to design high endurance products capable of withstanding the most demanding operating conditions like zero elastic deformation during their lifecycle or endure high mechanical and thermal stresses or torque or loads.

While many bearing makers strategise to carve out a niche markets for their products, the biggies continue to dominate the market by delivering bearings, made for across-the-board requirements.

I would also like to mention that since bearings are the mainstay of any machinery, the cost of repairing consequential damage due to premature or expected bearing failure disrupts the economic performance of equipment, during its lifecycle. Therefore, adequate attention to bearings is a must for all concerned.

In the edition, we also bring in case studies of Manitowoc and Wirtgen equipment at their respective job sites.

Special reports on Shell Lubricants, Eaton organising a technology day for oil & gas industry and a technology feature on BKT tyres will be interesting to read. Our other regular columns in this section remain as usual.