In modern cardiac surgery, reducing patient trauma and improving recovery outcomes are critical priorities. One of the most significant advancements supporting this goal is the development of micro blood pumps, compact devices that assist circulation during procedures. At the heart of these systems are precision ball bearings manufactured by GRW and supplied in the UK by IEC, enabling reliable, low-stress performance in life-critical environments.
Traditional heart-lung machines, while effective, can place considerable physiological stress on patients due to their size, complexity, and invasive nature. These systems often:
Medical device engineers needed a solution that could:
Micro blood pumps provide a more compact and less invasive alternative, supporting circulation during heart procedures while significantly lowering patient stress.
GRW’s high-precision miniature ball bearings are a core enabling component in these devices. As highlighted by GRW, these bearings act as “tiny lifesavers,” forming essential parts of micro blood pumps that are less burdensome than conventional heart-lung machines.
Why Ball Bearings Matter
Within micro blood pumps, ball bearings are responsible for:
Their precision directly impacts the efficiency and safety of the device.
GRW ball bearings are specifically engineered to meet the demanding conditions of medical environments:
These features ensure that micro blood pumps can operate safely under continuous load during surgery.
The integration of GRW ball bearings into micro blood pumps delivers measurable clinical benefits:
By lowering the burden on the body, these technologies contribute directly to advancements in surgical care.
IEC: Delivering GRW Technology in the UK
IEC plays a vital role in bringing these innovations to market as a trusted UK distributor of GRW ball bearings.
Through its partnership with GRW, IEC provides:
IEC ensures that OEMs and medical device engineers in the UK can integrate world-class bearing technology into life-saving devices.
Micro blood pumps represent a major step forward in cardiac surgery, enabling safer, less invasive procedures. While small in size, GRW ball bearings are fundamental to their performance, delivering the precision, reliability, and durability required in critical medical environments.
With IEC as the UK distribution partner, this advanced technology is readily accessible to healthcare innovators helping to reduce patient stress, improve surgical outcomes, and drive the future of medical engineering.
For more information contact us at [email protected]
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are part of our everyday lives quietly dispensing cash, accepting deposits, and helping people manage money around the clock. But behind the user-friendly screens and secure software lies a complex network of moving parts that must operate reliably with precision and durability. One key component that makes this possible is ABIS Basix miniature and precision ball bearings, a tiny yet essential piece of engineering that helps ATMs function smoothly and dependably.
ABIS Basix miniature and precision ball bearings are manufactured to strict tolerances (P0-P5, ABEC 1–5) and come in a wide range of sizes from 1 mm bore to larger metric and imperial options. These bearings are available in carbon chrome or stainless steel and configurations (open, shielded, sealed) to suit diverse application needs.
Although ATMs are often thought of as electronic devices, they rely on mechanical movement as well especially in cash handling zones. Bearings play a critical role in several ATM functions:
Inside every ATM, cash is transported from cassettes to the customer by a series of rollers, belts and motors. Precision components such as ABIS ball bearings help these rollers turn smoothly with minimal friction and consistent motion. This not only improves speed and reliability but also reduces the risk of jams or misfeeds that can frustrate customers.
Bearings support the motors and drive shafts that power cash dispensers, card readers, and other moving parts. ABIS precision bearings enable these motors to operate with low noise and vibration, reducing wear over time and helping ATMs deliver long-lasting performance even under heavy daily use.
ATMs are often located outdoors or in public spaces where temperature changes, humidity, dust and wear can stress internal components. Shielded and sealed versions of precision bearings protect these mechanisms from contaminants and help maintain performance over the long term.
ATM machines demand components that are compact, precise, and durable. ABIS precision ball bearings deliver all these benefits:
High Volume and Inventory Support: IEC can provide support for high volume applications where its more than just the bearing that is required. Our teams are excellent at working with you to meet strict forecasting and financial requirements.
Compact and High-Precision: Small-scale bearings can be installed in tight spaces and still deliver smooth rotational motion perfect for cash handling and motor applications inside ATMs.
Low Friction and Noise: Smooth operation helps prevent mechanical wear and contributes to quieter ATMs important for customer comfort.
Durability: Tolerance accuracy and quality materials mean ABIS bearings stand up to constant use, providing reliable performance day after day.
Customisation Options: Open, shielded, or sealed options allow designers to choose the right bearing for the specific environmental and mechanical requirements of each ATM design. https://iecltd.co.uk/brands/abis/
By integrating ABIS miniature and precision ball bearings into ATM machinery, manufacturers and service providers can achieve:
ATMs are more than screens and secure electronics they’re mechanical systems that require smart engineering beneath the surface. ABIS precision ball bearings, supplied by IEC Ltd, are a core component that helps ATMs run smoothly, reliably, and efficiently every day.
To learn more about ABIS bearings and how they can enhance your ATM designs and other precision applications, contact us at [email protected]
Some of the most important parts of our daily lives are the ones we never see. The quiet click of an ATM dispensing cash, the smooth take-off of a holiday flight, the roar of a Formula 1 car, or even the miracle of someone hearing for the very first time through a cochlear implant — all of these moments are made possible by tiny, precise components working perfectly in the background.
At IEC, this is our world. Since the 1930s, we’ve been delivering springs, seals, bearings, and precision components that keep critical systems running safely and reliably.
When someone receives a cochlear implant, it’s more than engineering – it’s a new lease on life. The implant relies on miniature mechanical parts built to medical-grade reliability.
IEC’s precision bearings and seals, designed with the same care we bring to aerospace, help manufacturers create devices that patients can trust every single day. To explore the full range of bearings for medical devices, including those used in cardiac systems, respirators, and prosthetics, visit our dedicated healthcare page.
On the racetrack, every detail counts. In Formula 1, sealing rings like FEY rings protect engines and gearboxes from failure under extreme heat and pressure. IEC’s role is to supply these components with the precision teams need to turn engineering excellence into podium finishes.
When you board a plane, you rarely think about the millions of vibrations and stresses the aircraft endures during each flight. Schnorr disc springs supplied by IEC absorb those forces, protecting critical mechanisms and ensuring safety from take-off to landing. For millions of travellers, that means flying with confidence.
Cash machines are so reliable we barely give them a thought. Inside, though, every note you withdraw passes through rollers, springs, and guides that must work thousands of times a day without error. Abis bearings keep ATMs dependable — so your money is always just a few buttons presses away.
As renewable energy grows, turbines, wind farms, and solar trackers all rely on mechanical stability in demanding conditions. IEC supplies disc springs and lock nuts that keep these systems operating efficiently — turning engineering precision into sustainable power.
Robotics and automated factories need parts that can withstand millions of cycles without failure. IEC’s seals, springs, and engineered components keep production lines moving, ensuring reliability in the systems that build our cars, electronics, and everyday goods.
From high-end sports cars to everyday vehicles, IEC supplies Fuji lock nuts and Fey sealing rings that keep engines efficient, transmissions smooth, and safety systems reliable. For drivers, it means better performance and greater peace of mind.
Across all these industries, the demands are the same:
IEC meets these challenges with aerospace-grade standards, EN 9120 certification, and decades of expertise in sourcing and engineering.
Though often hidden from view, IEC’s components help shape our experiences:
IEC’s story is about engineering the invisible — the springs, seals, lock nuts and bearings most people never see, but everyone depends on. Whether it’s the joy of hearing again, the thrill of an F1 race, the reliability of in an ATM, or the safety of a flight, IEC’s core value for excellence makes it possible.
I’m proud to share that IEC has successfully passed our EN 9120:2018 continuous assessment — a major milestone that reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team.
For those unfamiliar, EN 9120 is a globally recognized quality standard tailored for distributors who supply parts and materials into the aerospace industry. But its impact goes far beyond that. This standard is all about quality management, traceability, and product integrity — which are absolutely vital when you’re supplying into high-risk, high-reliability sectors like aerospace, space, defence, and nuclear.
This certification isn’t just about compliance — it’s about trust.
At IEC, we understand that our customers need more than just parts. They need confidence — in our systems, our controls, and our people. EN 9120 shows that we’ve built the right foundations: from preventing counterfeit parts to maintaining full traceability across our supply chain.
For us, this certification is proof that we’re doing things right.
And for our customers, it means they can continue to count on IEC to meet the strictest standards — whether we’re supporting a critical aerospace project, supplying into defence, or contributing to complex nuclear and space applications.
Thanks to everyone at IEC who played a role in achieving this — and to our customers for trusting us to deliver what matters most: reliability, precision, and performance.
—
Ian Gritt
Technical Manager, IEC
In high-speed machinery, precision isn’t optional. Even tiny amounts of axial play in ball bearings can lead to unwanted noise, vibration, and wear. And when thermal expansion comes into play, keeping preload consistent becomes even harder.
That’s where K Springs from Schnorr Washers— made in Germany and distributed in the UK by IEC — make the difference.
Bearings aren’t static. Heat, load changes, and manufacturing tolerances all introduce variations in assembly length. Without a way to accommodate these shifts, preload can fluctuate, leading to:
In some applications, even microns of movement can affect performance — especially in:
K Springs are designed to apply consistent axial preload on ball bearings, even when the assembly length changes due to heat or tolerances. Their slotted design allows controlled flexibility while maintaining force.
How it works:
Key Benefits:
In many cases, K Springs are installed once — and quietly do their job for years without attention. They are a simple solution to a complex problem, keeping bearings tight, smooth, and quiet across industries.
As the official UK distributor for Schnorr Components, IEC supplies K Springs and other precision disc springs across a wide range of industries.
Contact us to discuss your bearing preload application [email protected]
You’re designing a high-precision electric motor, a robotic arm, or a compact gearbox. Everything is engineered down to the last micron. The bearings are installed, the shafts are aligned — and then you hear it.
A faint hum. A vibration. A subtle play in the shaft that wasn’t there before.
This isn’t just an annoyance. Over time, axial play can damage bearing races, generate unwanted heat, and lead to premature failure. The cause? Thermal expansion, manufacturing tolerances, and dynamic loading — all shifting the preload on your bearings.
That’s exactly the problem IEC helped a European automation customer solve — with Schnorr K Springs, precision-manufactured in Germany.
Axial preload in bearings is essential for:
Reducing noise
Eliminating play
Preventing skidding and vibration
Maximising bearing life
But achieving the perfect preload is complicated. Even small variations in temperature or part tolerances can shift the axial load.
Common challenges include:
Shaft growth at high speeds
Housing expansion due to heat
Tolerance stack-ups in assemblies
Axial movement under dynamic load
And unlike many components, bearings often don’t offer second chances. A small preload loss today can lead to catastrophic failure tomorrow.
Schnorr’s K Springs, distributed by IEC in the UK, are specifically designed to maintain consistent bearing preload even as assembly dimensions shift.
Key features:
Fits directly into bearing bores (internal diameter matched to ball bearing sizes)
Can preload inner or outer rings
Stackable for adjustable preload
Available in slotted and non-slotted designs
Compensates for thermal expansion and tolerance variations without losing preload
Why it works:
Axial flexibility absorbs expansion without significant force variation
Prevents bearing play across the full temperature and load range
Simplifies design — no complicated shimming or constant readjustments
Electric Vehicle Traction Motors
An EV manufacturer was experiencing noise issues at high RPM due to shaft growth under heat. By integrating K Springs, they maintained stable preload on motor bearings across wide temperature swings, eliminating NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) issues.
Industrial Robotics
A robotics OEM used K Springs to maintain bearing stability in high-speed pick-and-place arms. Without them, rapid cycling caused preload loss and positional inaccuracies. K Springs absorbed dimensional changes while preserving precision.
Precision Gearboxes
In a high-speed gearbox design, stacked K Springs were used to absorb expansion and ensure continuous preload across varying operating temperatures — critical for maintaining gear mesh accuracy under full load.
Thanks to their precision engineering, Schnorr K Springs quietly solve one of the most frustrating challenges in bearing assemblies — keeping preload stable, even when everything else moves.
With IEC’s engineering support and Schnorr’s German-made quality, design teams across Europe have a simple, reliable solution for complex bearing assemblies.
As the official UK distributor for Schnorr Components, IEC helps manufacturers, OEMs and designers select the right K Spring solution for their specific application.
Contact us today
iecltd.co.uk/brands/schnorr
You’re building a high-speed performance car, engineered for 300+ km/h. Everything is tightened to spec, the engine roars to life, and then—mid-race—a gearbox nuts comes loose. Not a big one, just a small bearing preload fastener. But that tiny flaw? It costs you the race. Or worse—the gearbox.
That’s exactly the kind of problem a European motorsport engineering firm brought to IEC, the official UK distributor for Fuji Lock Nuts. Their brief was clear: “We want a fastener that doesn’t quit at 10,000 RPM.”
The client’s six-speed sequential gearbox was a masterpiece—compact, light, and brutally efficient. But like all great machines, it had an Achilles heel: vibration-induced loosening. No matter the torque spec or locking fluid, bolts in the gearbox housing and shift linkage kept walking themselves out—especially under track conditions.
Symptoms of the Problem:
Race cars can’t afford mistakes. This wasn’t just an annoyance—it was a DNF waiting to happen.
IEC introduced the team to Fuji’s FUJILOK Fine U-NUT, an all-metal lock nut with a unique self-locking friction ring—no nylon inserts, no adhesives, just pure mechanical resistance. The Fine U-Nut is designed specifically to preload bearings-precisely and without washers.
And here’s the fun bit: in Fuji’s internal vibration tests, the FUJILOK Fine U-NUT lasted 30,000 cycles without loosening.
Compare that to:
Let’s put it this way: it outlasted the competition like Max Verstappen in a go-kart race.
The car was sent out for a 500+ km endurance simulation on a mixed-speed track. After 3 days of testing and over 12,000 gear shifts, the team opened the gearbox…
All nuts were still torqued. No loosening. No fretting. Just silence—the kind of silence you want from your gearbox.
Benefit | Outcome |
|---|---|
Anti-vibration locking | Zero bolt failures across all test cycles |
No retightening needed | Reduced pit stop time by 20% |
Heat resistance | Gearbox performance held steady even under 130°C temperature |
Easy installation | Mechanics loved the no-fuss torque consistency |
This wasn’t just a lucky fix. Fuji’s nuts have been used in over 20 industrial sectors, from motorcycles to robotics. Other case studies, like the Advanex anti-vibration nut for power plants, and Jun Fujiki’s torque diagnostics for manufacturing lines, all echo one truth:
“If it shakes, spins, or roars—Fuji keeps it bolted.”
Did you know?
Fuji Lock Nuts are tested using a Junker vibration bench, the gold standard for simulating the chaos of real-world motion. Most nuts fail this test within minutes—Fuji’s hold strong for hours.
As the official UK distributor of Fuji Bearing Lock Nuts, IEC helps race teams, manufacturers, and innovators across Europe secure their most vibration-sensitive assemblies.
Whether you’re locking down a gearbox, a turbo flange, or even a rear wing mount—we’ve got the right nut.
Contact us today:
[email protected]
www.iecltd.co.uk/brands/fuji
From pit lane failures to podium confidence, Fuji Lock Nuts are more than just fasteners—they’re peace of mind at 10,000 RPM.
If your next race—or project—depends on unwavering performance, ask yourself:
“What’s holding you back?”
Because with Fuji Lock Nuts… nothing should.
IEC has been the exclusive partner to Schnorr for products in the UK for many decades, including supplying high-performance disc springs to a range of industries. One of our most significant contributions is to the Airbus A350 programme, where our disc springs play a crucial role in various actuator systems, including the Electrical Thrust Reverser Actuation System (eTRAS). This case study explores the technical function of these components, their application within aircraft systems, and the significance of IEC’s contribution.
Schnorr Disc Springs are used in several types of actuators and related assemblies within the aerospace industry. They are frequently employed in torque limiters to prevent overrun or reverse actuation caused by loadings.
Disc springs serve several critical mechanical and functional roles. These precision-engineered components provide controlled force and energy absorption, ensuring the actuation system operates with high efficiency and reliability. Within aircraft actuation systems, disc springs contribute to:
The springs used in modern aircraft applications must meet stringent requirements beyond standard specifications. These include:
Aerospace systems generally incorporate disc springs within secondary control systems such as high-lift mechanisms, engine nacelles, and landing gear. These systems rely on actuators for flaps, slats, wing tip brakes, cover opening, and thrust reversal operations.
Disc springs in actuators are also commonly used to prevent overloading and reverse operation, functioning similarly to a sprag clutch in no-back actuators. This is the case with the A350 eTRAS where the actuators are used to control the thrust reverser systems of the aircraft. Working closely with the customer, the Engineers at IEC and Schnorr developed reliable, producible springs that are outside of the normal design parameters set out in EN 16983, the spring design standard.
IEC’s expertise in sourcing and supplying premium actuator disc springs has made us an integral part of the Airbus A350 programme. Our role includes:
By integrating IEC-supplied Schnorr disc springs into key aircraft systems, the Airbus A350 benefits from:
IEC’s expertise in providing critical components for advanced aviation systems is evident in our contribution to the Airbus A350 programme. Our high-quality Schnorr disc springs play an essential role in the performance and reliability of multiple aircraft actuation systems, directly enhancing safety, efficiency, and operational success. As we continue to support leading aerospace innovations, IEC remains committed to delivering engineering excellence, high-precision components, and superior customer service.
For more information on our products and services, visit our Schnorr disc springs page.
GRW Bearings for space and satellite industries provide the precision needed to simulate space conditions accurately. As satellite applications grow, frictionless motion is crucial for testing. This capability is essential for testing sub-systems such as attitude control, and positioning systems, and it enables manufacturers to simulate and analyse performance in a virtual space environment, with high accuracy.
To learn how these capabilities translate into real aerospace and aviation systems, please see our aerospace & aviation ball bearings page.
With satellites playing a critical role in various aspects of modern life, from communication and research to data collection and observation, the challenge of accurately replicating the zero-friction and microgravity environments of space on Earth is met with innovative solutions, such as those provided by IEC and GRW Bearings.
At IEC we work in unique partnership with GRW to understand and meet the needs of this market, making the bearings available in the UK, with IEC as your local source for sales and support.
The modern era of GRW’s ball bearings for aviation, satellites, and testing devices is engineered specifically to guarantee flawless
performance and safe operation even with the complex requirements of satellite and space simulation. GRW high-precision bearings achieve near-frictionless motion by utilising advanced materials and extremely high tolerances to minimise resistance and ensure smooth operation under controlled conditions. The unique design and array of lubrication systems, from more than 300 variants, make them ideally suited even to the extremes of temperature and vacuum of space.
These capabilities are also at the heart of GRW’s newly launched high temperature bearings – the XTRA material range – designed to perform reliably from the sub-zero vacuum of space to the extreme heat of high-speed industrial applications.
Previously, satellite manufacturers relied on mathematical models and computer simulations to predict how satellites would behave in space. These models, while useful, had inherent limitations and uncertainties in accurately replicating real-world conditions, such as frictionless motion and microgravity.
With GRW ball bearings, manufacturers are able to perform physical simulations, where actual components of satellite systems are tested in laboratory settings that mimic the frictionless and microgravity conditions of space. GRW Bearings are the key to these tests because they are designed to minimise friction and resistance while operating smoothly under controlled conditions.
These simulations matter because the physical simulations, enabled by GRW Bearings, allow satellite systems such as attitude control and positioning mechanisms to be tested in a more realistic environment. This reduces the uncertainties and errors that could arise from purely theoretical models, ensuring reliable performance once deployed in space.
For more information on how IEC can help you with the new range of GRW XTRA Bearings, please contact us at [email protected].
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a lifeline for those in critical need. They provide pre-hospital critical care that can be the difference between life and death. Our local air ambulance charity operates tirelessly, with a team of highly skilled pilots, critical care practitioners, nurses, and doctors who are on call for 19 hours a day, 365 days a year. They reach patients in remote and challenging locations, providing essential care on the spot.
Why This Matters:
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance receives no direct government or National Lottery funding, relying entirely on the generosity of the public. Each mission they undertake costs approximately £3,000, and their operational costs exceed £5 million annually.
How You Can Help:
Support Ian and Tina as they run to raise funds for this vital service. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference and ensures that the air ambulance can continue to save lives in our community.
Join Us in Making an Impact:
Your support can be a lifeline for someone in a critical situation. Let’s rally together and help Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance continue their incredible work.
You can support Ian (The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity: The 5K Twilight Shift 2023 (enthuse.com), Tina (The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Charity: The 5K Twilight Shift 2023 (enthuse.com), or both, and learn more about this life-saving service (visit www.dsairambulance.org.uk).
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