Innovations that helps you get ahead
Ever since its foundation in 1966 PM has brought a continuous stream of technological innovations to the market. Over the last five decades, PM products have opened up new opportunities for our customers, providing them with technological advantages that helped them to expand their business and drive new product development.
Highly qualified employees
In translating today’s industry challenges into new products, we depend on our highly qualified and driven workforce. Each one of our employees brings in their specific knowledge and a lot of enthusiasm for product innovation.
PM also benefits from its strong relationships with world-leading universities, which ensure we are always operating on the cutting edge of the latest R&D and industry knowledge.
Continuous training, knowledge sharing, and an open culture of collaboration empower our teams to push technological boundaries and deliver creative, high-quality solutions for our customers worldwide.
1990 – RPM radial bearing
In 1990 we introduced the RPM rotary positioning bearing, known for its high repeatability and accuracy in a rotary motion. RPM bearings are made from corrosion-resistant steel and the ring can be ordered with one or more carriages. The carriages use adjustable and replaceable recirculating bearing elements. The bearings enjoy popularity in the measurement and analysis industries for their high repeatability and accuracy. Go to the page with RPM specs.
1998 – Gonio bearings RGB
Gonio bearings were originally developed for use in the precision optical lenses industry. Today they can also be found in measuring devices and in semiconductor R&D. The bearings can be supplied either with crossed roller or ball bearing cage assemblies. RGB bearings offer precise angular motion with a low rolling friction coefficient.
In 1999 PM introduced SF-technology – for ultra-smooth linear motion and pinpoint precision.
2001 – ACC-technology
PM introduced the first standardised Anti-Cage Creep system (ACC) as an optional feature for the RSDE deep groove crossed roller bearings. An all-metal design that provides reliable performance in even the most demanding applications. As the system is integrated in the design of the linear bearing without affecting the bearing’s external dimensions, it is possible to replace existing linear bearings with ACC bearings (drop-in replacement).
2005 – Ceramic linear bearings
In 2005 PM was the first company to introduce a full range of ceramic crossed-roller linear bearings. Since then we have further gathered superior knowledge of the product and its behavior in industry applications. We are a major supplier of ceramic linear bearings to high-tech markets including medical science and the semiconductor industry. Click here for more information about ceramic linear bearings.
2005 – FMB bearings
Driven by demand from the semiconductor industry, in 2005 PM introduced the flat mounted table bearing series FMB.
FMB was specifically designed for tight spaces, high accuracy requirements and repeatable precision. Due to the height difference between the inner and outer ring, as well as the presence of attachment holes, this bearing is easy to mount. The defined friction force, modified load ratings and a corrosion-resistant design are among the optional features available.
2006 – Carbon fibre composite linear slides
During the Motek industrial fair in Germany in 2006, PM demonstrated the practical use of carbon fibre composite linear slides and introduced a range of carbon fibre frictionless slides.
Technology leadership is the foundation of our business
2007 – Next generation ACC
Six years onwards from its first introduction in 2001, our next-generation anti-cage creep solution was ready for market. The new ACC combines a modified rack system with a high-density KRE roller cage type, providing longer lifetimes and increased load capacity. Anti-cage creep technology ACC is available in the standard linear bearings sets of the RSDE and RNG types. Read more detailed information about ACC-technology here!
2009 – Introducing ACCI for UHV
ACCI for UHV is our anti-cage creep technology for stainless steel RSDE linear bearings. With a rack that is integrated into the through-hardened rail, this solution is suitable for use in vacuum and ultra-high vacuum applications. A roller cage made from PEEK material has been designed specifically for use with this solution if needed.
Sets with ACC-technology
2013 – Miniature slide PMMR – World’s 1 miniature slide with crossed roller bearings
The PMMR miniature slide offers high stiffness and load ratings in a compact and stainless steel design. PMMR slides are a popular solution in the medical and semiconductor industries. They meet the smallest space requirements in the market while demonstrating excellent motion performance. PMMR is the first miniature slide in the market using crossed roller bearing technology.
2017 – RNG linear bearing
RNG linear bearings combine smaller assembly dimensions with a 30% higher load rating than any other product in the market. This makes our RNG type the absolute benchmark in precision linear bearings.
2019 – Miniature slide MSR – Anti-cage creep technology included
The miniature slide MSR is developed to meet the requirements of tomorrow’s industry. With faster cycle times, superior quality and high accuracy in a minimum space, the MSR is the product of choice for precision applications that are subject to high accelerations on a constant basis. It include 7 sizes and all parts are made from stainless steel. The stroke is ranging from 5 – 112 mm.
2020 – Smallest miniature slide MSR 3 with anti-cage creep in the industry
With only 3.2 mm of height and a width of 5.5 mm, the new size offers maximum space savings. The new size provides the advantages of cross roller bearings together with anti-cage creep technology in the smallest size available. The MSR 3 offers high precision, stiffness and durability in the most tight installation spaces.
2026 – FLEXIQ: smarter and more flexible manufacturing
Manufacturing companies in the Netherlands are facing increasing pressure from international competition, a shortage of skilled workers and a growing demand for smaller series and customised products. FLEXIQ brings together manufacturing companies and knowledge partners in the eastern Netherlands to explore practical ways of making production smarter, more flexible and future-proof.
PM participates in FLEXIQ as one of the manufacturing partners. Within the project, the partners combine their experience, technology and production knowledge to develop and test solutions for high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments.
A central question within FLEXIQ is how automation and digitalisation can support skilled employees and improve production processes, while maintaining the flexibility that specialised manufacturing requires. This is particularly relevant for PM, where high-precision components and assemblies are often produced in relatively small series and with a high degree of customisation.
Three areas of development
Data-driven production planning
Developing a smart platform that uses production data to improve planning, production control and decision-making.
Human-centred automation
Developing collaborative robot solutions and digital tools that can support operators in suitable production tasks.
Vision and intelligent inspection
Using camera technology and intelligent software to automatically recognise, position and inspect different products.
Project ambitions
FLEXIQ aims to demonstrate how these technologies can contribute to measurable improvements in manufacturing and logistics. The project targets include:
- Approximately 10% higher production efficiency and 5% fewer production errors
- Approximately 15% higher productivity in logistical processes
- Additional production capacity equivalent to 2–4 full-time positions per participating company
The participating companies will implement and evaluate relevant developments within their own production environments. Beyond productivity and quality improvements, FLEXIQ aims to help preserve technical knowledge, reduce dependence on scarce labour and make advanced manufacturing technologies more accessible to SMEs.
For PM, participation in FLEXIQ is an opportunity to contribute our practical experience in high-precision manufacturing while exploring new technologies that can further improve the flexibility and efficiency of our own production processes. By working together with other manufacturing companies and knowledge institutes, we can learn from each other and help translate new technologies into practical industrial applications.
Project partners
FLEXIQ brings together seven manufacturing and technology partners:
PM B.V., IQonIQ, Ellage Electronics, Hak4t, R-Vent Netherlands, Schurter Electronics and Fox Industries.
The project is supported by two knowledge partners:
Windesheim University of Applied Sciences and FIP-AM@UT, the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Advanced Manufacturing at the University of Twente.
Together, the FLEXIQ partners are working towards a smarter, more sustainable and people-centred manufacturing industry in the eastern Netherlands.
FLEXIQ is co-funded by the European Union through EFRO Oost, Programme East Netherlands 2021–2027.
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