eight reduction is essential in the aerospace industry. In fact, according to Tech Briefs, an aircraft like the
Boeing 787 can achieve a 10-12% improvement in fuel efficiency with just a 20% reduction in structural weight, an advantage in a sector facing rising fuel costs and net-zero targets. From primary structures down to sensors and wiring, the components that were once oversized or over-engineered are now being reimagined in miniature, often using advanced materials and topological optimisation to trim every unnecessary gram. One such product is the bearing. From
flight control actuation and avionics to satellite navigation, instrumentation and cooling fans, aerospace bearings are everywhere – and in modern systems, they are getting smaller and more specialised.
Miniature bearings, often just a few millimetres in diameter, are essential in space-constrained assemblies. These are typically used in high- speed rotating parts where precision and stability must be guaranteed, despite thermal variation or vibration. For example, in gyroscopic stabilisers, navigation units or electromechanical actuators, a failure in bearing performance can compromise the accuracy – or even the safety – of the system. But, in addition to being compact, bearings
used in aerospace must demonstrate exceptional resistance to wear, corrosion and temperature variation. And this often calls for specialist materials and coatings. Consider the role of bearings in electro- mechanical actuators (EMAs), increasingly used to replace traditional hydraulic systems in modern aircraft. EMAs are lighter, more energy-efficient and require less maintenance, but their performance hinges on the reliability of internal components, particularly bearings. A typical EMA includes a series of gears,
screws and shafts, all supported by compact bearing assemblies. These must function smoothly under load, even with rapid directional changes and in extreme ambient conditions. For instance, an aerospace OEM might consult a specialist bearing supplier that, in turn, specifies precision miniature bearings with solid lubrication and special seals. This would reduce the need for re-lubrication and enhance system reliability over extended periods. The result? Lighter actuation systems that
perform consistently over thousands of cycles, without the added weight or complexity of hydraulic lines and pumps.
In compact aerospace systems, not only is access for maintenance limited, but the operating environment is often extreme.
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Lubrication strategies are therefore a vital part of bearing specification. Dry lubricants, such as tungsten disulphide
or molybdenum disulphide coatings, can be applied to bearing surfaces to reduce friction and wear without requiring traditional oils or greases. Alternatively, solid lubricants can deliver long-lasting protection against moisture and temperature-induced degradation. These options are especially valuable in
applications like avionics or satellites, where lubrication must be vacuum-compatible or where zero-maintenance operation is critical. Choosing the right lubricant – or lubrication- free design – helps ensure miniature bearings continue to perform even under aerospace’s harshest conditions.
Compact bearings enable the design of lighter, smarter, more efficient systems. By focusing on high-performance materials, corrosion resistance, thermal stability and precision manufacturing, bearing suppliers like SMB Bearings are helping engineers deliver the next generation of aircraft – ones that fly further, burn less fuel and meet the performance demands of a rapidly changing world.
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