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FEATURE BEARINGS, SEALS & GASKETS


ENGINEERED TO ENDURE:


WITHSTANDING AEROSPACE EXTREMES


In addition to manufacturing TiC Titanium Carbide coated bearings that meet the extreme


demands faced by aerospace applications, Carter Manufacturing produces thin-section bearings that enable engineers to reduce system weight


T


iC-coated bearing balls are being increasingly requested for space applications – including satellites, radars


and microwave systems – where they offer the strength of steel but with the wear-resistant properties of ceramics. These are produced using Chemical Vapour


Deposition (CVD) to create a hard, durable, layer of around 30 GPa (Gigapascals). As a result, they are ideal for high-stress environments, and are capable of operating smoothly and efficiently in applications faced with high speeds, high temperatures (up to 440˚C) and radiation. TiC-coated balls also offer enhanced bearing


life by reducing adhesive wear, controlling material transfer, and enabling operation in boundary or un-lubricated applications. Furthermore, thanks to their thermal and physical stability, TiC-coated steel balls have a similar thermal expansion coefficient to steel bearings, ensuring consistent preload in extreme temperature applications. Of further benefit, these are highly resistant


to corrosion, which is important in space applications where there is no atmosphere to protect materials from harsh environments. They also help to ensure that bearings continue to function properly over long periods of time. Compatibility is also critical because it means TiC bearings can be used in high- vacuum applications, helping to avoid the breakdown of lubricants whilst also preventing cold welding of components.


LOW PROFILE BEARINGS In addition to delivering resilient components for aerospace bearings, Carter continues to develop its Silverthin thin-section bearings.


3 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MAY 2026 6


With very low profile and an ultra-compact design, engineers can reduce the overall weight of their systems, and it also makes them ideal for where space is limited in applications such as in satellite, radar, and microwave systems. Manufactured to very tight tolerances to


ensure a high degree of precision and accuracy – which is measured in microns – these thin- section bearings are suitable for applications where precise positioning is required, such as satellite dish antennas and radar systems. Despite their thin profile, these bearings can handle heavy loads due to their design, which features a larger ball complement


compared to traditional bearings. This enables them to handle heavier loads without sacrificing performance. Silverthin thin-section bearings also have a


low friction coefficient, helping to reduce energy consumption and minimise heat generation, factors which are important in applications where power consumption and heat dissipation is critical, such as satellite and microwave systems. Many thin-section bearings for these applications are manufactured from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, making them ideal for use in harsh environments, such as outer space. Silverthin thin-section bearings can be


produced using speciality materials, including Cronidur 30, M50 tool steel, thin dense chrome-plated 52100 bearing steel, and non- standard balls made of 440C stainless steel, silicon nitride ceramic, industrial ruby, and TiC-coated 440C stainless steel.


Carter Manufacturing T: 01865 821720 www.carterbearings.co.uk


A MECHANICAL ART INSTALLATION


R.A. Rodriguez has supplied 44 custom-made slewing bearings in various sizes for kinetic art installation, UMBILICAL. Standing 10m tall and 12m in diameter, the work by British artist Conrad Shawcross consists of 40 interlocking arms that continuously weave a rope, tracing the movements of the solar system. The mechanics for this application are visible to the audience. The mechanical implementation was developed by British engineering


company Brier Solutions, with Rodriguez brought in as a specialist in bearing technology and custom-made products. The components had to operate with precision, reliability and resilience while withstanding comparatively high axial and radial forces, as well as torsional and tilting moments, despite their compact dimensions. Quiet operation was also very important. To realise the project, Rodriguez developed special ball slewing rings,


which are suitable for applications where high load-bearing capacity and precise motion sequences are equally required. “With this project, we were able to demonstrate that we can respond flexibly even to unusual


customer requirements and special installation situations. We find the right solution for virtually every application,” commented Martin Stremmel, product manager.


Rodriguez www.rodriguez.de/en www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk


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