Hybrid bearings promise longer life

Kaydon's ability to engineer bearings to suit the individual requirements of a specific application is exemplified by a unique product that has just gone into production. This special hybrid bearing, used in a three-bearing swivel module on a new fighter jet exhaust system, is the first of its kind to be commercially adopted. Although other companies were initially involved in the project, the Kaydon design proved its outstanding ability to operate well in temperatures up to 600C. The bearing has a bore diameter of 1m and its manufacture has required the design of bespoke tooling and the use of special, difficult-to-machine materials. As well as these bespoke hybrid bearings, RA Rodriguez also offers a standard range for general harsh environment applications. These bearings owe their ability to extend the mean time between performance failure to a combination of ceramic balls and hardened steel races. This combination offers several advantages over all-steel bearings and makes hybrid bearings the ideal choice for harsh environments. Hybrid bearings provide longer life and lower wear than steel bearings because the ceramic rolling elements reduce surface flow induced fatigue. And the higher ball hardness minimises the effects of wear debris tracking. Due to their low friction characteristics, hybrid bearings therefore perform well with minimal lubrication and indeed greatly extend lubricant life. As the ceramic material is inert, hybrid bearings offer improved corrosion resistance. They are also electrically resistant and nonmagnetic. The ceramic balls eliminate electrical arcing across the bearing and greatly reduce electrical interference in applications such as instrument bearings.