Miniature bearings play a critical role in aerospace and defence applications
Miniature ball bearings are small yet critical components that play a vital role in aerospace and defence industries. Engineered to handle extreme conditions such as high temperatures, high vibration, and high loads, while still providing exceptional performance. The precision, reliability and efficiency of these components make them essential for a wide range of critical systems and applications in these industries.
Applications
Bearing selection is crucial to the quality and reliability of the finished product including in the following applications:
- Flight control systems ailerons, elevators, and rudders, for smooth and precise movement.
- Engine systems such as turbines, compressors, and gearboxes to support high loads and speeds.
- Landing gear systems including wheels, brakes, and struts, to support the weight of the aircraft and provide smooth movement during take-off and landing.
- Fuel system pumps and valves, to support high pressure and flow rates.
- Avionics systems for navigation, communication, and flight control with precise and reliable movement.
- Defence electronics guidance, radar, sonar, and communication.
The importance of quality and precision
Aerospace is known for its high standards and demanding requirements, and this applies to miniature ball bearings intended for these markets. The role of these tiny components in the operation of these systems is critical, and it is essential that they are of the highest quality and precision.
Manufacturers and suppliers must implement strict quality control measures to ensure that the products meet the industry’s demands.
One of the key ways to ensure quality is through rigorous testing and certification processes. These bearings are subject to a wide range of tests, such as vibration, shock, and temperature cycling, to ensure they can withstand the conditions they will be exposed to in operation. Additionally, they are subject to precision measurements, such as roundness and runout, to ensure they meet the tight tolerances required for aerospace and defence applications.
Industry standards and certifications
In addition to these tests, they must also meet a variety of industry standards and certifications:
AS9100: A widely recognized quality management standard for the aerospace industry, which includes specific requirements for the design, development, production, and delivery of aerospace products.
ISO 9001: This is an international standard for quality management systems, which provides a framework for ensuring that products and services meet customer and regulatory requirements.
AS EN9120: This is the European standard for aerospace quality management which is based on the AS9100 standard and is widely used in the aerospace industry in Europe. IEC was awarded AS EN9120 in July 2023.
When it comes to bearing selection, quality and precision are critical factors for OEM design and procurement teams. By adhering to these standards and certifications, manufacturers and suppliers are able to demonstrate that they have been manufactured and supplied to the highest quality and precision standards, rigorously tested and evaluated.
Quality in action on the F-35 Lightning II
The F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighter aircraft. Components for this craft must be high-performing, reliable, and lightweight.
Miniature precision ball bearings are a key component used in a variety of systems in the F-35 providing performance, efficiency, and reliability of the aircraft’s critical systems.Â
Bearings within the flight control system, including ailerons, elevators, and rudder, help ensure smooth and precise movement of the flight control surfaces, even under high loads and vibration. They also help reduce the weight of the aircraft.
Miniature ball bearings are also used in the landing gear system, which includes the main gear and nose gear. These bearings help ensure smooth movement during takeoff and landing, and help support the weight of the aircraft.
In the propulsion system, miniature ball bearings are used in the fan module, which includes the fan, compressor, and turbine. These bearings help ensure smooth and efficient operation of the fan module, and help reduce the weight of the aircraft.
Additionally, miniature ball bearings are used in the weapons bay door actuators, which are responsible for opening and closing the weapons bay doors. These bearings help ensure smooth and precise movement of the doors, even under high loads and vibration.
Overall, the use of miniature precision ball bearings in the F-35 helps to improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of the aircraft systems, while also helping to reduce the weight of the aircraft. They are able to withstand high loads, vibration and temperatures, which is crucial for the aerospace and defence industry. The bearings must also meet high precision and reliability standards, which are crucial for aircrafts.
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About the author
Mark is qualified Mechanical Engineer and trained in the field of combustion, power, and process engineering. He has extensive technical and commercial experience of various industries and markets.Mark works closely with client engineering, procurement and project teams to understand the technical and commercial needs of their applications, and provide solutions that will help them deliver on their goals.Mark has an MBA from Bournemouth University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
About IEC
IEC Limited is an expert in source and supply of precision engineered vibration, sealing and rotating components for industry. With a commitment to excellence, IEC Limited leverages its expertise to deliver high-quality products are services that cater to the unique needs of its diverse clientele. Through a customer-centric approach, advanced technologies, and a highly skilled team, IEC Limited is dedicated to driving success and creating long-lasting partnerships.
For all inquiries, please contact:
Mark Freeman
Head of Sales and Strategic Development
IEC Limited
+44 (0)1202 339559
markf@iecltd.co.uk
