In aerospace engineering, the bearing load is a decisive parameter in the design of rotating assemblies. High speeds, dynamic loads, and temperature fluctuations place extreme demands on manufacturing precision, material quality, and correct bearing dimensioning.
Proper load analysis directly affects rotor stability, vibration levels, and overall operational reliability.
The load on bearings in aircraft engines is of a combined nature.
Radial load acts perpendicular to the axis of rotation. It is caused by centrifugal force and the weight of rotating parts. It affects the stability of operation and the distribution of tensions in the orbits.
Axial load acts parallel to the axis of rotation. These are longitudinal forces that determine the exact position of the shaft. Incorrect balancing can lead to local overload and reduced service life.
Comparing radial vs. axial load is a key factor in design, as these forces affect the resulting bearing load in practice.
Aerospace applications require:
Ball bearings enable operation at high speeds and transmit combined loads. Roller bearings provide a higher load capacity in the radial direction and high mounting rigidity.
AKE focuses on the production of roller and ball bearings with an emphasis on precision, material quality, and the stability of production processes, which is crucial in applications with high reliability requirements.
In aerospace engineering, correctly determining the bearing load is fundamental to safe design. A precise understanding of the difference between radial load and axial load, as well as their combined effect (radial vs. axial load), allows for the optimization of bearing assemblies for extreme operating conditions.
Reliable ball and roller bearings are therefore a key component in rotating systems where safety and stability are an absolute priority.
Nothing is underestimated in the aerospace industry. Even a small ball bearing can affect the reliability of an electric motor, generator, or pump.
Ball bearings in aerospace operate under extreme conditions: high speeds, vibrations, temperature cycles, and precision requirements. If we want to understand how ball bearings are made, we need to look at the process that results in dimensions tolerated to micron precision.
In ball bearings, point contact occurs between the ball and the raceway, creating large internal forces and stresses.
Therefore, high purity, high quality bearing steel or special aerospace grade materials suitable for aerospace applications isare used. Material defects become apparent immediately during operation.
One of the most critical parts is the bearing raceway. Precise profile, roundness, and minimal waviness determine vibrations and noise levels. That is why extremely strict geometry control is important in aerospace matters.
Machining is followed by hardening and tempering. Stability during temperature changes (ground-to-flight) is important in aerospace, which is why heat treatment is strictly controlled. This step defines hardness, wear resistance, and contact fatigue.
After heat treatment, the raceways are ground and often superfinished. The results are lower friction, better temperature stability, and significantly lower vibrations. In aerospace, it is precisely this step that determines whether the bearing will run quietly.
The balls must be extremely accurate and must have a mirror-smooth surface. Production includes shaping, grinding, polishing, and sorting into precision classes. This is crucial in aerospace applications, as small deviations (waviness, roundness, roughness, sorting, etc.) immediately manifest themselves in vibrations and local overloads.
Assembly takes place in a clean environment to eliminate the presence of microscopic impurities. The final inspection focuses on dimensions, hardness, roundness, as well as vibration and acoustic parameters. In aerospace, it is the behaviour of the bearing in operation that is decisive - not just its dimensions.
The manufacture and production of aerospace ball bearings is an uncompromising, precisely controlled process, where each step directly affects the vibrations, service life, and safety of the entire system.
Aerospace technologies operate at the limits of physical possibilities. Each component must be able to withstand extreme temperatures, vibrations, and thousands of revolutions per minute without failure. That is why bearings play a key role in aerospace engineering. They ensure stable engine operation, reduce friction, and directly affect the performance, service life, and safety of aviation and space systems.
Aerospace engineering is a field of aviation and space engineering that focuses on the development, manufacture, and testing of components for aircraft, space equipment, and modern propulsion systems. These applications operate in extreme conditions of high temperatures, vibrations, and speeds, where the quality of each part has a direct impact on the performance, service life, and safety of the entire system.
Bearings are key components in aircraft engines and rotating assemblies because they ensure stable movement, reduce friction, and enable reliable operation even under maximum load. AKE Skalica focuses on precision engineering and technological solutions that meet the demanding requirements of aerospace engineering and are used in aviation and space applications.
Aerospace engineering places exceptional demands on manufacturing precision, stability of technical parameters, and long-term reliability of components.
The parts must work:
For this reason, precisely defined manufacturing processes, tolerance checks, and consistent quality control at every stage of production are essential. In the case of bearings, the quality of workmanship has a direct impact on the stability of rotating parts, system life, and operational safety. The production of bearings for aerospace applications therefore requires the right choice of materials, high dimensional accuracy, and systematic testing under conditions close to actual operation.
Bearings are an integral part of mechanical assemblies in aerospace engineering. They are used in aircraft engines, power units, transmission mechanisms, control systems, fuel and hydraulic equipment, and in special mechanisms for space applications.
Their main task is to ensure precise and stable movement of rotating or linear parts with the lowest possible friction and minimal wear. In practice, this means that bearings in aerospace technologies:
This is why bearings are among the key components that determine the functionality and safety of aviation and space systems.
In aerospace engineering, it is impossible to achieve the required level of precision and reliability without systematic development and research. These areas play a key role at AKE Skalica, as they enable the optimization of design solutions, manufacturing processes, and functional properties of bearings and precision engineering components.
Technical development also includes the development of new products and prototyping. Prototypes are used to verify design and technological solutions under real conditions before they are introduced into mass production, thereby reducing the risk of errors and increasing the quality of the final product.
The production of components for aerospace engineering most often takes the form of piece or small-batch production, where every detail is of fundamental importance Each part must meet precisely defined technical requirements, with an emphasis on dimensional accuracy, stability of production processes, and repeatable quality. Special materials and technological processes are used to ensure the required mechanical and operational properties even under extreme conditions.
AKE Skalica has long applied a technical approach based on precision manufacturing, quality control, and continuous process improvement, which is a prerequisite for operating in the field of aerospace engineering and other technologically demanding segments.
High-performance aviation systems have become an icon of technological progress today. Turbine engines, hybrid power units, and modern electric motors for drones operate under extreme conditions where temperatures, vibrations, and speeds are at the limits of physical possibilities.
In order for these systems to achieve safe, stable, and efficient operation, they require a component that often remains hidden but is of fundamental importance to engines in the aerospace industry, known as aerospace engine bearings.
Their role is to ensure smooth and controlled movement of the rotors, reduce friction, and extend the service life of critical engine parts. Modern aerospace engine bearings are technologically sophisticated components that must meet the most demanding standards – not only in traditional aircraft, but also in the dynamically developing segment of unmanned drones.
Their main task is to support the shaft and enable it to rotate with minimal friction, even under conditions of extreme temperatures and high mechanical loads.
Why are they so important?
From this perspective, we can characterize Engine Bearings as essential stabilizing elements of aircraft and drone engines.
The design of the engine requires different types of aerospace engine bearings, each with a precisely defined role.
Suitable for carrying combined loads, used in compressor stages and in electric motors of drones.
They can handle high radial forces, typically in turbine assemblies.
They stabilize the bearing under combined (radial-axial) loads, for example in the main shaft of a turbine. They are often part of chassis systems.
They are ideal for modern high-speed systems - lightweight, thermally stable, and extremely wear-resistant. They are commonly used in small turbine engines and professional drone motors.
The boom in unmanned drones has brought new demands on bearing design. Drone motors operate at very high speeds, require low weight, and must be resistant to sudden changes in power.
Aerospace engine bearings in drones:
Professional industrial drones often use hybrid or ceramic types of aerospace engine bearings, which enable unmanned machine systems to operate reliably even under extreme weather or operating conditions.
The International Paris Air Show is a prestigious biennial trade fair and one of the largest events in the field of civil avionics, defence and space technology.
Every year it attracts approximately 300,000 visitors from all over the world interested in the world of avionics. AKE Skalica will also present its innovative solutions, latest products and technological solutions at Le Bourget Airport in Paris.
Visitors to the 55th International Paris Air Show 2025 will be able on 16. - 22 June to discover advanced bearings adapted to aeronautical applications and to discuss future trends in avionics. AKE Skalica will present its latest bearing designs for jet engines and gearboxes in Paris, reflecting the growing demands for technological advancement and component durability in the aerospace industry.
The Paris Air Show, first held in 1909, is the oldest and one of the largest air shows in the world. With more than a century of tradition, it provides a platform for showcasing technological innovations and advances in the aerospace industry.
This event has showcased a number of revolutionary technologies over the past decades – from the first civilian and military aircrafts to modern jet engines, satellites and the latest space technologies.
In 2025, exhibitors will once again showcase the latest aerospace innovations that include green technologies, efficient fuel systems, autonomous aircrafts and new models that will significantly influence the future development of the industry.
Not only for AKE Skalica, but for all of Slovakia it is an opportunity to showcase their solutions directly in front of a global audience and to establish new important collaborations.
Bearings belong among the key mechanical components that ensure efficient and reliable motion of rotary and linear parts in a variety of industrial applications. Without them, many machines and equipment would not function efficiently. In this article, we take a detailed look at the function, principle, and use of these parts.
Bearings are mechanical elements designed to reduce friction between moving machine parts. Their main purpose is to transmit load and ensure smooth operation of rotary or linear movements.
From a structural point of view, bearings consist of an inner and outer ring, rolling elements (balls, rolls or needles) and a cage ensuring uniform distribution of the elements.
Their main functions include:
These components work on the principle of rolling or sliding motion. Rolling bearings use balls or rolls to minimize contact friction, resulting in less wear and higher efficiency. On the other hand, sliding bearings create a lubricating layer between the moving surfaces, which ensures smooth motion and reduces wear.
They are essential in many industries:
In the aviation industry, these components have to withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, intense vibrations and enormous loads. For this reason, they are manufactured using high-strength materials such as ceramics or special alloys that ensure their long service life and corrosion resistance.
Bearings are critical to the reliability of the aviation industry, where they are used in engines, turbines, landing gear, as well as aircraft control systems. Their precise construction and high resistance to dynamic loads ensure flawless operation under extreme conditions.
Bearings are a key component of mechanisms, ensuring efficient transmission of forces, minimising friction and increasing equipment service life. Their importance is essential in various industrial and transport sectors.
If you are looking for quality components or expert consultancy, you will find reliable solutions for your applications at AKE Skalica.
The Avalon Australian International Airshow is one of the southern hemisphere's most prestigious civil aerospace, defence and space technology events. This biennial trade fair attracts more than 250,000 visitors from all over the world, including key industry players.
AKE Skalica will present itself at the Avalon Airport near Geelong, Victoria, in the Slovak stand under the auspices of The General Consulate of the Slovak Republic in Sydney and The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic.
This event is not only an opportunity for AKE Skalica, but also for Slovakia to demonstrate their technological innovations in aviation and establish new international collaborations.
Visitors to the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025 will be able on 25 - 28 March to discover AKE bearings adapted to aeronautical applications and discuss future trends in avionics. AKE Skalica will present in Avalon its latest bearing designs intended for jet engines reflecting the growing demands for technological advancement and component durability in the aerospace industry.
With all the key players from the domestic and international aerospace and defence sectors under one roof, Avalon is the ideal opportunity for face-to-face interaction.
Thanks to a strong commitment from the Royal Australian Air Force and a significant Asian, European and US industry presence, Avalon provides a link between the Australian, regional and international aerospace industry at every level, ranging from Defence Force customers to major suppliers.
AKE Skalica's participation in the Avalon Airshow 2025 is an important step for the presentation of Slovak innovations on the global stage.
The basic and most widely used materials for the manufacture of bearing components used in aerospace applications include bearing steels 52100, HSS M50, HSS M50Nil. The trend nowadays is a gradual transition to the production of aerospace bearings exclusively from HSS M50 and HSS M50Nil steel. AKE Skalica has aerospace bearings included in its production programme, which are manufactured from all of these steels. We follow this trend and actively copy it when designing construction solutions for our new projects. It could be said that currently the production of HSS M50 and HSS M50Nil materials accounts for up to 80% of the total production of our production plant.
The bearings made of HSS M50Nil in combination with ceramic rolling elements are a special theme. (Si3N4 – Silicon Nitride). This design of bearings is called hybrid. The combination of these materials in the bearing design is ideal for use in high speed rocket engines, whether with solid or liquid fuel, due to its low coefficient of friction. We currently have both hybrid ball bearings and hybrid roller bearings in production.
The current trend in materials for the production of cages is polyamide blanks. One of the top materials is Ketron PEEK 1000 (Polyetheretherketone natural black), which can be used in environments with increased radiation, high temperature and chemical impacts due to its properties. Bearings with cages made of Ketron PEEK 1000 are therefore used in the aerospace manufacturing industry as well as in the nuclear power industry.
For the development, design and production of its products, AKE Skalica uses all of these materials. It is expected that in the future the number of types of AKE bearings, where these trendy materials will be used in various combinations, will increase. All of the trendy materials are suitable for the aerospace manufacturing industry, but they are also significantly more demanding in terms of processing and adherence to strict parameters. For this reason, we have implemented new state-of-the-art technology centres in our technological infrastructure. The combination of current material trends is used today in the manufacture of all design groups of aerospace bearings, in particular:
We consider bearings made of the above mentioned materials to be "best bearings".
Our company, a long-standing manufacturer in the aerospace manufacturing industry, continues to expand its product portfolio to provide innovative solutions for both civil and military aviation. As a top bearing manufacturer, we focus on developing and manufacturing bearings that meet the most demanding standards of aviation and aerospace component manufacturing. With an emphasis on new technologies and materials, we are constantly improving our offering, which includes a wide range of aerospace parts manufacturing.
Our product portfolio has been expanded to include several new types of AKE bearings, which are key ones to improving the performance and reliability of aerospace systems. Our latest products include engine bearings designed for high performance engines. These engine main bearings and other bearing types such as ball bearings, deep groove ball bearings, radial ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and hybrid bearings provide optimum stability and minimize wear under extreme conditions, which is essential for aerospace applications.
Our new prototype series of aerospace bearings focuses on improving efficiency and safety. In aviation and aerospace component manufacturing, for example, lightweight alloys and composite materials reduce the weight of aircraft and increase their fuel efficiency. Manufactured using the latest aerospace manufacturing technologies, these products enable better performance, lower operating costs and lower CO2 emissions.
Our military aerospace division, which holds a license to trade in defence industry products, offers a wide range of advanced solutions. These include the latest engine bearings for combat aircraft, drones and helicopters that are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. This authorization allows us to supply highly specialized AKE bearings that ensure maximum reliability in critical military operations. Our new radial ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and hybrid bearings increase manoeuvrability and extend machine life, contributing significantly to the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations.
As part of our global cooperation with international aviation and aerospace component manufacturing companies, we provide comprehensive tailor-made solutions. AKE bearings, including the latest deep groove ball bearings, radial ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and hybrid bearings are implemented in projects around the world where they meet stringent safety and quality requirements.
Our company, which holds a trading license for defence industry products, is constantly developing and contributing to the development of the aerospace manufacturing industry through new products and innovations. Whether they are engine main bearings or gearbox bearings, our goal is to deliver solutions that are not only reliable, but also technologically advanced. AKE aerospace bearings are designed to meet the needs of the aerospace industry and support its growth in the coming decades.
The aerospace manufacturing industry is also subject to trends. Their task is to take the functioning of bearings to an even higher level. Which of the manufacturing trends of the aerospace industry are applied in the AKE Skalica plant?
In the past year, we focused our development and production mainly on ball and roller bearings with an outer diameter up to 150 mm. All these bearings are designed and manufactured from HSS M50 material, which is currently one of the manufacturing trends in the aerospace industry.
Our next design development is a design solution for the production of bearings made of HSS M50Nil in combination with Ketron Peek 1000.
Manufacturing trends in the aerospace industry also relate to the way in which surface treatments are applied to improve the properties and, in particular, to extend the lifetime of bearings. They are implemented into the design solutions when designing customized bearings, which we call "customer design".
Customer design connects us with the customer's design teams and together we form one development team. One example of such cooperation with a customer is our joint design of the cooling of the working environment with a defined medium, in order to eliminate as much as possible the temperature changes to which the bearing is exposed in operation. This achieves an increase in bearing efficiency to the maximum level.
Current manufacturing trends in the aerospace industry also include simulation of the real operating conditions as accurately as possible in the bearing in the fit. In our external conditions, we are concerned with the adjustment of the forces that will act on the bearing in the bearing fit in real operation. At the same time, by setting these forces, we can ensure that the demanding bearing parameters that are designed in the drawing documentation are adhered to.
All these individual small parts of the development process allow us, in cooperation with the client's development team, to set the parameters of the developed bearing so that it works as efficiently and reliably as possible in the bearing fit for which it is designed.
Another major ongoing challenge that we are currently addressing is the development of bearings for a powerful jet engine with a thrust of 10,000 lbf.
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