 |
Charlotte Stonestreet
Managing Editor |
| Home> | POWER TRANSMISSION | >Bearings | >Bearings for UHV environments |
Bearings for UHV environments
11 December 2024
AMONG THE most demanding and critical high technology applications are those where Ultra-High Vacuums (UHV) environments exist, such as particle accelerators, semiconductor manufacturing and advanced scientific research. UHV environments are typically defined by the need to handle pressures lower than about 1 x 10ˉ⁶ torr which present unique challenges for mechanical components.
Key challenges include material outgassing, lubrication, thermal stability and material compatibility so all components have to meet strict requirements to ensure optimum performance, without contaminating the delicate vacuum environment. Bearings are an essential component in many UHV systems and one of the most critical considerations for UHV bearings is minimizing outgassing, the release of trapped gases from materials that can compromise the vacuum.
To meet these demands precision bearing and tooling specialist Carter Manufacuring supplies precision engineered bearings from leading brands such as UNASIS, Silverthin, Carter and KMS. For some applications the caompany's UHV engineers may recommend alternative bearing materials, for example ceramic or stainless steel/ceramic hybrids. Ceramic balls offer a Rockwell hardness that is typically two to three times harder than steel, so various matches can be made using the most advanced steels and ceramic combinations for casings, cages or balls. The result represents an outstanding choice of ceramic, stainless steel and hybrid bearing solutions for UHV applications.
