Cases

U.S. Client Visits Luoyang NewBee Transmission Technology Co., Ltd. on October 24

On October 23, Luoyang NewBee Transmission Technology Co., Ltd. had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from our valued U.S. client. The visit was marked by productive discussions and a positive exchange of technical expertise.

Upon their arrival, the clients were immediately impressed by the modern and well-maintained facility. They specifically commended the state-of-the-art equipment and the impeccable cleanliness observed throughout the workshop, highlighting the professional and organized atmosphere.

A significant part of the visit involved in-depth technical exchanges between the client's engineer, Mr. Tommy, a veteran with over twenty years of experience in the process engineering department at SKF, and the NewBee engineering team. Mr. Tommy engaged thoroughly with our engineers regarding the on-site production and manufacturing processes. He expressed great satisfaction with the workshop management and the high skill level of the machine operators, acknowledging the efficiency and competence demonstrated on the shop floor.

The visit proceeded to the quality inspection room, where the clients observed precise measurements of finished bearing rings using our profilometer and roundness tester. Key parameters such as surface roughness and roundness were meticulously checked, showcasing NewBee's commitment to stringent quality control and precision manufacturing.

Subsequently, discussions moved to the office, where both teams focused on the specific models requested for quotation. Detailed conversations were held regarding NewBee's range of stainless steel thin-section bearings. Furthermore, a profound technical exchange took place concerning high-speed jet engine bearings made from X30 material. This discussion successfully clarified and finalized the acceptance criteria for these specialized components, ensuring mutual understanding and alignment.

The entire visit was characterized by a constructive and collaborative spirit. We sincerely appreciate our U.S. clients for their visit and insightful feedback. NewBee is committed to strengthening this partnership through our continuous dedication to quality, innovation, and technical excellence.

Core Characteristics of X30 (Cronidur 30) Turbojet Bearings

1. Exceptional Fatigue Life and High Reliability

Characteristic: This is the most prominent advantage of X30 bearings. Their rolling contact fatigue life is several times evan an order of magnitude (10x+) greater than traditional M50 bearings.

 Reason: Utilizes high-nitrogen stainless steel technology, resulting in extremely high internal material purity with minimal impurities and defects. The solid solution strengthening effect of nitrogen effectively suppresses the initiation and propagation of micro-cracks.

Significance for Engines: Directly leads to a significant increase in engine time on wing (operating time between overhauls), substantially reduces lifecycle maintenance costs, and provides unparalleled reliability.

2. Outstanding Corrosion Resistance for Harsh Environments

Characteristic: Essentially a stainless steel, offering strong resistance to corrosion.

Reason: Its composition is designed with high chromium (~15%), high nitrogen (~0.4%), and ultra-low carbon (<0.03%). A large amount of chromium is retained in the matrix to form a passive film, rather than combining with carbon to form carbides, thus providing excellent rust and corrosion resistance.

Significance for Engines: Effectively resists corrosion from moisture, salt in the air, and acidic by-products from lubricant decomposition at high temperatures. This is crucial for carrier-based aircraft or engines operating in coastal areas, preventing premature failure caused by corrosion pits on the bearings.

3. Excellent Wear Resistance for Maintaining Dimensional Stability

Characteristic: Exhibits very low wear rates even under boundary lubrication or poor lubrication conditions.

Reason: The high nitrogen content creates a very hard and uniform martensitic matrix, providing high macro and micro hardness.

Significance for Engines: The bearing can better maintain its original design and clearances throughout its service life, ensuring the dynamic balance and stability of the rotor system, and reducing performance degradation and increased vibration due to wear.

4. Superior High-Temperature Performance

Characteristic: Maintains good strength and hardness (red hardness) at operating temperatures up to 400°C - 450°C.

Reason: Nitrogen alloying provides powerful solid solution strengthening, and the material's structure remains stable at high temperatures, resistant to softening or phase transformation.

Significance for Engines: Capable of withstanding the high-temperature environment at the engine's hot end (near the turbine disc), providing a material basis for increasing the engine's turbine inlet temperature (thus improving efficiency).

5. Combination of High Hardness and Good Toughness

Characteristic: Typically achieves a surface hardness of HRC 60-64, while also possessing good toughness.

Reason: Martensitic matrix combined with the strengthening effect of nitrogen.

Significance for Engines: Can withstand both the extremely high Hertzian contact stresses from rolling contact and the impact loads from startup, shutdown, or maneuverable flight, avoiding brittle fracture.

Summary and Comparison

For clearer understanding, here is a comparison between X30 bearings and the traditional high-performance bearing steel M50: