Protective Coating for Large-Diameter Bearing Races

Critical large bearings in the F-35 thrust vector system must operate with absolute reliability under high loads, high heat and corrosive attack from salt air and fluorinated lubricant at elevated temperatures. A unique patented Filtered Arc Plasma Source Ion Deposition (FAPSID) process developed by Arcomac Surface Engineering will deposit an atomically bonded, multiple layered, integrated coating combining different metal and ceramic materials, each with specialized properties that improve both wear and corrosion resistance. This will further increase vector bearing performance, extend component life and reduce life cycle cost. Bearing components with optimized multiplex coating(s) will be rigorously evaluated for their durability and reliability under aggressive test conditions. The FAPSID process is scalable to produce production coatings on the large diameter bearing races in the F35 thrust vectoring system. These coatings have an enormous potential application to a wide range of military and civilian aircraft engine components that operate in severe wear and corrosive conditions.