SKF has announced the development of ARCTIC15, a patented bearing steel designed to enable advanced aeroengine architectures as the aviation sector works toward significant emissions reductions.
The new material addresses industry requirements for rolling bearings capable of operating at higher power densities and speeds beyond current design parameters. Aircraft manufacturers are developing engines aimed at reducing fuel consumption by 20 to 25 percent, which correspondingly decreases emissions.
"Our new steel alloy ARCTIC15 is engineered as a breakthrough material to allow for smaller, more compact bearing solutions that handle higher loads, unlocking new engine architectures and driving efficiency across the entire lifecycle," said Gregory A. Zimmerman, Director of Aerospace Business Unit at SKF.
The steel technology incorporates temperature resistance and corrosion tolerance properties. When paired with ceramic rolling elements, the material enables bearing solutions that can withstand higher loads and temperatures compared to existing steels used in aeroengine applications.
SKF's aerospace team has conducted development and testing of the case-carburized stainless steel for nearly a decade, beginning when customers started designing next-generation engines under the EU-funded Clean Sky initiative. The company has manufactured demonstrator and full-scale prototypes combining the advanced steel with ceramic balls, validating performance under severe operating conditions.
A ground test demonstration is scheduled for early 2026 with a leading aeroengine original equipment manufacturer as part of the Technology Readiness Levels process.
The patented technology will be made available through SKF's Patent Bay, a platform that provides free access to selected patents aimed at accelerating sustainability-focused technologies.
Hans Landin, President of Specialized Industrial Solutions at SKF, noted that the development aligns with the company's sustainability objectives. "We transform deep insights into smart, practical solutions that reduce friction, cut emissions, and extend equipment life," he said.
SKF, established in 1907, operates in approximately 130 countries with around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. The company reported annual sales of SEK 98,722 million in 2024.