Schatz is an aircraft bearing manufacturer with products that are approved to standards from the likes of Boeing and the U.S. military. Unlike a supplier of bearings for ceiling fans or consumer appliances, Schatz specializes in the design of manufacturing of precision ball bearings for civilian and military aviation. Our quality management system is AS9100D certified, but that’s just part of what makes us a trusted aircraft bearing manufacturer. Keep reading to learn more, or view our on-line catalog of Made in USA aircraft bearings.
AS9100D Quality
AS9100D is a quality standard for the aircraft, space and defense industry that has been endorsed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Department of Defense (DoD). Revision D (AS9100D) is the current version of AS9100, which also references standards such as AS9102 for first article inspection (FAI). During FAIs, a manufacturer selects parts from a production run for testing, inspection, and documentation.
After the results are documented, both the physical and functional characteristics of the part are verified against drawings, purchase orders, specifications, and other design documents. The first article inspection report (FAIR) includes the actual physical characteristics that were measured along with any non-conformities. Schatz is also ISO 9001:2015 certified, but our AS9100D certification means that we’re a manufacturer of aircraft bearings with the FAI and FAIR capabilities that you need.
Bearings Standards
Schatz makes specific types, or series, of precision bearings that are approved to Boeing standards and U.S. military specifications. Visitors to our website can easily cross-reference Boeing part numbers to Schatz series numbers. Our website also lets visitors cross-reference Schatz series numbers to military part numbers. The term “U.S. military specifications” is sometimes abbreviated as MIL-SPEC or Mil Spec, but military and defense bearings generally begin with MS.
Some military-approved bearings have AS designations instead. These standards are accepted by the DoD but developed by SAE International, a global association of engineers and technical experts in the aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicle industries. As an experienced airframe bearing manufacturer, Schatz understands what’s required by these standards and can consistently manufacture quality products such as airframe control bearings for flight control or drive systems.
Materials and Tolerances
Boeing, U.S. military, and SAE bearings standards define requirements such as materials of construction and part tolerances. For the rings and balls, aircraft bearings typically use these metals: SAE 52100, 440C or 440C modified, CREN high nitrogen stainless steel, or M50. Hybrid bearings with ceramic rolling elements and steel rings are also used and can support higher speeds and extended wear life. As a knowledgeable aircraft bearing manufacturer, Schatz can help you to compare these materials and evaluate them in terms of fatigue and corrosion resistance.
Tolerances for bearings are allowable variations between manufactured parts. During the bearing design process, engineers can specify less expensive commercial tolerances or more expensive precision tolerances. In the aircraft and aviation industries, “tighter” or more precise tolerances are needed to meet demanding application requirements. Unlike a ceiling fan or a washing machine, the ball bearings on a commercial airliner or jet fighter must not fail as they withstand high speeds, temperatures and loads.
Schatz is a Made in USA Aircraft Bearing Manufacturer
If you need aircraft bearings, it’s important to choose an AS9100D-certified manufacturer with approved products that meet tough industry standards. In addition to the right materials and tolerances, engineers and procurement personnel need to consider factors such as minimum order quantities and lead times. As a Made in America manufacturer, Schatz can help you to shorten your supply chain with reliable product deliveries from our distributor network or directly from our Poughkeepsie, New York facility.
View our on-line catalog to learn more or contact Schatz and let us know what you need.
