High-speed requirements for bearings
▶ present situation
In 2024, the industry’s bearing requirements generally specify rotational speeds between 16,000 and 23,000 rpm, with some OEMs developing ultra-high-speed motors during pre-research stages that require 30,000 rpm. From the perspective of bearing usage across OEMs,imported brands dominate high-speed bearing applications, while domestic brands are rapidly catching up in both technological development and installation verification.
▶ throw down the gauntlet
Ultra-high-speed bearings with low friction and temperature rise, using special heat-treated steel balls or low-cost ceramic balls.
High-speed lightweight cage design to suppress the “umbrella effect” in pocket holes, along with the R&D and design simulation of specialized cage materials.
High-speed bearings require higher internal precision, such as roundness, ripple, roughness, profile, runout, etc.
time line
2015-2017
2018-2019
2020-2024
2025
2030
bearing dmN
800,000
1 million
1.5 million
180,000
2 million
Example of bearing rotational speed（ unit rpm）
6208→13000
6208→16000
6208→25000
6208→30000
6208→33000
Table 3 Timeline for High-Speed Mass Production of Electrically Driven Bearings (dmN: a rotational speed parameter measured in mm·r/min)
The need for high efficiency in bearings
▶ present situation
In 2024, the industry’s bearing requirements generally specify rotational speeds between 16,000 and 23,000 rpm, with some OEMs developing ultra-high-speed motors during pre-research stages that require 30,000 rpm. From the perspective of bearing usage across OEMs,imported brands dominate high-speed bearing applications, while domestic brands are rapidly catching up in both technological development and installation verification.
▶ throw down the gauntlet
Cone roller bearings deliver lower friction loss through optimized flange convexity design, ultra-precision manufacturing, and nylon cage.
The bearing features miniaturization and custom design, utilizing high-purity steel with specialized heat treatment and coating reinforcement technologies.
Select the optimal bearing efficiency combination based on actual operating conditions, such as DGBB+CRB, TRB, or TBB.
Development demand of insulating bearing
▶ present situation
With the industry’s widespread adoption of 800V high-voltage platforms for electric drives, power modules in inverters have transitioned from IGBT to SiC, resulting in faster switching speeds. The high dv/dt (voltage-to-current rate) has dramatically increased the risk of electrical corrosion in bearings, demanding enhanced insulation protection. While hybrid ceramic ball bearings currently offer the most ideal insulation, their exorbitant manufacturing costs remain a major industry pain point. Meanwhile, low-cost insulated bushing bearings are being actively developed, with leading manufacturers including SKF, Ensk, Fuji Electric, and Renben.
▶ throw down the gauntlet
Development of low-cost ceramic ball bearings and localization of ceramic powder supply chain.
The insulation bushing bearing is developed with the target insulation impedance of 800Ω@1~5MHz.
time line
2018-2020
2021-2023
2024
2025 and beyond
voltage platform
800,000
1 million
1.5 million
180,000
motor bearings
ball bearing
hybrid ceramic ball bearing
The insulation layer has an impedance of 400Ω (1-5MHz).
The insulation layer has an impedance of 800Ω (1-5MHz).
