KARON™ Self-Lubricating Spherical and Link Bearings
Kamatics KARON™ self-lubricating spherical bearings deliver zero-maintenance performance for aircraft bearings, helicopter bearings, and defense applications. Our aerospace-grade plain bearings and rod end bearings provide superior reliability in the most demanding environments. AS9100D certified, ITAR compliant, made in the USA.
Reduce Maintenance and Extend Service Life with Low Maintenance Self-Lubricating Spherical Bearings
Our self-lubricated spherical bearings are designed and fabricated in our U.S. facility. Kamatics bearings are manufactured with conventional stainless steel alloys, or other specialized alloys based on application, temperature and environment. These self-lubricating bearings provide maintenance-free performance and extended service life for aircraft bearings, helicopter bearings, defense bearings, and marine applications. Kamatics also has a breadth of experience engineering spherical bearings and rod end bearings for use in engines, landing gear systems, and flight control assemblies.
Spherical Bearings For Aerospace, Defense, And Industrial Applications
Commercial and Military Helicopters
Helicopter Bearings for Rotor and Flight Control Systems
Kamatics self-lubricating bearings deliver maintenance-free performance in mission-critical helicopter applications including flight control systems, landing gear systems, damper bearings, swash plate bearings, pitch control systems, and rotor control systems. Our KARON™ spherical bearings and rod end bearings provide reliable, grease-free operation in military rotorcraft and commercial aviation platforms.
Commercial Fixed Wing Aircraft
Aircraft Bearings for Commercial Aviation Systems
Aviation bearings engineered for reliability in commercial fixed-wing aircraft landing gear, flight control systems, doors, vertical and horizontal stabilizers. Kamatics aerospace bearings provide grease-free, maintenance-free operation in flight control assemblies and stabilization systems for major aircraft manufacturers.
Engines
High-Temperature Aerospace Bearings for Engine Components
Specialized self-lubricating bearings for extreme engine environments including turbines, cowlings and doors, and thrust reversers and nacelles. KARON™ high-temperature liners operate continuously up to +700°F, providing reliable performance in high-temp engine systems without grease breakdown.
Space Vehicles and Satellites
Aerospace Bearings for Space and Satellite Applications
Mission-critical bearings for vacuum and extreme temperature environments including flight control systems, power systems, solar array deployment systems, and fuel tank attachment points. Kamatics custom engineered bearings feature low-outgassing KARON™ formulations designed for space applications, with proven performance in thermal cycling and extreme conditions.
Marine
Corrosion-Resistant Marine Bearings for Naval Systems
Self-lubricating bearings engineered for harsh saltwater environments including navigational lock systems, power generation systems, and steering and diving mechanisms. KARON™ liner technology features no moisture path, preventing corrosion that causes premature failure in naval vessels, submarines, and offshore platforms.
Hydropower
Industrial Bearings for Hydropower Systems
Maintenance-free bearings for large-scale hydroelectric systems including gate systems and Kaplan hub transition mechanisms. Kamatics spherical bearings and bushing bearings provide reliable performance in turbine blade angle adjustment and water flow control, eliminating costly downtime and lubrication requirements.
Maintenance-free Aerospace Bearings With Karon™ Liner Technology
KARON™ self-lubricating bearings outperform competitive oil-free bearings and grease-free bearings because our proprietary liner technology features no moisture path to the bonding substrate. Unlike other self-lubricating materials with continuous interconnecting fibers or weave, KARON™ liner systems prevent moisture infiltration that causes corrosion under the liner or significant liner swelling in moisture-laden environments.
This moisture-resistant design is critical for aircraft bearings, helicopter bearings, marine bearings, and defense bearings operating in harsh conditions. Available in multiple formulations, KARON™ bearings deliver maintenance-free performance across extreme temperatures for spherical bearings, rod end bearings, and bushings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes KARON self-lubricating bearings different?
KAron self-lubricating machinable liners are homogeneous composite matrices of PTFE & other special fillers in a polyester resin system. Karon offers a no maintenance, consistent low friction, non-peelable liner system.
Are Kamatics bearings suitable for aerospace applications?
Yes. Kamatics aerospace bearings are AS9100D certified and specified by major aircraft manufacturers for flight-critical systems including aviation bearings, helicopter bearings, and defense bearings. We maintain ITAR compliance for military applications.
What temperature range do KARON bearings operate in?
Standard KARON™ operates from -65°F to +350°F. High-temperature variants perform up to +700°F for engine applications. Cryogenic formulations provide reliable performance below -350°F for space vehicles.
Can Kamatics provide custom bearing designs?
Yes. We specialize in custom engineered bearings including modified geometries, specialized materials, and optimized KARON liner systems. Our engineering team supports rapid prototyping, testing, and production transition for application specific bearings.
What products does Kamatics manufacture?
Our complete product line includes:
- Spherical plain bearings and rod end bearings
- Journal bushings, sleeve bushings
- KARON track rollers and airframe bearings
- KAflex drive shafts and flexible shaft couplings
- P54 wear strips and abrasion resistant materials
All products feature KARON self-lubricating technology for oil-free, grease-free operation.
Where are Kamatics bearings manufactured?
All Kamatics products are 100% designed and manufactured in Bloomfield, Connecticut, USA. Domestic manufacturing ensures ITAR compliance, supply chain reliability, and direct engineering support.
Other Exceptional Kamatics Products
Bushings and Journal Bearings
Track Rollers and Needle Rollers
Flexible Drive Systems
Special and Low Friction Systems
