PROGRESSIVE 2013

Flying model aircraft is more than just a hobby - it's a passion. Model aircraft pilots not only need a great deal of precision and attention to detail – they also require a sound knowledge of engineering so that their precious models do not get broken. Highest precision is called for in a very small space. This makes it an ideal playground for our ball bearings.

The more perfect these replicas of fully functional aircraft are, the closer the technological limits approach. In the mid-1990s, the challenge was to reach speeds of over 100,000 rpm at temperatures above 300°C – and all that had to be achieved with ball bearings that had dimensions of 8 x 22 x 7 mm. Thanks to the perseverance of our customers and GRW's creativity, we were able to meet this challenge.

The product range has been steadily expanding. We produce bearings with special cages as well as full ball versions. Currently, GRW is providing ten different bearing sizes in special versions for model jet turbines. With these, model aircrafts are today reaching speeds of up to 390 km/h (180 mph). Demands on the ball bearings are correspondingly high, and their service life is limited. But development continues and rotary speeds of up to 200,000 rpm are now within reach. GRW is now optimizing osculation (contact) and surface structure to move even faster – and even higher.