Bearing technology is a critical component of modern industry, reflecting a nation's technological and industrial capabilities. Countries that lead in science and technology and manufacturing—such as the United States, Japan, and Germany—are also leaders in bearing development and production. China, despite being the world’s largest producer of bearings, faces challenges due to its lack of strength in high-end bearing technology. In 2012, China's bearing industry generated sales of 142 billion yuan, but the majority of these were low-end products, with high-end bearings still largely imported.
High-end bearings have become the "bottleneck" in China's industrial development. For aerospace engines, top-tier bearings are essential for reliability, precision, and longevity. These bearings must operate under extreme conditions—high speeds, temperatures, and mechanical stresses—without any tolerance for failure. The main bearings in aircraft engines, for example, must last tens of thousands of hours without any damage, making their quality crucial to engine performance and safety. However, China's current bearing technology lags behind global standards, creating a major obstacle in developing advanced aerospace engines.
China is now investing heavily in the research and development of high-end bearings, a necessary step for long-term technological independence. While commercial aircraft engines can be imported, the West will not sell the advanced bearings used in them to China, fearing the rise of Chinese-engineered alternatives. Military aviation engines are even more restricted, with full embargoes in place. Without breakthroughs in bearing technology, China's aerospace industry will continue to face limitations.
The dominance of global bearing giants like Timken (USA), NSK (Japan), SKF (Sweden), and Schaeffler (Germany) has further complicated China's path to self-reliance. These companies control the high-end market, and their influence extends into China through acquisitions, legal battles, and unfair competition. Chinese firms like Gansu Hailin have struggled against such monopolies, facing anti-dumping accusations and price wars that undermine domestic innovation.
The lack of technical talent is another key issue. Many universities have phased out specialized bearing programs, reducing the number of qualified engineers. Today, only a few institutions, such as Henan University of Science and Technology, still offer dedicated bearing education, producing only a handful of graduates each year. This shortage hampers the industry's ability to innovate and compete globally.
To address these challenges, China must prioritize the development of high-end bearing technology through increased investment in research, education, and talent cultivation. As highlighted by academician Lu Bingheng, high-end bearings require expertise across multiple disciplines, from materials science to tribology. Only by building a strong foundation in this field can China transition from a major player to a true leader in the global bearing industry.
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