Carter Manufacturing's global reputation for manufacturing precision bearings tailored for intense environments has led to their invitation to join the pioneering aviation hydrogen project, FETCH. This collaboration for Future Engine Technology for the Control of Hydrogen (FETCH), involving the University of Bath/IAAPS, Cranfield University, Carter Manufacturing, Moog Inc., Baker Hughes Druck, and Curtiss-Wright, marks a significant milestone in advancing engine technology.
The partnership aims to develop essential technologies for future aircraft hydrogen fuel systems. It has secured matching funds from the Aerospace Technology Institute program; a joint initiative between the Government and industry investment, aimed at preserving and enhancing the UK's competitiveness in civil aerospace design and production.
Carter Manufacturing's role in this groundbreaking project involves manufacturing custom bearing solutions for both liquid and gaseous hydrogen applications. This stems from their unparalleled expertise in creating bearings for cryogenic uses, including scientific research, rocket propulsion, and commercial industrial pumps.
Carter Manufacturing Ltd. maintain high stocks of state-of-the-art bearing brands like NMB, Silverthin, KMS, Carter, IBC, THK, and UNASIS across global locations: UK, Europe, and the USA. Their localised engineering support enhances product optimisation, while their engineering team customises bearing designs for outstanding performance, lifespan, and reliability, meeting diverse customer needs.
Material choices for bearings cover specialised options such as races in Cronidur® 30, 440C stainless steel, BG42, XD15NW, 52100, M50, and bearing cages in steel, bronze, silver-plated steel or bronze, Vespel, Nylon 6/6, PEEK, Titanium, Phenolic, and Torlon®.
Carter’s proficiency extends to various aspects, encompassing rolling elements in steel, TiC-coated rated to 440ºC, ceramic, and dry film lubrication coatings such as tungsten disulphide, moly disulphide, gold plating, and diamond-like coating.
Furthermore, Carter Manufacturing have made significant investments in new UK manufacturing facilities for their sister company, UNASIS. These facilities, now operational, facilitate the advanced production of customised special application bearings and aerospace bearing installation, testing, and removal tools. For instance, they have incorporated the latest five-axis CNC machinery and refurbished their grinding and bearing manufacturing machines from a prominent aerospace bearing manufacturer. Furthermore, the company ensure product quality through Mitutoyo CMM & inspection equipment, and specialised bearing inspection and testing machinery.
Karl Brundell, the Managing Director of Carter Manufacturing Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “We are thrilled to contribute to this pioneering collaboration, advancing innovation in sustainable aviation. The FETCH initiative showcases our dedication to accelerating hydrogen-powered aircraft development. It also highlights our proficiency in manufacturing high-performance bearings for extremely intricate and demanding hydrogen applications.”