A heterogeneous composite consisting of near-nano ceramic clusters dispersed within a ductile matrix. The composite is formed through the high temperature compaction of a starting powder consisting of a core of ceramic nanoparticles held together with metallic binder. This core is clad with a ductile metal such that when the final powder is consolidated, the ductile metal forms a tough, near-zero contiguity matrix. The material is consolidated using any means that will maintain its heterogeneous structure.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies configured to effectively provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.

High temperature rolling element bearings and methods for manufacturing high temperature bearing components, such as bearing races or rings, are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a powder mixture containing a superalloy powder admixed with hard wear particles, such as carbide particles. The powder mixture is consolidated utilizing a spark plasma sintering process during which the powder mixture is compressed into a sintered blank, while an electrical current is conducted through the powder mixture to heat the powder mixture to a sintering temperature. The sintered blank is then machined to impart the bearing component with its final shape. Precipitate hardening may also be performed, if desired. The spark plasma sintering process is controlled to limit the temperature and duration of the powder consolidation process thereby imparting the resulting bearing component with an enhanced hot hardness and other desirable properties at highly elevated operating temperatures.

A bearing element (1) for a plain or antifriction bearing is provided, the bearing element (1) being formed of or including at least sectionally a powder-metallurgical composite material which includes a metallic binder phase and a hard material phase, wherein the metallic binder phase is based on at least one element from the following group: chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, nickel, titanium.

High temperature rolling element bearings and methods for manufacturing high temperature bearing components, such as bearing races or rings, are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a powder mixture containing a superalloy powder admixed with hard wear particles, such as carbide particles. The powder mixture is consolidated utilizing a spark plasma sintering process during which the powder mixture is compressed into a sintered blank, while an electrical current is conducted through the powder mixture to heat the powder mixture to a sintering temperature. The sintered blank is then machined to impart the bearing component with its final shape. Precipitate hardening may also be performed, if desired. The spark plasma sintering process is controlled to limit the temperature and duration of the powder consolidation process thereby imparting the resulting bearing component with an enhanced hot hardness and other desirable properties at highly elevated operating temperatures.

The invention relates to a mechanical bearing containing a first component and a further component, wherein the mechanical bearing is designed such that the first component and the further component are able to execute a bearing movement relative to each other, wherein the first component or the further component contains a cermet or both contain a cermet. The invention further relates to an implantable medical device containing the mechanical bearing, in particular to a blood pump, and also to a use of a cermet for producing a mechanical bearing, and to a use of the mechanical bearing for supporting a component of an implantable medical device.

The present invention relates to hydrodynamic bearings, X-ray tubes, X-ray systems, and a method of manufacturing a hydrodynamic bearing for an X-ray tube. The rotor of a hydrodynamic bearing is supported, in steady-state operation, by the pressure of lubricant which is pumped through grooves in the rotor. When the rotor is speeding up or slowing down, the pumping force will not be sufficient to lift the rotor clear of a stationary bushing, and damage, caused by direct contact of the metal surfaces of the bearing, can occur. Providing special coatings on the bearing surfaces can ameliorate this effect.