A Geometrically Contoured (GC) Bearing is a type of sliding bearing designed to specifically address roller bearing failures through the application of wear particle theory. It achieves these goals through the combination of proprietary structural design and specific materials of construction. GC bearings offer the following:

The GC Bearing concept has been proven in automotive universal joint applications and has been successfully evaluated by the U.S. Army in HMMWV field tests. The photo below shows a GC universal joint bearing cup (left) compared with a standard roller bearing cup (right).

The core concept of the Geometrically Contoured Bearing lies in the control and elimination of wear particle debris. Extensive research into the origins of wear particles has led to the development of a wear particle theory which is an accurate predictor of bearing failure. The theory is based on the size and quantity of metal debris formed during a bearing’s operational life.

Unlike a traditional rolling element bearing where debris is continually circulated within a closed system, the geometrically contoured bearing incorporates debris traps which isolate wear particles from the working surfaces of the bearing. These traps are a macroscopic, engineered feature of the GC bearing.

On a microscopic level, the GC bearing is manufactured from a powdered metal material. The use of powdered metal technology eliminates the irregularly sized and shaped metal debris formed by wear of a wrought metal surface. Instead, the GC design dictates the size and shape of debris particles though the careful selection of the powdered materials used to form the bearing.

GC Bearings is a division of Genesee Northern Research LLC. GNR is the exclusive assignee of the intellectual property covering the Geometrically Contoured Bearing innovation, and is currently expanding the portfolio through the development of new GC bearing designs.

The Geometrically Contoured Bearing was invented by noted scientist Walter J. Maciag of Powdered Metal Applications Inc. in the early 1980’s. His elegant and robust solution to the vexing problem of automotive universal joint failure was significant technological achievement, and was recognized with a U.S. Army Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Quality Award. The wear particle theory on which the GC bearing design was based was noted as being a “significant accomplishment” by leading tribologists. At the 2004 NATO Research & Technology Development Conference the GC technology was judged as being the “best innovation” by a panel of wear and lubrication experts. Prof. John Nicholls, Cranfield University, UK speaking for the judging panel described the GC concept as “ingenious, eloquent, an excellent innovation”, and as “the first successful closed system conversion of three body abrasion into two”.

GNR personnel have been aware of the GC bearing concept since its inception and followed its progress closely. We are very pleased to now have this exciting technology under our corporate umbrella.