· Long-Life Bearings Utilizing “HA-C” Special Heat Treatment Technology

Long-life bearings utilizing NTN Corporation’s (hereinafter referred to as NTN) proprietary “HA-C” special heat treatment technology have been honored with the “Machinery & Robotics Components Award” at the 2025 Super Component Manufacturing Awards, jointly organized by the Japan Manufacturing Conference and Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun.

1 Award Name

2025 Super Component Manufacturing Awards – Machinery & Robotics Components Award

2 Awarded Product

Long-Life Bearings Utilizing “HA-C” Special Heat Treatment Technology (HA-C Bearings)

3 Product Overview

“HA-C” is NTN’s proprietary special heat treatment technology. By dispersing numerous hard micro-precipitates within the material, it imparts exceptionally high surface hardness to bearings, thereby enhancing their service life, wear resistance, and resistance to foreign particles.

“HA-C Bearings” enable miniaturization and weight reduction while maintaining service life. They are suitable for various automotive applications including e-Axles (drive core components for EVs and HEVs), transmissions for HEVs and conventional vehicles, and compressors. This contributes to the miniaturization, weight reduction, and energy efficiency of automotive components.

The HA-C bearing not only extends service life but also improves wear resistance and foreign object resistance. The automotive industry’s shift toward low-viscosity lubricants to enhance fuel and electrical efficiency can lead to issues such as shortened bearing life, accelerated wear, and foreign object intrusion. The HA-C bearing effectively addresses these challenges.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Size comparison between the HA-C bearing (left) and a conventional product (right)

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Replacing a 6306-sized bearing with the “HA-C Bearing” reduces weight by approximately 160g

4. Award Rationale

To build a sustainable society and achieve carbon neutrality goals, the automotive industry is actively advancing electric vehicles and electrification technologies. Extending driving range is a critical challenge, and achieving this hinges on miniaturizing and lightening various automotive components.

Typically, bearing size determines bearing life, and miniaturization often leads to reduced longevity. However, the “HA-C Bearing” employs proprietary special heat treatment technology to achieve miniaturization and weight reduction while maintaining bearing service life. This innovative technology has made significant contributions to enhancing fuel efficiency, electrical energy efficiency, and achieving carbon neutrality goals for the global automotive industry, earning high praise from the judging panel and ultimately securing the award.