6. Conclusion

Technical advances in bearings are taking place on many levels. Noteworthy progress has been made in raceway polishing techniques, roller geometry, lubricant improvements, and materials and heat treatments, which reduce the inevitable wear debris that affects service life.

In terms of modeling and calculations, continuous advances in tribology are leading to a better understanding of the phenomena involved in roller/track and roller/cage contact, as well as a better understanding of lubricant behavior. This makes it possible to predict and control the statistical life of bearings with increasing accuracy, and this trend is likely to continue in the coming decades.