DFARS compliance is essential for any manufacturer or supplier involved in U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) projects. For the bearing industry, it ensures that only approved specialty metals are used and that strict cybersecurity standards are followed. This guide explains what DFARS compliance means, why it matters for bearings, and provides a detailed DFARS-compliant material list tailored to bearing applications.
What Is DFARS Compliance?
DFARS stands for Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement—a set of additional rules that complement the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for defense-related contracts.
Compliance means meeting all DoD requirements, including:
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Material Sourcing Requirements
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DFARS Clause 252.225-7009 mandates that specialty metals (e.g., stainless steel, titanium) must be melted or produced in the United States or a DFARS “Qualifying Country”.
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This ensures material traceability, consistent quality, and reduced reliance on unapproved foreign sources.
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Cybersecurity Standards
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Contractors handling sensitive defense information must follow NIST SP 800-171 guidelines to protect against cyber threats.
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Who Needs to Comply With DFARS?
Any company—direct contractor or subcontractor—supplying goods or services for DoD projects must comply. This includes manufacturers, distributors, and service providers working on both large-scale defense programs and specialized short-term projects.
Why DFARS Compliance Matters for Bearings
Bearings are critical components in military vehicles, aerospace systems, naval equipment, and defense machinery. DFARS compliance ensures they perform reliably under extreme conditions while safeguarding national security.
1. Quality Assurance
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Guarantees the use of high-grade specialty metals in pre-made or custom bearings.
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Reduces risk of premature failure in mission-critical applications.
2. Enhanced Reliability
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DFARS-compliant bearings maintain performance under high loads, extreme temperatures, and corrosive environments.
3. Regulatory Protection
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Non-compliance risks loss of DoD contracts, penalties, and exclusion from future bids.
4. Supply Chain Security
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Prevents reliance on unapproved foreign sources.
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Improves traceability from raw material to finished bearing.
5. National Security
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Eliminates risks associated with counterfeit or substandard materials.
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Ensures defense systems meet strict operational standards.
DFARS-Compliant Material List for Bearings
Below is a selection of approved specialty metals commonly used in defense-grade bearings, along with their properties and applications:
| Material | Key Properties | Typical Bearing Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 52100 Bearing Steel (AISI) | High hardness, wear resistance | Deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings |
| 440C Stainless Steel | High hardness, corrosion resistance | Precision ball bearings, thrust bearings, high-load bearings in corrosive environments |
| 420 Stainless Steel | High strength, moderate corrosion resistance | Food-grade bearings, medical device bearings, automotive bearings |
| Ti-6Al-4V Titanium Alloy | High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance | Aerospace bearings, medical-grade bearings |
| Ti-3Al-2.5V Titanium Alloy | Medium strength, good formability | Lightweight aerospace and marine bearings |
| Zirconium 702 | Exceptional corrosion resistance in hot, harsh environments | Bearings for chemical processing and nuclear applications |
| Zirconium 705 | Higher strength than Zirconium 702 | High-temperature and nuclear equipment bearings |
| Inconel 718 | High strength, creep resistance at high temperatures | Aerospace bearings, gas turbine bearings |
| Invar 36 | Low thermal expansion | Precision bearings requiring dimensional stability |
| Monel 400 | Excellent seawater corrosion resistance | Marine and chemical processing bearings |
| Stellite 6 | High wear and corrosion resistance | High-wear bearings, valves, nuclear uses |
| Haynes 25 | High-temperature oxidation resistance | Aerospace and turbine bearings |
| MP35N | Strong, corrosion-resistant, biocompatible | Medical and aerospace bearings |
Advantages of Using DFARS-Compliant Materials
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Regulatory Compliance: Fully meet DoD material sourcing requirements.
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Quality & Performance: Ensure bearings withstand demanding defense applications.
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Supply Chain Integrity: Source only from approved countries with documented traceability.
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Operational Reliability: Minimize downtime and extend service life.
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National Security: Prevent risks linked to unauthorized materials.
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Financial Stability: Avoid costly penalties and maintain strong DoD partnerships.
DFARS-Compliant Bearings from Bearing Maker
At Bearing Maker, we supply a wide range of DFARS-compliant bearings made from approved specialty metals. Our offerings include:
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Precision Ball Bearings
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Stainless Steel Bearings
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Custom-Built Bearings for Military and Aerospace Use
Why choose us?
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Proven Expertise: Years of experience supplying DFARS-compliant solutions.
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Strict Quality Control: Every bearing undergoes rigorous inspection.
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Customization: Tailored designs for specific defense requirements.
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Global Support: Fast worldwide delivery through an extensive distribution network.
📩 Contact us today to discuss your DFARS-compliant bearing needs and secure reliable solutions for defense applications.