A Full List of DFARS Compliant Materials

DFARS compliance is crucial for DoD contractors. It restricts the metals used in defense projects and sets strict cybersecurity standards. This blog explains DFARS compliance, who needs to comply, and provides a DFARS compliant material list for bearings.

What Is DFARS Compliance?

DFARS stands for Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement. It adds extra rules to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for defense contracts. DFARS compliance means meeting the standards set by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Key Elements of DFARS Compliance

Material Sourcing

Restricts the types of metals allowed in defense projects to ensure quality and security. For example, DFARS Clause 252.225-7009 mandates that specialty metals like stainless steel and titanium must be melted in the United States or a "Qualifying Country."

Cybersecurity Standards

• Sets strict rules to protect sensitive defense data.
• Contractors must follow NIST guidelines (SP 800-171).

Who Needs to Comply With DFARS?

All companies involved, either directly or indirectly, in contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) must follow DFARS regulations. Whether managing a long-term construction project or short-term data tasks, compliance is vital, and proof of adherence is necessary.

The Importance of DFARS Compliance in Bearings

DFARS compliance is vital for making and sourcing bearings used in defense. Bearings are crucial in military gear, so quality and reliability are key for national security. Here's why using DFARS-compliant materials matters:

Quality Assurance

• DFARS regulations guarantee the use of top-notch materials in bearings, be they pre-made or custom bearings.
• This leads to enhanced performance and lowers the risk of bearing failures, particularly in critical applications.

Enhanced Reliability

• DFARS-compliant bearings are durable and can handle extreme conditions.
• They reduce the risk of equipment failure.

Regulatory Compliance

• Suppliers of bearings to the Department of Defense (DoD) must follow DFARS regulations.
• Not complying could mean losing contracts, facing fines, or missing out on future business.

Supply Chain Security

• DFARS standards ensure bearings come from trusted sources, reducing reliance on foreign materials.
• This strengthens supply chain integrity and minimizes risks from global disruptions.

National Security Implications

• Using non-compliant materials can compromise the performance of defense equipment, potentially posing risks to national security.
• DFARS compliance ensures that bearings used in defense applications are up to the highest standards.

Cybersecurity Protection

• DFARS sets rules to protect sensitive defense data.
• It keeps important information safe from cyber threats.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Fines: Breaking DFARS rules can lead to heavy fines.
• Reputation Damage: Non-compliance can hurt your reputation and future contracts.
• Operational Risks: Poor-quality materials can cause bearings to fail early.

List of DFARS Compliant Materials for Bearings

Here's a DFARS compliant material list used in bearings, along with their properties and applications:

Steel

52100 (AISI)

• High carbon chromium steel with excellent hardness and wear resistance.
• Used in Deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings.

Deep Groove Ball Bearing

Angular Contact Ball Bearing

Cylindrical Roller Bearing

440C Stainless Steel

• Martensitic stainless steel with high hardness and corrosion resistance.
• Used in Precision ball bearings, thrust bearings, and high-load bearings in corrosive environments.

420 Stainless Steel

• High-strength stainless steel with good corrosion resistance.
• Used for Food-grade bearings, medical equipment bearings, and automotive bearings.

Titanium and Titanium Alloys

Ti-6Al-4V

• Features: High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility.
• Used in Aerospace bearings and bearings for medical industry.

Ti-3Al-2.5V

• Features: Medium-strength titanium alloy with good formability and corrosion resistance.
• Uses: Lightweight bearings for aerospace and marine applications.

Zirconium and Zirconium Alloys

Zirconium 702

• Great for resisting corrosion in hot and harsh conditions.
• Ideal for chemical processing bearings and nuclear uses.

Zirconium 705

• Features: Higher strength than Zirconium 702 with similar corrosion resistance.
• Use: High-temperature bearings, nuclear equipment.

Nickel and Iron-Nickel Alloys

Inconel 718

• Features: High strength, corrosion resistance, and excellent creep resistance at high temperatures.
• Uses: Bearings for high-temperature environments like aerospace and gas turbines.

Invar 36

• Low coefficient of thermal expansion and good strength.
• Used for precision bearings requiring dimensional stability over a wide temperature range.

Monel 400

• High strength and excellent resistance to corrosion in seawater and acidic environments.
• Used in Bearings for marine and chemical processing industries.

Cobalt Base Alloys

Stellite 6

• High wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and excellent hardness.
• Used for High-wear bearings, valves, and nuclear applications.

Haynes 25

• High strength, good oxidation resistance, and wear resistance.
• Used for bearings in high-temperature environments, aerospace, and gas turbines.

MP35N

• Strong, corrosion-resistant, and biocompatible.
• Used in medical and aerospace bearings.

Why Choose DFARS Compliant Materials?

Choosing DFARS compliant materials has many advantages:

Regulatory Compliance

• Meet strict DoD material sourcing standards.
• Qualify for DoD contracts.

Quality Assurance

• High Standards: Ensure high-quality, durable, and reliable materials.
• Specialty Metals: Superior performance with specialty metals.

Supply Chain Integrity

• Trusted Sources: Source materials from DFARS-approved countries.
• Traceability: Ensure a clear, traceable supply chain.

Enhanced Performance

• Reliability: Bearings handle tough conditions for long-term use.
• Efficiency: Perform well in important tasks.

National Security

• Comply with cybersecurity rules to protect sensitive data.
• Rely less on non-compliant sources for a secure supply chain.

Financial Benefits

• Prevent fines due to non-compliance.
• Maintain a good reputation and win more defense contracts.

Get Your Bearings at LILY Bearing

LILY Bearing provides high-quality DFARS-compliant bearings, such as stainless steel bearings. They are reliable, high-performing, and meet strict DoD standards. Our range includes precision ball bearings and specialty materials for demanding uses.

Why Choose LILY Bearing?

• Expertise: Years of experience with DFARS-compliant bearings using materials from the DFARS compliant material list. .
• Quality Assurance: Strict quality control for top performance and durability.
• Customization: Bearings made to fit your needs.
• Global Support: Fast delivery through worldwide distribution centers.

Contact us today for help or to find the right bearing solution!