SKF has officially opened its new Ceramic Process Laboratory (C-Pro Lab) at its Research and Development Centre in Houten, the Netherlands. The new facility aims to accelerate innovation in hybrid ceramic bearings, strengthen manufacturing capabilities and support growing global demand for energy-efficient industrial technologies.
Announced on October 19, 2026, the investment reinforces SKF’s position in advanced bearing technology by integrating the entire ceramic manufacturing process, from raw material development to high-performance component engineering.
SKF Strengthens Hybrid Bearing Innovation with C-Pro Lab
The newly established SKF Ceramic Process Laboratory serves as a global competence centre for ceramic technology research and development. By bringing together powder formulation, compaction, sintering and surface finishing processes, the facility enables researchers to develop and test new ceramic materials more efficiently.
This integrated approach allows SKF to optimize material compositions, improve ceramic microstructures and accelerate the development of high-performance hybrid bearings. The laboratory will also support more efficient manufacturing processes and the commercialization of advanced bearing solutions for industrial customers worldwide.
Hybrid Ceramic Bearings Support Electrification and Energy Efficiency
As global industries accelerate their transition toward electrification and energy-efficient operations, demand for hybrid ceramic bearings continues to increase. These bearings combine high-grade steel rings with silicon nitride rolling elements, offering improved electrical insulation, reduced weight and lower friction compared with conventional all-steel bearings.
According to SKF, advanced hybrid bearing technology can reduce friction by up to 50% while helping prevent electrical erosion in high-speed electric motors. These advantages make ceramic bearings particularly valuable in applications requiring improved reliability, reduced energy consumption and consistent performance under demanding operating conditions.
SKF CTO Highlights the Importance of Ceramic Technology
Annikа Ölme, CTO and Senior Vice President of Technology Development at SKF, emphasized the importance of the new laboratory in advancing next-generation industrial applications.
“Ceramic and hybrid bearing technologies are essential enablers for clean and reliable rotation in next-generation industrial electrical applications. The C-Pro Lab enables full mastery over the end-to-end ceramic process. This allows us to innovate faster, optimize material performance, and accelerate the commercialization of high-performance hybrid solutions for our customers globally,” Ölme stated.
Advanced Bearing Solutions for Aerospace and Industrial Automation
SKF’s hybrid ceramic bearing technology is designed to address operational challenges across several rapidly expanding industries, including industrial automation, aerospace and high-speed machinery. These sectors increasingly require components capable of delivering electrical insulation, low friction and reliable operation in extreme temperatures.
The new Ceramic Process Laboratory will help SKF respond to these requirements through faster material development and improved manufacturing efficiency. By optimizing ceramic production processes, the company aims to support the wider adoption of advanced hybrid bearing solutions in demanding industrial environments.
