With continuous operation at high temperatures, engines require a stronger type of bearing than other machinery.

This is where silver enters the picture. When steel ball bearings are electroplated with silver, they become stronger than any other type of bearing. Jet engines, for example, rely on silver bearings because they can function continuously and at very high temperatures. So do helicopter engines.

Not only is a silver-coated steel ball bearing strong, but the silver acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the bearing and its housing. This increases the performance and longevity of the engine. Despite high internal temperatures, silver-coated bearings provide superior performance and a critical margin of safety for engines. Even in the event of an oil pump failure, for instance, silver-plated bearings provide enough lubrication to allow a safe engine shutdown before serious damage can occur.