Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a first step of performing swage autofrettage on an object; a second step of heat soaking the object; and a third step of performing hydraulic autofrettage on the object. The second and third steps may be repeated one or more times. A final step may be heat soaking the object. The object may be, for example, a pressure vessel or gun barrel.

Abstract: A segmented pilot ball is assembled within a spherical bearing for procesg a self lubricating liner. The two-part pilot ball includes a major annularly shaped hollow segment with a smaller cutout portion. A minor segment has the shape of the cutout portion so that when the major and minor segments are assembled, the minor segment complements the major segment to define the spherical outer shape of the pilot ball. An inner plug is shaped to fit within the assembled major and minor segments to provide a compressive force and interior support to the pilot ball within the outer race of the bearing. The bearing is formed by applying uncured liner material to the inner surface of the outer race either before or while rotating the outer race, to evenly distribute the liner and to increase the rate of drying. The outer race is then rotated while heating, in order to reduce liner flow and to form a uniform coating.