Introduction
Bearings are metal parts used to join two objects or components together allowing them to move with minimal friction and rotational forces. Steel is the metal that is mainly used in the manufacture of bearings because of its excellent resistance to wear and wear-perfectly balanced strength and stiffness properties. Steel is formed in cylinders, disks or tapered shapes to allow parts to move relative to each other. The choice of steel for a bearing depends on the load to be applied and the speed at which it will rotate.
Types of bearing steel
There are different types of bearing steels available on the market to: high-carbon chromium bearing steel, stainless bearing steel, and other varieties.
High-Carbon Chromium Bearing Steel
High-carbon chromium bearing steel is the most popular choice for bearings because of its superior properties such as its high hardness, good wear resistance, and excellent corrosion and fatigue resistance. This steel is composed of 1.0%-1.2% carbon, 1.4% chromium, and 0.2% molybdenum for for increased strength and wear resistance. This steel is also used in other applications such as gears and journals.
Stainless Bearing Steel
Stainless bearing steel is another popular bearing steel used due to its excellent corrosion resistance, which makes it ideal for high-humidity environments such as food processing plants and marine vessels. It is composed of 1%-2% chromium and 0.5%-3.3% nickel depending on the grade used.
Advantages of bearing steel
Bearing steels have several advantages over other types of steels such as excellent fatigue strength, good wear resistance, and toughness. They are also resistant to corrosion, meaning they can last longer in applications that could be exposed to the elements. When hardened, bearing steels also increase their strength and wear resistance, making them a highly desirable material for heavyweight applications.
Conclusion
When selecting a bearing steel, it is important to consider the application in order to pick the best type of steel for the job. In general, bearing steels offer excellent resistance to wear and corrosion, making them the choice for many different industries. They are also able to withstand high loads and speeds which make them suitable for a wide range of applications.
