Steel in Bearing Applications
Bearings are an essential component of countless machines and mechanisms. Every bearing is constructed with a particular steel alloy in order to be able to perform specific functions and provide superior reliability. There are several steel alloys available for bearing applications and each is ideal for particular uses based on their individual properties and characteristics.
Carbon Steels
Carbon steels are the most common type of steel used in bearings and consist of several plain carbon steels and low-alloy steels. They are usually deep-drawn, stamped, machined or pressed into specific shapes and often coated with lubricants to aid in lubrication. Carbon steels are effective in most low- to mid-load applications and provide good service life in most types of environments.
Alloy Steels
Alloy steels are used when more strength and durability are required than can be achieved with carbon steels alone. They offer superior corrosion resistance, shock resistance, and abrasion resistance. Alloy steels can withstand high loads, but are often limited in temperature extremes and are more susceptible to wear than some other metals.
Stainless Steels
Stainless steels are used when resistance to corrosion and oxidation is needed. Stainless steels offer superior resistance to abrasion, oxidation, and corrosion and are the only steels suitable for some applications in brackish water or ocean water environments. The downside of stainless steels is that they are usually limited to low-load applications.
Maraging Steels
Maraging steels are used for their superior strength and fatigue resistance. They consist of an iron-nickel base alloy that is strengthened by adding carbon, cobalt, and titanium. Maraging steels offer superior strength and hardness but are more brittle than other common bearing steels.
Tool Steels
Tool steels are used for their superior wear resistance and are usually selected for bearings that experience repeated shock and abrasion. Tool steels have the lowest corrosion resistance of all the types of steels commonly used for bearings, but they provide superior toughness and hardness needed in many abrasive applications.
Conclusion
There are many different types of steel available for bearing applications, each offering their own unique properties and characteristics. The appropriate steel should be chosen based on the specific application and environment in order to ensure that the bearing functions as desired and provides reliable service.
