Uses of Common Bearing Steel
Bearing steel is a special type of steel used in the manufacturing of bearings. It is high in carbon content, and contains other alloying elements to provide high hardness, wear resistance and fatigue strength. Bearing steel is one of the most important materials in engineering applications, such as low and medium-load axles and other power transmission components. Manufacturers must optimize the properties of their bearings to provide maximum performance and longevity. There are a variety of specialty steels available to meet these requirements.
One of the most common types of bearing steel is 52100 alloy steel. This high carbon chromium bearing steel has a hardness of around 58 HRC. It is used for high-precision component applications such as automotive wheel bearings, ball bearings and roller bearings. It offers excellent wear resistance, and its low internal friction is ideal for low speed applications.
SUS440C is another type of bearing steel. This stainless steel alloy is commonly used for medium and high-load applications in heavy industries such as mining, construction and offshore engineering. It is a high carbon, high chrome steel that is corrosion resistant and provides good fatigue strength. The hardness of SUS440C is in the high range, at around 60 HRC.
SAE-52100 is an alloy steel with a high carbon content. It can be heat treated to achieve a hardness of up to 65 HRC. This steel is often used for high speed applications such as pumps and compressors as well as other high-stress components. It offers excellent wear resistance, fatigue strength and low internal friction.
420F stainless steel is a popular bearing steel that is corrosion resistant. It is used in industrial, medical and food processing applications where contamination is a concern. This steel has a Rockwell hardness of up to 54 HRC and can be heat treated to achieve even higher hardness.
Bearing steels are further categorized into microstructures such as pearlitic, martensitic, austenitic and ferritic. The microstructure of a steel defines its mechanical properties and must be carefully selected to match the application. Different combinations of alloying elements can affect the hardness and wear resistance of a steel as well as its tensile strength and toughness.
Bearing steel is used throughout a variety of industries. Its high strength and wear resistance make it ideal for applications involving high load and pressure. From automotive wheel bearings to medical implants, bearing steel is an important engineering material to ensure optimal performance of components.
