The Bearing steel is one of the most demanding of the high
quality steel applications. Important criteria are cleanliness of
the steel and the reduction of non-metallic inclusions – particles
that could cause stresses and hence potential failure of the steel
component. Through careful attention to these factors, coupled with
the introduction of a number of key techniques including vacuum
degassing, argon shrouding of molten steel and inductive stirring
during secondary steel refining, the fatigue performance of
engineering steels has improved progressively.
Applications for through-hardening bearing steel are typically
roller bearing components but also components that require high
fatigue strength such as diesel injection components. The hardness
levels these steel reach also makes them excellent in wear
applications or cutting/slitting/grinding applications. When also
combined with a stabilizing heat treatment they give a dimensional
stability needed in many tool steel applications.
Âsteelsirst. 20216