Metals & alloys · Ferrous alloys
AISI 52100 bearing steel
A high-carbon chromium steel used for rolling-contact bearings where cleanliness, carbide control, hardness and fatigue life are critical.
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01
Overview
- Material class
- Metals & alloys
- Category
- Ferrous alloys
- Family
- Bearing Steel
- Product forms
- Sheet/plate, Bar/rod
Composition
| Constituent | Min | Max | Typical | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0.95 | 1.1 | 1 | |
| Cr | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.45 | |
| Mn | 0.25 | 0.45 | 0.35 | |
| Si | 0.15 | 0.35 | 0.25 | |
| Fe | Balance |
02
Properties and conditions
Engineering properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.81 | g/cm³ | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Elastic modulus | 210 | GPa | Representative; verify product form and condition |
| Hardness | 60–66 | HRC | hardened |
| Yield strength | ~1700–2000 | MPa | hardened representative |
| Contact fatigue | high | cleanliness dependent | |
| Thermal conductivity | ~46 | W/m·K | annealed representative |
Conditions
Hardened and low tempered
Bearing service condition; retained austenite and carbide state depend on cycle.
Spheroidize annealed
Machining and forming precursor with spheroidized carbides.
03
Processing and use
Processing
- Spheroidized carbide distribution controls machining and austenitizing response.
- Vacuum degassing and inclusion engineering are central to fatigue life.
Applications
- Bearing rings
- Rolling elements
- Precision wear parts
Selection considerations
- Subsurface fatigue is highly sensitive to inclusions and residual stress.
- Corrosion protection is required outside lubricated environments.
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04
Standards and related materials
Standards and designations
| System | Designation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| AISI | 52100 | |
| UNS | G52986 | |
| EN | 1.3505 / 100Cr6 | |
| ASTM | A295 |
05
Sources and context
Sources
- ASTM A295 bearing steel specificationExisting reference
- ASM International and public alloy designation referencesIdentity reference
Confirm the applicable specification, product form and condition before using values for design or procurement.
Supply and sustainability
Very broad supply but premium bearing-quality cleanliness requires controlled sources.
Long bearing life reduces equipment replacement; high-grade scrap is recyclable in specialty steel loops.
Strategic context
The standard bearing steel for high-volume mobility and machinery, where microcleanliness determines reliability.