Bearing steel

Features and benefits

Bearing steel is essential material in the production of bearings. The most commonly used type of steel is chromium steel, an alloy consisting of about 1% carbon and 1.5% chromium. Also called vacuum-degassed steel, this type of steel has excellent properties for the bearing industry.

Advantages of chrome steel

Chrome steel offers several advantages that make it ideal for bearing applications:

High purity, ensuring longer bearing life.
Excellent fatigue resistance, minimizing the risk of premature wear.
Good hardening capabilities, allowing bearings to maintain long life and high strength.
High resistance to heat treatments, providing improved mechanical properties at extreme temperatures.

Temperature range of bearings

The temperature range of a bearing depends on the design and the lubricant being used:

Standard open bearing: -40°C to +120°C
Sealed bearings: -30°C to +110°C

Higher- or lower temperature applications require other greases or bearings with heat treatment.

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Cage materials

Function and types

The cage in a bearing plays a crucial role in the functioning and durability of the bearing. The main task of the cage is to keep the rolling bodies spaced apart and reduce friction. This prevents excessive heat generation.

Types of cage materials

There are different materials used for bearing cages:

Pressed steel cages

Commonly used and cost efficient option
Lightweight and durable
Suitable for high speeds and heavy loads

Brass cages

Available as brass plate or solid brass cage
High strength and corrosion resistance
Suitable for heavy duty applications and high temperatures

Plastic cages (Polyamide 6)

Ligthweight and flexible
Good balance between strength and elasticity
Reduces friction and noise
Not suitable for extremely high temperatures

The role of the cage in bearing performance

In addition to reducing friction and heat generation, the cage ensures that the roller bodies remain correctly positioned. This is especially important in bearings that can be taken apart because the cage holds the rolling bodies in place during assembly and disassembly.