Stainless steel roller bearings offer many features, including high strength-to-wear ratios, reduction in friction, and corrosion resistance. These features make stainless steel bearings suitable for a variety of applications.
Resist Corrosion
Stainless steel roller bearings resist corrosion and are designed to last in various applications. They’re the perfect option for industrial equipment. They offer an excellent level of corrosion resistance, and they’re also easy to clean.
The corrosion-resistant properties of stainless steel make them an ideal option for applications that require high levels of chemical and temperature resistance. They are also ideal for applications where corrodible materials would not be suitable.
In addition to being able to resist corrosion, stainless steel bearings can also offer excellent wear resistance. They are particularly suitable for medical, food, and pharmaceutical applications. They also work well in applications where temperature, chemical, and moisture conditions are extreme.
Stainless steel bearings also feature a low maintenance profile. They’re also lightweight, making them an ideal choice for applications where space is limited.
Offer High Strength-To-Wear Ratio
Stainless steel roller bearings offer a high strength-to-wear ratio for some applications. They can be used for linear, light to moderate radial loads, and rotary motion. They can also handle shock loads up to ten times the design load.
In addition to high strength, these bearings have good corrosion resistance, extending the life of the bearing. They also reduce maintenance costs and improve output from the machinery.
Many bearing materials are available, but choosing the one that suits your application is the most important factor. The material must have structural uniformity, good dirt-embedding properties, and lubricity. This is especially important when using the bearing in aggressive environments.
Resist Staining
Stainless steel roller bearings have a long life and are often ideal for industrial equipment. The roller bearings are corrosion-resistant and can be washed without re-lubrication. Stainless steel bearings are also lightweight and are available in different types. These include open, sealed, capped, and double-row bearings.
The most common reason for the failure of stainless steel bearings is overload. Overload occurs when the bearing is suddenly subjected to more load than it was designed for. The bearing may also be subjected to vibration caused by surface damage or impact. The vibration may cause the defects to fracture.
Some stainless steel bearings are less corrosion-resistant than other types of steel. However, certain grades are optimized to increase performance. This includes chromium, which increases hardness penetration and toughness.
Lower Hardness
Stainless steel roller bearings have a lower hardness than 52100 chrome steel. This is because stainless steel contains a high content of carbon. It also has a higher chromium content. The chromium in stainless steel reacts with oxygen to form chromium oxide. This oxide provides additional protection against corrosion.
The chromium content in 52100 is only 1.5%. It is an alloy with 1% carbon and small amounts of Si and Mn. It is ideal for bearing applications. However, it is not an oil-hardening steel. It does not have sufficient chromium to form chromium carbides.
To achieve high hardenability, the carbon content must be high. This means the carbon content must be above 0.6% in the solution. In addition, the austenitizing temperature must be high. These high-hardenability steels are difficult to normalize.
Reduce Friction
Stainless steel roller bearings have some advantages over conventional ball bearings. These advantages include increased corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of cleaning. They are also ideal for industrial equipment. In addition, they are autoclavable and gamma sterilizable. Stainless steel bearings can also be washed without re-lubrication. They are suited for mainsheets, tack lines, and guy leads.
Friction is an important factor in bearing performance. It affects wear, overheating, and premature bearing failure. By reducing friction, bearings can be used for extended periods at high speeds. Moreover, reducing friction prevents premature bearing failure.
Friction reduction is achieved through material, shape, and lubrication. These techniques also reduce the normal force between the parts. Moreover, separating surfaces by an electromagnetic field can also help.
The load-carrying capacity of stainless steel bearings is about 20% lower than 52100 chrome steel bearings. The material also has lower hardness and chromium content.
