materials

The characteristics of alloys and their heat treatment play a major role in the ultimate performance of any ball bearing. Environmental conditions and performance requirements help determine the appropriate choice of bearing materials. The traditional materials used in ball bearings are 440C stainless steel and 52100 chrome steel. These materials are heat treated to achieve optimum hardness and dimensional stability and are suitable for most conditions. For unique or extreme applications, NHBB can offer hybrid ball bearings, consisting of steel rings and silicon nitride balls. These are typically used in applications involving ultra high speeds or high stiffness requirements.

The properties of 440C balls can also be enhanced by a titanium carbide coating.

Standard Materials

AISI 440C
1% C, 17% Cr, .5% Mo

A hardened, stainless steel suitable for applications that require corrosion resistance at room to mid-hot temperature range; the standard choice for a wide variety of military and commercial applications.

SAE 52100
1% C, 1.45% Cr

Chrome steel used for specific ball bearing applications where corrosion resistance is not a major concern.

*Consumable Electrode Vacuum Melted

Alternate Ball Material

CERBEC® Bearing Components: Silicon Nitride

An extremely hard non-metallic material suitable for speeds up to 2 million dN with reduced skidding. This material is corrosion resistant, 60% lighter than steel and non-magnetic. Silicon nitride has a modulus of elasticity 50% greater than steel; therefore, it increases bearing rigidity. It is virtually inert and thus it resists corrosion and galling.

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