Component elements of 52100 steel

52100 Steel Mechanical Properties

ASTM 52100 material hardness

Hot rolled, annealed coils: ≤92 HRB

Hot rolled annealed bars and tubes: ≤207 HBW

Annealed, cold drawn coils: ≤92 HRB

Annealed, cold drawn coils, bars and tubes: ≤248 HBW

Annealed, cold rocked tubes: ≤331 HBW

AISI 52100 flame hardening

55-60 HRC (Quenchant: Air or oil)

62-64 HRC (Quenchant: Water)

Typical Heat Treatment

Annealing

Annealing temperature is 730-790 ℃ (1350-1450 ℉), furnace cooling.

Austenitizing

Austenitizing temperature is 855 ℃ (1575 ℉)

Martempering

Martempering temperature: 190 ℃ (375 ℉), Agent: Oil.

Martensitic

Heat treating cycle for martensitic hardening of 52100 bearing steel is as follows:

The austenitizing temperature is 815-855 °C for 15-40 minutes, each additional inch of thickness increases by 30 minutes.

Quenching temperature ≤ 150 °C agitated oil (martensite hardening); ≥ 230 °C molten salt (bainite hardening).

Tempering temperature 150-230 °C for 2-4 hours (Rockwell hardness 58-64 HRC)

As-quenched Rockwell hardness after heat treatment is typically 64-67 HRC.

Above,some mechanical properties of 52100 steel are shown to illustrate its useful working characteristics. This section will briefly explain each parameter and how it relates to the applications of 52100 steel.

Applications of 52100 Steel

As previously discussed, 52100 steel most often used in steel bearings, as well as bearing manufacturing equipment. Its toughness and hardness lend it to be used in blades and cutlery, though it is trickier to heat-treat than some other, more common blade steels. Below is a list of other common applications of 52100 steel:

Anti-friction bearings 

Mill rolls

Punches, taps,dies

Automotive and aircraft parts

Fasteners