SAE 52100 is a high-carbon chromium alloy steel known for its high hardness, strength, wear resistance and fatigue performance. It is widely associated with bearing components and other precision machine parts exposed to repeated contact and high stresses.
Available Forms: Round Bars, Blocks
Key Properties
SAE 52100 — Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | SAE 52100 |
| Steel Type | High-Carbon Chromium Bearing Steel |
| Equivalent Designations | 100Cr6, 1.3505, GCr15, SUJ2 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.98–1.10%* |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.30–1.60%* |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.25–0.45%* |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15–0.30%* |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025%* |
| Sulphur (S) | ≤ 0.025%* |
| Available Forms | Round Bars, Flats, Blocks* |
| Supply | Full Length / Cut-to-Size |
| Element | Typical Range / Maximum |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.98–1.10% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 1.30–1.60% |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.25–0.45% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.15–0.30% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.025% |
| Sulphur (S) | ≤ 0.025% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Where Sae 52100 Is Used
Bearing Components
Designed For Rolling-contact Applications Requiring High Hardness And Fatigue Resistance.
Rollers & Races
Suitable For Precision Components Exposed To Repeated Contact Stresses.
Balls & Rolling Elements
Used In Bearing And Precision Mechanical Applications.
Bushes & Sleeves
Suitable For Selected High-wear Mechanical Components.
Precision Machine Components
Used Where High Hardness, Strength And Wear Resistance Are Required.
High-wear Components
Suitable For Components Exposed To Repeated Mechanical Contact And Demanding Operating Conditions.
SAE 52100 is a through-hardening bearing steel. Heat treatment is used to develop the high hardness and strength required for bearing and high-wear applications.
Typical cycle: RT → 820°C → controlled cooling
Used to develop a suitable microstructure for machining and subsequent hardening.
Typical austenitizing range: 830–870°C
Followed by oil quenching for martensitic hardening.
Typical range: 160–500°C
Tempering follows hardening to adjust the final hardness/toughness balance.
Typical range: 550–650°C
Can be used where stress relief is required before subsequent processing.
Round Bars — Precision steel for bearings, rollers and shafts.
Tubes — Suitable for specialised engineering applications.
Flats — Designed for machining and industrial component requirements.
SAE 52100 Can Be Supplied In Different Conditions Depending On The Customer’s Machining And Application Requirements.
Annealed
Suitable Where Improved Machinability Is Required Before Final Heat Treatment.
Spheroidized Annealed
Suitable For Machining And Preparation Before Hardening.
Hardened & Tempered
For Applications Requiring Developed Hardness And Mechanical Performance.
Full Length
Available According To Tsi Metals’ Stock Dimensions.
Cut-to-size
Material Can Be Prepared According To Customer-specified Dimensions, Subject To Availability.
Ovako’s 100cr6 Data Specifically Identifies Spheroidized Annealed, Quenched/Tempered And Tempered Conditions Among Its Heat-treatment Routes.
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