Bearing Steel

Machinability
AISI 52100 alloy steel can be machined using conventional techniques. The machinability of this steel can be improved by performing spherodizing annealing process at 649°C (1200°F) before machining.
Forming
AISI 52100 alloy steel can be formed using all conventional techniques such as cold forging or stamping and hot or cold upset forming techniques.
Heat Treatment
AISI 52100 alloy steel is heated at 816°C (1500°F) followed by quenching in oil. Before performing this process, it is subjected to normalizing heat treatment at 872°C (1600°F) followed by slowly cooling in order to reduce the machining stress.
Forging
AISI 52100 alloy steel is forged at 927 to 1205°C (1700 to 2200°F).
Hot Working
AISI 52100 alloy steel can be hot worked at 205 to 538°C (400 to 1000°F).
Cold Working
AISI 52100 alloy steel can be cold worked using conventional techniques in the annealed or normalized conditions.
Annealing
AISI 52100 alloy steel is annealed at 872°C (1600°F) followed by slowly cooling to reduce cold working or machining stress.
Hardening
AISI 52100 alloy steel is hardened by cold working, or heating and quenching. It can be carburized at 913°C (1675°F) followed by quenching. It is again heated at 788°C (1450°F) followed by quenching for the second time.