What is 52100 Steel?
52100 steel is a high-carbon, chromium alloy steel renowned for its exceptional hardness, durability, and wear resistance. Often referred to as bearing steel, it is widely used in the production of ball bearings, roller bearings, and other high-wear components where long service life is essential.
Composition of 52100 Alloy Steel
The unique properties of 52100 steel come from its precise alloying elements:
- Carbon: ~1.0% – Provides superior hardness and wear resistance
- Chromium: ~1.5% – Enhances toughness and improves corrosion resistance
- Manganese, Silicon, and Phosphorus: Trace amounts for added strength and stability
Key Properties of 52100 Steel
- High Hardness – Capable of achieving excellent hardness through heat treatment.
- Superior Wear Resistance – Performs exceptionally in applications with continuous friction and abrasion.
- Toughness – Withstands heavy stress and deformation without cracking.
- Good Machinability – Can be shaped and processed into precise components efficiently.
Applications of 52100 Steel
Thanks to its hardness and reliability, 52100 steel is commonly used in:
- Ball and roller bearings
- Automotive and aerospace components
- High-performance gears and shafts
- Cutting tools and industrial machinery parts
At Mozaic Precision Metals, we supply precision-ground 52100 steel bar stock engineered for demanding applications where wear resistance and durability are critical to performance.