When it comes to bearing materials, certain options are actually better suited for some situations than others. For example, chrome steel is a ubiquitous bearing material, yet there are some occasions where you will need an alternative to protect your parts from certain hazards or perhaps meet performance standards. Stainless steel is just one of these options, and we discuss the advantages below:
While stainless steel bearing housing may be a little more costly than standard metals, it offers several key benefits. Chief among these scenarios is that stainless steel offers much more resistance to corrosion than chrome or perhaps any other basic steels. Corrosion resistance is a major advantage for a wide selection of uses, especially those that require food grade parts or perhaps clean room conditions. Even when contamination is not a concern, corrosion resistance can help extend the lifespan of the bearings if water or perhaps other rust inducing substances are actually present in an environment.
Another advantage of stainless steel is that it can exhibit greater chemical resistance than some standard options. This resistance is actually essential for any applications that deal with other substances and harsh chemical compounds that could eat away at the bearings. Additionally, the blend of water and chemical resistance makes stainless steel an ideal solution for applications that undergo regular washdowns.
A high heat environment is yet another reason why you will choose a stainless steel bearing. Stainless steel features greater stability in high temperatures, which will help you maintain performance standards and prolong part life than in case you opted for standard steel material. Stainless steel bearings are actually used where there’s a threat of corrosion. Chrome steel bearings will rust easily, so in the presence of chemicals or moisture, for instance, in the food/beverage industry, stainless steel is actually recommended.
440-grade stainless steel is only slightly softer than chrome steel, so load and speed ratings are not much lower. 440 grade is actually magnetic, and it is affected by stronger chemicals and saltwater. The softer 316 stainless steel can be used in these conditions, although at much lower loads and speeds. High nitrogen steel bearings offer increased excellent load/speed and corrosion resistance ratings, but there’s generally made to order and are fairly costly.
Another benefit of stainless steel is actually the top working temperature. 440-grade stainless steel bearings are actually suitable for temperatures as high as 300°C, while 316 stainless steel can cope with much higher temperatures.
Stainless steel is actually steel with a minimum of 10.5 % chromium content by mass. The primary feature of stainless steel is the resistance of its to rust, staining, and corrosion. In comparison, carbon steel which is actually unprotected, can easily rust when exposed to moisture and air.
Since the most significant difference between stainless steel and carbon steel is their resistance to corrosion and rust (due to the chromium content of stainless steel), it’s usually the case that stainless steel is actually the best construction material for corrosive environments. Applications with exposure to air, corrosive substances, or perhaps water often benefit from the natural corrosion resistance of stainless steel.