AISI 52100 Bearing Steel: 1.5% Cr High-Carbon Anti-Friction Grade
ASTM A295/A866 · Published: 2026-06-01 · Updated: 2026-06-02
AISI 52100 is a high-carbon chromium bearing steel (0.98-1.10% C, 1.30-1.60% Cr) that is the global standard for rolling-element bearings—ball bearings, roller bearings, and bearing races. After through-hardening to 60-64 HRC (austenitize at...
AISI 52100 is a high-carbon chromium bearing steel (0.98-1.10% C, 1.30-1.60% Cr) that is the global standard for rolling-element bearings—ball bearings, roller bearings, and bearing races. After through-hardening to 60-64 HRC (austenitize at 815-860°C, oil quench, temper at 150-180°C), the uniform distribution of fine spheroidal chromium carbides in a martensitic matrix provides the highest rolling-contact fatigue life among through-hardening steels. Vacuum degassing (VD) or vacuum arc remelting (VAR) produces bearing-quality cleanliness—the maximum allowable inclusion content is among the strictest in steelmaking, as a single oxide inclusion at the rolling contact surface can initiate fatigue spalling. Use for ball and roller bearings, CV joint races, fuel injection pump components, and precision gauges.
Quick Facts
| Category | Alloy Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A295/A866 |
| Density | 7.81 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | 1,700 MPa (247 ksi) at 60 HRC |
| Tensile Strength | 2,030 MPa (294 ksi) at 60 HRC |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
| Alternative Standard / Grade | Action |
|---|---|
| EN 100Cr6 | Compare |
| DIN 1.3505 | Compare |
| SUJ2 | Compare |
| GCr15 | Compare |
| BS 534A99 | Compare |
Related Materials
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can 52100 be used at elevated temperatures?
Standard 52100 is limited to approximately 120-150°C continuous service—above this temperature, the martensite tempers and hardness drops rapidly. For high-temperature bearings (150-300°C), use M50 (AISI T11350) tool steel or Cronidur 30 (AMS 5898) high-nitrogen stainless steel. For ambient and moderately elevated temperatures, 52100 remains the most cost-effective and widely available bearing steel.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu