GRW ball bearings are made from chrome steel (SAE 52100) or from stainless steel (X65Cr13). Ceramic balls can be used in both version if required (hybrid ball bearings).

Hybrid ball bearings (steel rings and ceramic balls) are above all used in dental technology, in spindle bearings and vacuum technology.

The chrome steel (1.3505/SAE 52100) used is very good heat treatable and maintains a high level of strength when hardened. Ball bearings made from this kind of steel have an excellent service life at working temperatures up to 170oC (338oF).

The stainless steel (1.4037) is a martensitic steel which can be used at a working temperature of up to 200oC (392oF) without noticeable hardness loss.

Improvements in steel production and heat treatment allow the load ratings of both steels to be the same.

Table 1: Chemical analysis

Prefix	–	SS
DIN DIN SAE AFNOR	1O0Cr6 1.3505 52100 100Cr6	X65Cr13 1.4037
C % Si % Mn % P % S % Cr % Mo %	0.95 – 1.19 0.15 – 0.35 0.25 – 0.45 0.03 max. 0.025 max. 1.35 – 1.65 –	0.60 – 0.75 1 max. 1 max. 0.04 max. 0.03 max. 12 – 14 0.75 max.

 We will be pleased to provide you with information on the chemical resistance of above mentioned materials.