Chromex 40

Chromex 40 steel is the result of nearly 50 years experience working in and meeting the demands of the aerospace bearing industry. It is now more readily available to meet the ever increasing requirements of general industrial applications.

The chemical composition of Chromex 40 is very different from that of 100Cr6 (AISI 52100) and 440C. Large carbides and carbide networks (0.003”-0.004”) well known in 440 C and 52100 do not exist in Chromex 40. Instead, there is a homogenous structure of finely dispersed carbon nitrides (<0.004”). The large carbides of 440C can be sites of potential failure under mechanical loading.

Advantages of Chromex:

• Lower bearing noise
• Smoother surfaces (giving improved ball/raceway contact leading to longer life)
• Higher rolling contact fatigue resistance
• Better dimensional stability
• Better corrosion resistance (due to the presence of chromium)
• Cooler running
• Better speed capability
• Higher reliability under poor lubrication

In combination with silicon nitride balls (ceramic), a hybrid bearing has evolved providing for excellent results in very demanding applications. The balls have a mass of only 40% of their steel equivalents, and so develop a centrifugal loading of only 16%. This results in lower contact stresses at the raceway and improved dynamic behavior.

< back