Formation of microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of high-carbon bearing steel at various stages of processing

Sevalnev G.S., Dulnev K.V., Korobova E.N., Sevalneva T.G.
Sevalnev G.S., Dulnev K.V., Korobova E.N., Sevalneva T.G. Formation of microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of high-carbon bearing steel at various stages of processing // Proceedings of VIAM. 2026. No. 5. DOI: 10.18577/2307-6046-2026-0-5-3-12. URL: https://test.viam.ru/en/journal/2026/5/1
Keywords
high carbon bearing steel, microstructure, phase composition, mechanical properties, martensite, austenite, cold treatment
Abstract

The paper investigates the microstructure, phase composition and mechanical properties of high-carbon bearing steel of the С–Cr–Mo–W–V–Nb alloying system under various heat treatment regimes. It has been established that the application of multi-stage tempering (up to 5 cycles) and cold treatment allows for effective control of the steel’s phase composition, achieving a martensite content up to 90 %. With optimal heat treatment, the steel demonstrates tensile strength up to 2620 MPa, yield strength of 2160 MPa, relative elongation of 6 %, and reduction of area of 8 %.

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