Abstract
In this paper, precision hard turning is proposed for the finishing of the AISI 52100 bearing components to improve rolling contact fatigue life. This finishing process induces a homogenous microstructure at surface and subsurface layers. Fatigue life tests performed on a twin-disk machine show that rolling contact fatigue life increases as Ra value decreases. The bearing components reached 0.32 million cycles for Ra=0.25μm and 5.2 million cycles for Ra=0.11μm. In comparison, the bearing components achieved 1.2 million cycles with grinding (Ra=0.2μm) and 3.2 million cycles with grinding followed by honing (Ra=0.05μm) respectively.
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► Precision hard turning generates homogeneous microstructure. ► Surface roughness has a significant effect on the rolling contact fatigue life. ► In comparison with grinding process, precision hard turning offers longer RCF life.