METHOD FOR STRENGTHENING OF ROLLING ELEMENT BEARINGS BY THERMAL-MECHANICAL NET SHAPE FINISH FORMING TECHNIQUE

摘要

A method and apparatus are disclosed for cost-effective net shape precision ausform finishing the engagement surfaces of ball and roller bearings (50), for enhancing the surface strength and durability of bearing inner (42A) and outer (42B) races. The method consists of induction heating to austenitize the contacting surface layers of rolling element bearing races (42A, 42B), followed by martempering (or marquenching), and then net shape roll finishing of the induction heated contacting surface layers in the metastable austenitic condition to finished dimensional accuracy requirement, and finally cooling to martensite.