52100 ROUND BAR FOR BEARINGS, SHAFTS AND HIGH-WEAR COMPONENTS
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52100 Round Bar for bearing components, shafts, rollers and high-wear applications. Explore AISI 52100 properties, chemistry, hardness, heat treatment and industrial uses.
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52100 ROUND BAR FOR BEARINGS, SHAFTS AND HIGH-WEAR COMPONENTS
52100 Round Bar is a high-carbon chromium bearing steel widely considered for components where hardness, wear resistance, rolling-contact fatigue resistance and dimensional stability are important.
The grade is commonly identified as AISI 52100, SAE 52100, bearing steel 52100 and UNS G52986.
International material designations associated with this steel may also include EN31 and 100Cr6, depending on the applicable standard.
For industrial manufacturers, 52100 is particularly relevant to applications involving repeated contact, rolling loads and surface wear.
Typical components can include:
- Bearing rings
- Bearing rollers
- Bearing balls
- Shafts
- Bushes
- Rollers
- Pins
- Wear components
- Precision machine components
However, 52100 should not be selected simply because it is called “bearing steel.”
The required hardness, heat-treatment condition, dimensional accuracy, surface finish and application environment all need to be considered before procurement.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What Is 52100 Round Bar?
- Why Is 52100 Used as Bearing Steel?
- AISI 52100 Grade and Equivalent Designations
- 52100 Chemical Composition
- 52100 Mechanical Properties
- 52100 Hardness
- 52100 Tensile Strength
- 52100 Wear Resistance
- 52100 Rolling Contact Fatigue Resistance
- 52100 Bearing Applications
- 52100 Bearing Rings
- 52100 Rollers and Balls
- 52100 Shafts
- 52100 Bushes and Wear Components
- 52100 Heat Treatment
- 52100 Annealing
- 52100 Spheroidizing
- 52100 Hardening
- 52100 Quenching
- 52100 Tempering
- 52100 Machining
- 52100 Welding
- 52100 Bright Round Bar
- 52100 Forged Bar
- 52100 Round Bar Sizes
- 52100 Equivalent Material
- 52100 vs EN31
- 52100 vs 4140
- 52100 Round Bar Price
- How to Buy 52100 Round Bar
- 52100 Round Bar Supplier in Mumbai
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Request a Quote
- Conclusion
WHAT IS 52100 ROUND BAR?
52100 Round Bar is a high-carbon chromium alloy steel primarily associated with bearing and wear-resistant applications.
The grade is commonly specified as:
AISI 52100
SAE 52100
UNS G52986
1.3505
100Cr6
EN31
The exact equivalent designation depends on the standard being used.
52100 is valued because properly processed material can achieve high hardness and excellent resistance to repeated contact and wear.
This makes it particularly important to the bearing and precision-engineering industries.
WHY IS 52100 USED AS BEARING STEEL?
A bearing component can experience millions of cycles during its service life.
The material therefore needs to withstand:
- Repeated rolling contact
- High surface pressure
- Friction
- Wear
- Fatigue
- Dimensional changes
52100 was developed around these requirements.
Its high carbon content allows the steel to achieve high hardness after suitable heat treatment, while chromium contributes to hardenability and wear performance.
This combination makes it a widely recognized bearing-steel grade.
AISI 52100 GRADE AND EQUIVALENT DESIGNATIONS
The most commonly searched designations include:
AISI 52100
SAE 52100
UNS G52986
EN31
100Cr6
1.3505
These designations should not automatically be treated as interchangeable for every purchase.
The applicable specification, chemistry, mechanical requirements and product form should be confirmed before ordering.
For metallurgical and materials engineering information, manufacturers can refer to:
ASM International:
https://www.asminternational.org/
52100 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
52100 contains a relatively high carbon level combined with chromium.
Typical chemistry includes:
Element | Typical Range
Carbon | Approximately 0.95–1.10%
Manganese | Approximately 0.25–0.45%
Silicon | Approximately 0.15–0.35%
Chromium | Approximately 1.30–1.60%
Phosphorus | Controlled
Sulfur | Controlled
Iron | Balance
Exact chemistry depends on the applicable specification.
For procurement, the Material Test Certificate should be checked against the specified standard rather than relying on an online generic composition table.
52100 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
The mechanical properties of 52100 depend heavily on the material condition.
Important properties include:
- Tensile strength
- Yield strength
- Hardness
- Elongation
- Fatigue resistance
- Wear resistance
Heat-treated 52100 can achieve very high hardness compared with many general engineering steels.
This is one of the primary reasons it is used for bearing and wear-related components.
52100 HARDNESS
Hardness is a particularly important characteristic when 52100 is selected for bearing applications.
Through suitable heat treatment, the material can achieve high hardness levels required for rolling-contact applications.
The final hardness depends on:
- Austenitizing temperature
- Holding time
- Quenching method
- Tempering
- Component size
- Heat-treatment process
For critical bearing components, hardness should be specified and verified through appropriate testing.
52100 TENSILE STRENGTH
52100 can achieve high tensile strength following appropriate heat treatment.
However, there is no single tensile-strength figure applicable to every 52100 Round Bar.
The final properties depend on the supplied condition and heat-treatment process.
Industrial buyers should therefore specify the required condition and mechanical-property requirements when requesting material.
52100 WEAR RESISTANCE
Wear resistance is one of the main reasons 52100 is selected for engineering components.
The material can perform well where components experience repeated surface contact.
Applications include:
- Bearings
- Rollers
- Wear rings
- Shafts
- Bushes
- Guide components
- Precision mechanical parts
The actual wear life depends on lubrication, load, speed, surface finish, temperature and operating environment.
52100 ROLLING CONTACT FATIGUE RESISTANCE
Bearing components are repeatedly subjected to rolling contact.
Over time, this can lead to subsurface fatigue and surface damage if the material and processing are unsuitable.
Properly heat-treated 52100 is widely used for rolling-contact components because of its combination of hardness, microstructure and wear performance.
For bearing manufacturers, heat-treatment quality and metallurgical cleanliness can therefore be as important as the nominal grade itself.
52100 BEARING APPLICATIONS
52100 is strongly associated with bearing production.
Typical applications include:
- Ball bearings
- Roller bearings
- Bearing races
- Inner rings
- Outer rings
- Rollers
- Balls
- Bearing components
It is particularly relevant to manufacturers requiring hardened bearing steel with consistent metallurgical characteristics.
52100 BEARING RINGS
Bearing rings require:
- High hardness
- Dimensional accuracy
- Good surface finish
- Wear resistance
- Rolling-contact fatigue resistance
52100 is commonly used for bearing rings after appropriate heat treatment and finishing.
The manufacturing route may include:
Forging
Annealing
Machining
Heat treatment
Grinding
Final inspection
52100 ROLLERS AND BALLS
52100 can also be used for rolling elements.
These components need to maintain precise geometry while operating under repeated contact loads.
Examples include:
- Bearing balls
- Cylindrical rollers
- Tapered rollers
- Spherical rollers
Surface quality becomes extremely important for these applications.
52100 SHAFTS
Although 52100 is strongly associated with bearings, it can also be considered for selected shaft applications where high hardness and wear resistance are important.
Potential applications include:
- Precision shafts
- Small hardened shafts
- Guide shafts
- Wear-resistant shafts
- Machine components
However, 52100 is not a universal replacement for alloy steels such as 4140.
The required combination of toughness, strength and hardness should determine the material selection.
52100 BUSHES AND WEAR COMPONENTS
52100 may be considered for bushes and other wear-resistant components where high hardness is required.
Examples include:
- Bushes
- Rollers
- Wear rings
- Guide components
- Pins
The operating environment should be evaluated carefully, particularly where impact loading or shock loads are present.
52100 HEAT TREATMENT
Heat treatment is central to the performance of 52100.
A typical process can involve:
- Annealing
- Spheroidizing
- Austenitizing
- Quenching
- Tempering
The exact cycle must be developed according to the material size, furnace conditions, desired microstructure and applicable specification.
Improper heat treatment can result in distortion, cracking, retained austenite or inadequate hardness.
52100 ANNEALING
Annealing is used to obtain a suitable microstructure for machining and subsequent heat treatment.
For bearing-steel production, spheroidized structures are often important because they improve machinability and support subsequent hardening.
The actual annealing cycle should be determined according to the steel specification and component size.
52100 SPHEROIDIZING
Spheroidizing is particularly important for high-carbon bearing steels.
The process produces a microstructure in which carbides become more suitable for machining and subsequent hardening.
For manufacturers producing bearing components from 52100 Round Bar, controlled spheroidizing can therefore be an important part of the manufacturing route.
52100 HARDENING
52100 can be hardened through appropriate heating followed by rapid cooling.
The objective is to develop the required hardened microstructure while controlling:
- Distortion
- Cracking
- Retained austenite
- Dimensional change
Industrial heat-treatment operations should follow qualified procedures rather than generic temperature values found in non-technical sources.
52100 QUENCHING
Quenching is used to rapidly cool the material after austenitizing.
The selected quenching medium and process can influence:
- Hardness
- Distortion
- Residual stress
- Cracking risk
- Microstructure
Oil quenching is commonly associated with bearing-steel heat treatment, but the actual process depends on the component and qualified heat-treatment procedure.
52100 TEMPERING
Tempering after hardening is used to adjust the final properties and reduce undesirable stresses.
The selected tempering temperature depends on the desired hardness and service requirements.
Bearing components require careful control because excessive changes in hardness or microstructure can affect service performance.
52100 MACHINING
52100 machining behaviour depends strongly on the material condition.
Spheroidized or annealed material is generally easier to machine before final hardening.
Manufacturing operations can include:
- Turning
- Drilling
- Boring
- Grinding
- Threading
- Precision finishing
After hardening, grinding and other suitable finishing processes may be required to achieve the required dimensions and surface finish.
52100 WELDING
52100 is not normally selected as a welding-focused steel.
Its high carbon content increases welding challenges and can increase the risk of cracking if appropriate procedures are not followed.
For components requiring welding, another steel may be more suitable depending on the application.
Where welding is unavoidable, qualified welding procedures and appropriate preheating, filler selection and post-weld treatment should be evaluated.
52100 BRIGHT ROUND BAR
52100 Bright Round Bar is relevant to precision-machining and bearing-component production.
Potential benefits include:
- Controlled dimensions
- Improved surface condition
- Reduced machining allowance
- Better suitability for precision processing
The required diameter tolerance should be specified during procurement.
52100 FORGED BAR
Forged 52100 Round Bar may be used where a forged manufacturing route is required.
Forging can help produce suitable grain flow and internal structure when properly controlled.
Buyers requesting forged 52100 should specify:
- Diameter
- Length
- Forged condition
- Heat-treatment condition
- Testing requirements
- Applicable standard
52100 ROUND BAR SIZES
52100 Round Bar can be required in many different diameters.
Industrial enquiries may involve:
- Small precision diameters
- Medium diameters
- Large diameter bars
- Cut pieces
- Full-length bars
- Bright bars
- Forged bars
Availability depends on size, quantity and manufacturing route.
For quotation, provide:
Diameter + Length + Quantity + Condition + Standard.
52100 EQUIVALENT MATERIAL
Commonly associated designations include:
AISI 52100
SAE 52100
EN31
100Cr6
1.3505
UNS G52986
However, buyers should verify whether the required specification actually permits the proposed equivalent.
A grade number alone does not guarantee identical:
- Chemistry
- Cleanliness
- Mechanical properties
- Heat-treatment response
- Product quality
- Dimensional tolerances
52100 VS EN31
52100 and EN31 are commonly searched as equivalent or closely related bearing-steel grades.
Both are associated with high-carbon chromium bearing steels.
However, the applicable standard should always be confirmed before substitution.
For industrial procurement, compare the actual chemical composition and required product specification rather than relying only on grade names.
52100 VS 4140
52100 and 4140 serve different engineering purposes.
52100 is strongly associated with:
- Bearing components
- High hardness
- Wear resistance
- Rolling-contact applications
4140 is commonly selected for:
- Shafts
- Gears
- High-strength machine components
- Bolts
- Heavy-duty engineering parts
4140 generally offers a different balance of toughness and strength.
The correct choice depends on the component’s actual operating conditions.
52100 ROUND BAR PRICE
The price of 52100 Round Bar depends on:
- Diameter
- Quantity
- Product condition
- Surface finish
- Heat treatment
- Certification
- Testing
- Manufacturing route
- Stock availability
- Market conditions
Therefore, “52100 Steel Price Per Kg” should not be treated as a fixed number.
For an industrial quotation, provide the exact requirement.
HOW TO BUY 52100 ROUND BAR
A useful purchasing enquiry should include:
Material: AISI 52100 / EN31 / 100Cr6
Product: Round Bar
Diameter: ______ mm
Length: ______ mm
Quantity: ______ kg
Condition: ______
Finish: ______
Standard: ______
Hardness: ______
Heat Treatment: ______
MTC: Required / Not Required
Application: ______
Delivery Location: ______
For bearing applications, mention whether the material is intended for:
- Bearing rings
- Rollers
- Balls
- Shafts
- Other components
52100 ROUND BAR SUPPLIER IN MUMBAI
When searching for a 52100 Round Bar Supplier in Mumbai, industrial buyers should consider more than the material price.
Important purchasing factors include:
- Correct grade
- Consistent chemical composition
- Material condition
- Dimensional accuracy
- Surface finish
- Heat-treatment capability
- Testing
- Certification
- Availability
- Delivery time
Manan Steel & Metals supplies engineering and specialty steel materials for industrial requirements.
Customers looking for AISI 52100 Round Bar, EN31 Round Bar or bearing steel can send their required size, quantity and specification for availability and quotation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is 52100 Round Bar?
52100 Round Bar is a high-carbon chromium bearing steel commonly used for bearings, rollers, shafts and high-wear components.
What is the equivalent of AISI 52100?
Commonly associated designations include EN31, 100Cr6, 1.3505 and UNS G52986, subject to the applicable specification.
Is 52100 a bearing steel?
Yes. AISI 52100 is widely recognized as a bearing steel and is used for rolling-contact components.
What is 52100 used for?
Typical applications include bearing rings, rollers, balls, shafts, bushes, pins and wear-resistant components.
Is 52100 harder than 4140?
Properly heat-treated 52100 can achieve very high hardness. However, the two grades are designed for different application requirements.
Is 52100 suitable for shafts?
It can be suitable for selected shafts where high hardness and wear resistance are important. The application should be evaluated for toughness and impact loading.
Can 52100 be welded?
52100 is not generally selected for welding applications because its high carbon content creates welding challenges.
What is 52100 Round Bar price?
Price depends on diameter, quantity, condition, finish, certification, testing and market conditions.
Where can I buy 52100 Round Bar in Mumbai?
Industrial buyers can contact Manan Steel & Metals with their required size, quantity and specification for availability and quotation.
REQUEST A QUOTE FOR 52100 ROUND BAR
Material: AISI 52100 / EN31 / 100Cr6
Product: Round Bar
Diameter: ______ mm
Length: ______ mm
Quantity: ______ kg
Condition: ______
Finish: ______
Standard: ______
Hardness: ______
Heat Treatment: ______
MTC: Required / Not Required
Application: ______
Delivery Location: ______
CONTACT MANAN STEEL & METALS
Email:
sales@manansteel.com
Address:
Shop No. 2, Hira Building,
97 Khetwadi Main Road,
Nanubhai Desai Road, Girgaon,
Mumbai – 400004,
Maharashtra, India.
CONCLUSION
52100 Round Bar remains an important engineering material for applications where high hardness, wear resistance and rolling-contact fatigue performance are essential.
Its strong association with bearing manufacturing makes it particularly relevant to manufacturers producing:
Bearing Rings
Bearing Rollers
Bearing Balls
Wear Components
Precision Shafts
Bushes
Pins
Guide Components
For procurement teams, however, selecting 52100 should involve more than searching for “52100 steel price.”
The material condition, dimensional requirements, heat-treatment route, hardness and applicable specification can significantly affect the suitability of the finished product.
This is especially important for bearing applications where dimensional accuracy, metallurgical quality and surface condition can directly influence component performance.
52100 is also frequently searched under names such as EN31, 100Cr6 and 1.3505.
Although these designations are closely associated with bearing-steel applications, industrial buyers should verify the applicable specification before treating another designation as a direct substitute.
The comparison with 4140 is also important.
4140 may be better suited to components where toughness and general high-strength engineering performance are dominant, while 52100 is particularly attractive when high hardness and wear resistance are required.
For manufacturers searching for AISI 52100 Round Bar, EN31 Round Bar, 100Cr6 Steel, bearing steel or 52100 Steel Supplier in Mumbai, Manan Steel & Metals can evaluate requirements based on size, quantity, condition and application.
Send your requirement for availability and quotation
What’s App – 7977369869