Steel 52100
AISI/SAE 52100 · UNS G52986 · ASTM A295 · EN 1.3505, 100Cr6 · JIS SUJ2
52100 is a through-hardening high-carbon (≈1 % C) chromium bearing steel, essentially identical to GCr15, 100Cr6 (1.3505) and SUJ2, supplied as spheroidize-annealed bar or tube and hardened to 58–64 HRC for rolling-element service.
Values for the Annealed condition
52100 tempers and conditions
52100 is supplied in 11 conditions, soft to hard. Annealed is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
- Annealed
- Hot Rolled
- Cold Drawn
- Normalized
- Q&T 45-50 HRC
- Q&T 55-58 HRC
- Austempered
- Q&T + Stabilized
- Q&T 58-62 HRC
- Q&T
- Q&T 60-64 HRC
Compare all 11 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AnnealedDefault spheroidize annealed (≤207 HB), standard supply condition | Default stock condition for bars and tubes: soft, machinable and cold-formable, to be hardened after machining. | 415 | 690 | 25 | 195 HB | — |
as-rolled bar, not annealed | Cheapest mill condition for large bars that will be re-annealed or hot forged; hardness too high and structure too coarse for direct machining. | 550 | 950 | 12 | 29 HRC | 7 % IACS |
annealed then cold drawn/turned-ground-polished bar | Choose for close-tolerance shafts, pins and rollers machined to size before hardening; better surface and straightness than hot-rolled. | 620 | 780 | 10 | 220 HB | 46 W/m·K |
austenitized and air cooled (structure refinement before spheroidizing) | Intermediate treatment used to break up carbide networks in forgings before spheroidize annealing; not a service condition. | 700 | 1,200 | 8 | 36 HRC | 7 % IACS |
Quenched and high tempered ~400–450 °C | Use when moderate hardness with usable toughness and some machinability is wanted (spacers, sleeves, tooling details). | 1,350 | 1,550 | 6 | 48 HRC | 6.5 % IACS |
Quenched and tempered ~250–300 °C | Slightly tempered-back condition for shock-loaded rollers, cams and punches needing a little more toughness than 60 HRC. | 1,750 | 2,000 | 3 | 57 HRC | 6 % IACS |
isothermally quenched to lower bainite (~58–60 HRC) | Bainitic route for large or contaminated-lubrication bearings: similar hardness to martensite but higher toughness, compressive surface stress and less distortion/cracking. | 1,800 | 2,100 | 3 | 59 HRC | — |
Hardened and dimensionally stabilized | Specify for gauges, spindles and bearings running at 150–250 °C where retained-austenite decay and growth must be eliminated; hardness drops a few HRC. | 1,800 | 2,100 | 2 | 58 HRC | 6 % IACS |
Quenched, tempered ~160–180 °C | Named hardness band for balls, rollers, races and ground shafts where wear and RCF life dominate. | 1,850 | 2,200 | 1.5 | 60 HRC | 6 % IACS |
Quenched and tempered | Standard hardened bearing condition: maximum hardness, compressive strength and rolling-contact fatigue life; grind only, keep below ~150 °C. | 1,900 | 2,250 | 1.5 | 60 HRC | 43 W/m·K |
Quenched, low tempered ~150 °C | Pick for gauge blocks, dies, cutting/burnishing tools and precision balls needing peak hardness; toughness is minimal. | 2,050 | 2,400 | 1 | 62 HRC | — |
What is 52100?
52100 is a through-hardening high-carbon (≈1 % C) chromium bearing steel, essentially identical to GCr15, 100Cr6 (1.3505) and SUJ2, supplied as spheroidize-annealed bar or tube and hardened to 58–64 HRC for rolling-element service. It is chosen for very high hardness, compressive strength, elastic stability and rolling-contact fatigue life at low cost, with excellent grindability and polishability. Limits are essentially zero corrosion resistance, poor weldability, low fracture toughness/impact energy in the hardened state, and loss of hardness and dimensional stability above roughly 150–180 °C. 52100 has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,424°C (2,595 °F). 52100 has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) — weaker than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
What is 52100 used for?
- Ball bearings
- Roller bearings
- Rollers
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 85/100, better than 99% of steel grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 25%, better than 77% of steel grades
Limitations
- Difficult to weld — 12/100, worse than 96% of steel grades
- Difficult to machine — 40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades
52100 properties
Typical room-temperature values for 52100-Annealed; bars are the position among steel grades.
Physical3
52100 has a density of 7.81 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³), lighter than 84% of steel grades. It melts at 1,424°C (2,595 °F).
Mechanical15
52100 has a yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) — weaker than 56% of steel grades. Elongation at break is 25% and the elastic modulus is 205 GPa (29.7 Msi).
Thermal6
52100 is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 46 W/m·K (26.6 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 71% of steel grades. Thermal expansion is 11.9 µm/m·K (6.61 µin/in·°F).
Electrical3
52100 conducts electricity at 7 % IACS, worse than 74% of steel grades.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (12/100), worse than 53% of steel grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of 52100 takes about 30 MJ of energy and emits 2.2 kg of CO₂ — more than 56% of steel grades. Typical recycled content is 30%.
Manufacturability8
52100's machinability is fair (40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades); weldability not recommended (12/100); formability fair (35/100).
Common Calculations5
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the steel family
Yield strength against density for every steel grade FabDigit runs. 52100 is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with 52100
Is 52100 easy to machine?
Machine in the spheroidize-annealed condition (~40 % of AISI 1212) with carbide tooling and rigid setups; once hardened above ~55 HRC use grinding, honing or CBN hard turning with 0.1–0.3 mm allowance for post-heat-treat finishing.
Can 52100 be welded?
Essentially unweldable — ~1 % C gives hard, crack-prone martensite; if unavoidable, preheat 300–400 °C, use low-hydrogen/austenitic filler and immediately post-weld temper.
Can 52100 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold ball-forming, roll-forming and tube drawing are done only from fully spheroidized stock; otherwise hot forge at 1050–1150 °C, stop above ~850 °C and slow cool then spheroidize anneal to avoid carbide networks and quench cracks.
Manufacturability
The process limits FabDigit applies to 52100. Every 52100 part is priced by an engineer; design inside these and the quote comes back without a redesign loop.
CNC machining
| Machinability | Fair40 / 100 |
|---|---|
| ISO material group | P.2 |
| Cutting speed (rough / finish) | 180 / 210 m/min |
| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
| Minimum internal radius | 1 mm |
| Drill depth limit | 5× diameter |
| Best surface (machined / polished) | Ra 1.6 / — |
| Hardenable after machining | No |
Sheet metal
| Formability | Not Recommend35 / 100 |
|---|---|
| Weldability | Fair12 / 100 |
52100 chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| CASTM A295; GB/T 18254 GCr15 0.95–1.05 | 0.93 – 1.05 | 1 |
| Cr | 1.35 – 1.6 | 1.45 |
| Mn | 0.25 – 0.45 | 0.35 |
| Si | 0.15 – 0.35 | 0.25 |
| P | ≤ 0.03 | |
| S | ≤ 0.02 | |
| Ni | ≤ 0.25 | |
| Cu | ≤ 0.3 | |
| Mo | ≤ 0.1 | |
| Obearing quality: total oxygen typically ≤12 ppm | ≤ 0 | |
| Fe | balance |
What surface finishes work on 52100?
No corrosion resistance: protect with oil, black oxide, manganese phosphate, zinc or thin dense chrome; hardened surfaces lap and superfinish to mirror Ra <0.02 µm — avoid burning during grinding to prevent re-tempering.
Surface treatments FabDigit runs on steel parts — pick them in the quote configurator or call them out on the drawing. Each links to its datasheet in the surface-finish library (thickness, specs, call-out, material verdicts).
Plating
CVD Coating
Black / Phosphate
Thermal Spray
Equivalent designations
Standards and trade names that resolve to Steel 52100 in FabDigit's catalog. Equivalence is nominal — check the exact specification when certification matters.
How much does 52100 cost?
52100 is a premium-cost steel ($$$), cheaper than about 60% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
52100 — frequently asked
What is 52100 used for?
52100 is typically used for ball bearings, roller bearings and rollers. In short: through-hardening bearing steel.
What is the yield strength of 52100?
52100 has a typical yield strength of 415 MPa (60.2 ksi) and a tensile strength of 690 MPa (100 ksi) — weaker than 56% of steel grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 11 listed tempers.
Is 52100 easy to machine?
Not especially — machinability is rated fair (40/100, worse than 77% of steel grades). Machine in the spheroidize-annealed condition (~40 % of AISI 1212) with carbide tooling and rigid setups; once hardened above ~55 HRC use grinding, honing or CBN hard turning with 0.1–0.3 mm allowance for post-heat-treat finishing.
Can 52100 be welded?
Not readily — weldability is rated not recommended (12/100). Essentially unweldable — ~1 % C gives hard, crack-prone martensite; if unavoidable, preheat 300–400 °C, use low-hydrogen/austenitic filler and immediately post-weld temper.
What surface finishes work on 52100?
No corrosion resistance: protect with oil, black oxide, manganese phosphate, zinc or thin dense chrome; hardened surfaces lap and superfinish to mirror Ra <0.02 µm — avoid burning during grinding to prevent re-tempering.
Can 52100 be formed, bent or molded?
Cold ball-forming, roll-forming and tube drawing are done only from fully spheroidized stock; otherwise hot forge at 1050–1150 °C, stop above ~850 °C and slow cool then spheroidize anneal to avoid carbide networks and quench cracks.
What is the maximum service temperature of 52100?
52100 is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does 52100 cost?
52100 is a premium-cost steel ($$$), cheaper than about 60% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Can FabDigit make parts in 52100?
Yes — 52100 is available for CNC machining and sheet metal; every part is priced by an engineer rather than instantly. Upload a STEP file to get a price and a DFM check.
Sources
- ASTM A295 — High-Carbon Anti-Friction Bearing Steel — ASTM International (2020)
- EN ISO 683-17 (100Cr6, 1.3505) — Ball and roller bearing steels — ISO/CEN (2014)
- GB/T 18254 (GCr15) (2016)
- JIS G 4805 (SUJ2) — High carbon chromium bearing steels — JISC (2019)
- ASM Handbook Vol.1 — Properties and Selection: Irons, Steels, and High-Performance Alloys — ASM International (1990)
- ASM Handbook Vol.16 — Machining — ASM International (1989)
- Ovako 803 / 100Cr6 bearing steel data — Ovako (2022)
- Bearing steel heat treatment and dimensional stability guidance — SKF (2020)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.