Carbon Bearing Steel

Carbon Bearing Steel

NAME: Carbon Bearing Steel / Economy Bearing Steel
BRAND: PROMISTEEL
GRADES: C55, 55#, S55C, AISI 1055, G55
SHAPES: Round Bar, Wire Rod, Tube
DELIVERY CONDITION: Hot Rolled, Annealed, Cold Drawn
HARDNESS: Surface Hardened (Induction) to 50-56 HRC
FEATURE: Cost-Effective, Good Machinability
APPLICATION: Conveyor Rollers, Drawer Slides, Casters, Bicycle Parts
MOQ: 25 Tons
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Product Introduction

Carbon Bearing Steel is the cost-effective alternative to high-grade Chrome Bearing Steel (GCr15). Designed for low-speed, light-load applications, this steel type offers substantial cost savings while maintaining sufficient hardness and wear resistance for non-critical bearing components.

Our primary grade, S55C / C55 (AISI 1055), features a carbon content of approximately 0.55%. Unlike through-hardening chrome steels, Carbon Bearing Steel is typically Surface Hardened (via Case Hardening or Induction Hardening) to create a wear-resistant outer shell while retaining a tough core. It is the material of choice for the furniture industry, light logistics equipment, and hardware sectors.

Product Specifications & Grade Equivalents

 

We supply Carbon Bearing Steel suitable for cold heading and machining.

Table-1

Standard grades for economy bearing applications.

International Grade Comparison

GB (China) ASTM / AISI (USA) DIN (Germany) JIS (Japan) Type
55# 1055 1.0535 (C55) S55C

Standard Carbon Bearing Steel

G55 - - -

Dedicated Bearing Grade

60# 1060 1.0601 (C60) S58C

Higher Hardness

GCr9 51100 - SUJ1

Low Alloy (Transitional Grade)

Table-2

Simple C-Mn composition ensures low cost and easy processing.

Chemical Composition (Mass Fraction %)

Grade C Si Mn P S
C55 / S55C 0.52~0.60 0.15~0.35 0.60~0.90 ≤0.030 ≤0.035
C60 / 1060 0.57~0.65 0.15~0.35 0.60~0.90 ≤0.030 ≤0.035

Table-3

Supplied in forms optimized for ball and roller production.

Supply Range & Formats

Product Form Dimensions (mm) Delivery Condition Typical Use
Wire Rod Dia: 5.5 - 20 Spheroidize Annealed / Pickled

Cold Heading Balls/Rollers

Round Bar Dia: 20 - 150 Hot Rolled / Peeled

Machined Races/Shafts

Seamless Tube OD: 20 - 100 Cold Drawn Bearing Rings

Key Features and Advantages

 
  • Significant Cost Savings: Carbon Bearing Steel is significantly cheaper than GCr15 (52100) Chrome Steel because it lacks expensive alloying elements like Chromium.
  • Excellent Machinability: In the annealed state, C55/S55C is much easier to cut, turn, and drill than high-carbon chrome steels, reducing tooling costs and cycle times.
  • Surface Hardenability: Through Induction Hardening or Carburizing, the surface hardness can reach 50-56 HRC, providing adequate wear resistance for sliding contact.
  • Toughness: The lower carbon content ensures the core remains ductile, preventing brittle fracture under light shock loads.
Typical Applications
 

Carbon Bearing Steel is strictly for Non-Critical applications where precision and high speed are not required:

Conveyor Systems

Rollers and bearings for gravity conveyors and logistics belts.

Furniture Hardware

Drawer slides, door hinges, and office chair casters.

Bicycles & Toys

Headset bearings, pedal bearings, and wheel hubs for low-end bicycles.

Sliding Tracks

Guide wheels for sliding doors and windows.

Automotive

Seat adjustment mechanisms and wiper arm joints.

FAQ

Q1: What is the main difference between Carbon Bearing Steel and Chrome Bearing Steel (52100)?

A1: Performance & Price.
Chrome Steel (52100) is for high-speed, high-load, precision bearings (e.g., motors, engines). It lasts millions of cycles.
Carbon Steel (C55) is for low-speed, light-load bearings (e.g., drawers, casters). It is much cheaper but has a shorter fatigue life.

Q2: Can Carbon Bearing Steel rust?

A2: Yes. Like all carbon steels, it will rust if exposed to moisture. It requires grease or plating (zinc/chrome plating) for corrosion protection.

Q3: Is this steel suitable for electric motor bearings?

A3:
No. Electric motors run at high speeds (RPM > 1000) and generate heat. Carbon-bearing steel will fail rapidly. For motors, you must use GCr15 (52100) Chrome Steel.

Q4: Can you supply Spheroidize Annealed C55 wire?

A4: Yes. For customers producing steel balls via cold heading, we supply Spheroidize Annealed (SA) wire rod to ensure the material is soft enough to be formed without cracking.

 

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