R. Hanson, Timken Super Precision, Keene, NH; J. D. Puskar, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
Type 440C stainless steel is frequently used to make components that require atmospheric corrosion resistance. It is also one of the few stainless steels which can be hardened to the degree necessary to make anti-friction roller bearings. Vacuum furnace hardening commonly is used for Type 440C. In this presentation the effect of incoming feedstock size, hardening temperature, quenching media (oil or gas pressure quench) and tempering temperature to the outcome of final part hardness will be described.
Summary: The use of type 440C stainless steel as an antifriction bearing material requires careful attention to heat treating process parameters. This presentation will highlight several of the most important parameters for successful type 440C hardening in vacuum.
