Simulation of through-hardening of SAE 52100 steel bearings - Part II: Validation at industrial scale

Abstract

In this study, the material dataset presented in part I of this article is validated at industrial scale in batch through-hardening of bearing races. The material dataset acquired is implemented in a commercial heat treatment simulation software. Heat transfer coefficients for the oil and salt bath are determined by using a commercial standard quench probe. Zone temperatures and transfer times of the roller-belt furnace are measured directly from the system. Through-hardening of inner ring (IR) of 6813 bearing in oil and salt bath is simulated considering most of the industrial details. Finally, predicted dimensional changes are compared with the coordinate measurement results and a good agreement is achieved. It is concluded that determined material and process data, idealizations and simulation procedure can be considered "validated" for further improvement of the industrial process.