52100 Spheroidize Annealed Vac Melt is an aircraft quality high carbon, chromium alloy steel that provides deep hardening traits and high wear resistance. This material is usually produced using Vacuum Induction Melt (VIM), and then remelted via Consumable Electrode Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) to meet the bearing manufactures demands for clean material with uniform microstructure. Spheroidize annealing is then performed to improve cold formability and machinability. Once this alloy is machined, a second heat treatment is usually performed to provide a hard wear resistant surface. 52100 is often used to produce bearings in rotating machinery throughout several industries. (UNS G5296)
