鋼球の転がり疲労に関する技術動向

―熱処理と残留応力の影響―

抄録

Steel ball used for the deep groove ball bearing (hereafter steel ball) is an important mechanical component which supports the industries and our daily lives. The usage environment of steel ball has increasingly become multifaceted and severe with downsizing and souped-up on especially automotive and industrial machine applications. Since steel ball is under heavily-loaded environment, the improvement of steel ball reliability is one of the most important action assignments. In this commentary, the influence of heat treatment and residual stress formed by peening process on rolling fatigue life is described with the evaluation of various steel balls prepared by various heat treatment conditions (quenching & tempering temperatures), peening conditions, and manufacturing process.