Characterization of Surfaces Obtained by Precision Hard Turning of AISI 52100 in Relation to RCF Life

AbstractTraditionally, components of hardened steels, such as bearings, gears, shafts and rails, are finished by grinding process. In this study, Precision Hard Turning (PHT) is proposed as an alternative finishing process to manufacture AISI 52100 bearing components (60-62 HRC), because PHT improves surface integrity and therefore increases the Rolling Contact Fatigue (RCF) life. An experimental design is used, under dry condition using cubic Boron Nitride (c-BN) cutting tools, to investigate the effect of cutting parameters on surface integrity characterised via surface roughness, microstructure analysis and residual stresses. Then, fatigue life tests are performed on a twin-disk machine. SEM observations of transversal cross-sections of all samples show the presence of a very fine and white layer (