The new steel is particularly suitable for tough applications, subject to contamination or poor lubrication. For years, materials engineers have been trying to produce bearing steels that are more resistant to friction or contamination. They have had to balance the need for hard, wear-resistant raceways, against the ability to tolerate particles during over-rolling.
Mancrodur is said to achieve both of these aims. Though tough, it can level out ridges in raceways caused by embedded foreign materials. This reduces fatigue and prevents the formation of cracks, extending operating lives. Mancrodur is also able to withstand temperature rises caused by friction in applications with poor lubrication.
These claims have verified in test applications, including a hot strip steel mill, where four-row roller bearings made from the new material achieved twice the usual operating life.