Chrome Steel vs. Stainless Steel Ball Bearings: Which Is Best for My Project?
At SPB-USA, LLC, we manufacture precision ball bearings for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industrial distributors across North and South America. Our parent company, Sapporo Precision, Inc., is an industry-leading provider of miniature and medium-precision ball bearings.
We provide bearings in different materials and sizes, enabling us to serve a variety of applications and industries.
Two of the most popular material choices for precision ball bearings are chrome steel and stainless steel.
Chrome Steel
Chrome steel encompasses any standard steel core that has been plated in a thin layer of pure chromium. This protective layer imbues the object with a higher resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Over time, however, this metal can develop a corroded patina, losing its characteristic sheen. Chrome steel is commonly used in these applications:
- Automobile components
- Structural and aesthetic elements in healthcare facilities
- Low-temperature ball bearing applications
Benefits of Chrome Steel
Chrome steel offers a cost-effective alternative to stainless steel. While less resistant to corrosion, chrome steel is durable and still resistant to corrosive factors in certain environments. Chrome steel is known for durability in dry environments or applications with low usage demands. It also has an appealing shiny finish when new. High-carbon chrome steel is a popular material for ball bearings, offering high load capacity, low-noise operation, and a long operating life.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a steel alloy that has a chromium concentration of at least 10.5%, making it more resistant to moisture and corrosion damage. It’s a popular material for producing consumer, commercial, and industrial goods, especially in applications that face potential moisture or high levels of usage. Some of the most common applications for stainless steel is in the production of:
- Cutlery
- Cookware
- Commercial and industrial appliances
- High-temperature ball bearings
- Highly corrosion-resistant ball bearings
Benefits of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel offers a few advantages over chrome steel. Primarily, stainless steel is well-regarded for its resistance to corrosion. The material is also durable, scratch-resistant, and resistant to tarnishing. These properties grant stainless steel a long and durable lifespan, making it a preferred choice for sustainable items and construction.
Along with its durability characteristics, the material is strong, environmentally inert, and has an appealing surface finish. While more expensive than other steels, stainless steel is still fairly cost-effective for most projects. Stainless steel ball bearings are typically more expensive than chrome steel, but also perform better in wet environments or high-temperature situations.
Differences Between Stainless and Chrome Steel
Stainless steel and chrome steel are both highly versatile, durable, and strong steel alloys that are more resistant to corrosion than carbon steel alone. Stainless steel features at least 10.5% chromium, nickel, and various other metals within the actual alloy, whereas chrome steel is made by plating carbon steel with a chromium layer. Stainless steel is generally preferred in conditions where corrosion and oxidation are a risk, but chrome steel is more affordable and offers a higher load rating by approximately 20%.
Contact SPB-USA, L.L.C. Today for Precision Ball Bearings
Choosing the right metal for your bearings can help to ensure long and reliable operation. Chrome-plated steel offers strength, affordability, and resistance to corrosion in the right conditions. Stainless steel offers greater protection against moisture, high temperatures, and corrosion. For more information about metal material options and how they affect the functionality of your bearings, please contact our team or request a quote.
