Stainless Steel
Corrosion Resistant Bearing Material
When standard carbon steel isn't enough. Stainless steel bearings provide superior corrosion resistance for food processing, marine, medical, and chemical applications.
Why Stainless Steel for Bearings?
Stainless steel is an iron-based alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. This chromium content forms a passive oxide layer on the surface that provides exceptional corrosion resistance β the key property that makes stainless steel essential for bearings in harsh environments.
In bearing applications, stainless steel serves two primary roles: as a structural backing material for composite bearings (replacing standard carbon steel), and as a complete bearing solution where the entire bushing is machined from stainless steel bar stock.
JBM offers metal-polymer composite bearings with stainless steel backing for applications requiring both self-lubrication and corrosion resistance β ideal for food processing, pharmaceutical, and marine environments.
When to Specify Stainless Steel Bearings
Wet Environments
Water, steam, humidity, washdown applications
Chemical Exposure
Acids, alkalis, solvents, cleaning agents
Food & Pharma
FDA/USDA compliance, hygiene requirements
Marine & Offshore
Saltwater, coastal atmospheres
Stainless Steel Properties
| Primary Element | Iron (Fe) |
| Chromium Content | 10.5% - 30% |
| Nickel Content | 0% - 35% |
| Density | 7.7 - 8.0 g/cmΒ³ |
| Hardness (304/316) | HB 150-200 |
| Hardness (440C) | HRC 58-62 |
| Tensile Strength | 500-800 MPa |
| Temperature Range | -200Β°C to +800Β°C |
| Magnetic (304/316) | Non-magnetic |
Important Note
Stainless steel has a higher coefficient of friction than bronze. For self-lubricating applications, use stainless steel as a backing material with PTFE or POM sliding surface, not as a direct bearing surface.
Stainless Steel Grades for Bearings
Different stainless steel grades offer varying levels of corrosion resistance, hardness, and cost. The right choice depends on your specific environment and performance requirements.
304 / 304L
18-8 Stainless β’ AISI 304 β’ 1.4301
The most common stainless steel grade. Good general-purpose corrosion resistance at economical cost. Non-magnetic and easily formed.
- General food equipment
- Indoor wet environments
- Mild chemical exposure
- Freshwater applications
316 / 316L
Marine Grade β’ AISI 316 β’ 1.4401
Superior corrosion resistance with added molybdenum. The standard choice for marine, chemical, and pharmaceutical applications. Non-magnetic.
- Marine & saltwater
- Food & pharmaceutical
- Chemical processing
- Medical devices
440C
High Carbon β’ AISI 440C β’ 1.4125
High hardness and wear resistance after heat treatment. Used for ball bearings and applications requiring hardened steel with some corrosion resistance.
- Ball bearings
- Needle bearings
- Wear-resistant bushings
- Cutting tools
17-4 PH
630 β’ AISI 630 β’ 1.4542
Combines high strength with good corrosion resistance. Can be heat treated to various strength levels. Used in aerospace and high-performance applications.
- Aerospace bearings
- High-load applications
- Shafts & pins
- Valve components
How JBM Uses Stainless Steel
JBM incorporates stainless steel into our bearing designs to provide corrosion resistance while maintaining our core self-lubricating functionality.
Stainless Steel Backed Composite Bearings
Standard carbon steel backing replaced with 316 stainless steel. Provides full corrosion protection while maintaining the self-lubricating PTFE or POM sliding surface. Ideal for food processing, pharmaceutical, and marine equipment.
- Self-lubricating + corrosion resistant
- FDA/USDA compliant options
- Drop-in replacement for standard bearings
- Same load capacity as carbon steel backed
Solid Stainless Steel Bushings
Complete bushings machined from solid stainless steel bar stock. Requires external lubrication but provides maximum corrosion resistance and load capacity.
- Maximum corrosion resistance
- High load capacity
- Custom sizes available
- Requires lubrication
Stainless Steel Thrust Washers
Flat washers with stainless steel backing and PTFE surface for axial thrust loads in corrosive environments. Maintenance-free operation.
- Corrosion resistant thrust surface
- Self-lubricating PTFE face
- Compact design
- Easy installation
Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Steel vs. Bronze
Understanding when to choose stainless steel over other common bearing backing materials.
| Property | Stainless Steel (316) | Carbon Steel | Bronze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Poor (needs coating) | Good |
| Saltwater Resistance | Excellent | Poor | Good (Al-Bronze) |
| Food/Pharma Grade | Yes (FDA) | No | Limited |
| Strength | High | Very High | Medium |
| Hardness | Medium-High | Very High | Low-Medium |
| Magnetic | No (304/316) | Yes | No |
| Self-Lubricating | No (needs liner) | No (needs liner) | Possible (graphite) |
| Cost | High | Low | Medium-High |
| Best Application | Corrosive environments | General industrial | Heavy load, high temp |
Benefits of Stainless Steel Bearings
Corrosion Resistance
Chromium oxide layer provides passive protection against rust, chemicals, and environmental degradation.
Hygiene & Cleanability
Smooth, non-porous surface resists bacterial growth. Easy to clean and sterilize for food and medical applications.
Temperature Stability
Maintains strength from cryogenic temperatures to 800Β°C+. Excellent for extreme temperature applications.
High Strength
Comparable strength to carbon steel. Precipitation hardening grades (17-4PH) achieve very high tensile strength.
Aesthetic Appearance
Bright, attractive finish that doesn't require painting or coating. Important for consumer-visible applications.
Long Service Life
No rust or degradation over time. Maintains performance and appearance throughout extended service life.
Recyclable
100% recyclable material. Environmentally responsible choice with high scrap value at end of life.
Non-Magnetic
Austenitic grades (304, 316) are non-magnetic. Essential for MRI equipment, sensors, and electronics applications.
Need stainless steel backed bearings for your application? We offer 316 stainless options for most JBM products.
Get a QuoteWhere Stainless Steel Bearings Excel
Stainless steel bearings are essential wherever corrosion, hygiene, or regulatory compliance are critical requirements.
Food Processing
- Conveyor bearings
- Mixer shaft supports
- Packaging machinery
- Bottling equipment
- Meat processing
- Bakery equipment
Marine & Offshore
- Deck equipment
- Winch bearings
- Rudder bushings
- Hatch mechanisms
- Crane pivots
- Anchor systems
Medical & Pharmaceutical
- Medical devices
- Surgical equipment
- Lab instrumentation
- Pharmaceutical mixers
- Cleanroom equipment
- Sterilization systems
Chemical Processing
- Valve bearings
- Pump supports
- Agitator bearings
- Filter press guides
- Heat exchanger
- Tank equipment
Water & Wastewater
- Pump bearings
- Valve actuators
- Gate mechanisms
- Aeration equipment
- Clarifier drives
- Filter systems
Semiconductor & Electronics
- Cleanroom equipment
- Wafer handling
- Inspection systems
- Assembly robots
- Test equipment
- Non-magnetic apps
Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Grade
General Wet Environments
304 / 304L
Indoor humidity, freshwater, mild chemicals. Cost-effective for general corrosion protection.
Marine / Saltwater
316 / 316L
Seawater, coastal environments, chlorides. The standard for marine applications.
Food & Pharma
316L
FDA/USDA compliance, cleanability, low carbon for welding. Medical grade.
Aggressive Chemicals
316 / Duplex
Strong acids, alkalis, solvents. Consider duplex grades for severe environments.
High Strength Needed
17-4 PH
Aerospace, high-load applications. Heat treatable for high tensile strength.
Wear / Hardness Needed
440C
Ball bearings, hard shafts. Heat treatable to HRC 58-62.
Need Stainless Steel Bearings?
JBM offers stainless steel backed composite bearings for corrosive environments. Combine the self-lubricating performance of PTFE/POM with the corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel.
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