Superelastic (Cr,Al)N coatings for high end spindle bearings

Abstract Due to the increase in performance of machine parts, the surfaces of l00Cr6 ball bearings are highly stressed. High rotational speeds and machining forces arising from up-to-date production processes increase Hertzian pressures and – as a consequence – the wear of the bearings. In this matter, new composite materials are investigated to extend the bearing capability. In preliminary investigations, cylinder roller bearings were successfully coated to reduce wear and friction within the mixed lubrication. As a follow up, these coatings are now investigated for elastohydrodynamical (EHD) lubrication in spindle bearings. In this paper, (Cr,Al)N coating is presented, which was deposited at low temperatures (