What is EN ISO 683-15:2021?

EN ISO 683-15:2021 is a professional technical standard that specifies the heat treatable steels, alloy steels, and free-cutting steels — Ball and roller bearing steels. It provides detailed guidelines on the properties, chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and tolerances of these types of steels.

Composition and Properties of Heat Treatable Steels

Heat treatable steels are known for their ability to be strengthened through heat treatment processes such as quenching and tempering. EN ISO 683-15:2021 provides information on the chemical composition of these steels, including elements such as carbon, manganese, silicon, and various alloying elements like chromium, nickel, and molybdenum. Each element plays a crucial role in determining the material's properties such as hardness, toughness, and strength. The standard also outlines the required mechanical properties of these steels, including tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and impact toughness.

Alloy Steels and Their Applications

Alloy steels are a type of steel that contains various alloying elements in addition to carbon. EN ISO 683-15:2021 covers the specific requirements for alloy steels, including heat treatment processes and surface conditions. The standard provides insights into the applications of alloy steels, especially in the production of ball and roller bearings. These steels are chosen for their high strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance properties, which are essential for ensuring reliable and efficient operation of bearings in various industrial applications.

Free-Cutting Steels for Machining Purposes

Free-cutting steels, as defined by EN ISO 683-15:2021, are designed to improve machinability during operations such as turning, milling, and drilling. The standard specifies the chemical composition and mechanical properties of these steels, along with tolerances for dimensions and shapes. Free-cutting steels are widely used in industries where high-speed machining is required, such as automotive manufacturing and precision engineering. Their improved machinability allows for increased productivity and better surface finish while reducing tool wear and energy consumption during the machining process.