This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: A866 − 18

Standard Specification for

Medium Carbon Anti-Friction Bearing Steel1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A866; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* 2.2 ISO Standard:3

1.1 This specification covers medium carbon bearing qual- ISO 683 Part 17: Ball and Roller Bearing Steels
ity steel to be used in the manufacture of anti-friction bearings.
3. Ordering Information
1.2 Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are
3.1 Orders for material under this specification should
provided and when desired shall be so stated in the order.
include the following information:
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3.1.1 Quantity (weight or pieces),
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.1.2 Grade identification,
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3.1.3 ASTM designation and year of issue,
and are not considered standard. 3.1.4 Dimensions, and
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.5 Supplementary requirements, if included.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 4. Materials and Manufacture
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 4.1 Process:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 4.1.1 The steel shall be made by a process that is capable of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. providing a high quality product meeting the requirements of
this specification.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Chemical Composition and Analysis
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
A29/A29M Specification for General Requirements for Steel 5.1 Typical examples of chemical composition are shown in
Bars, Carbon and Alloy, Hot-Wrought Table 1. Other compositions may be specified.
A751 Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology for Chemi- 5.2 An analysis of each heat of steel shall be made by the
cal Analysis of Steel Products steel manufacturer in accordance with Test Methods, Practices,
E45 Test Methods for Determining the Inclusion Content of and Terminology A751. The chemical composition thus deter-
Steel mined shall conform to the requirements specified in Table 1
E112 Test Methods for Determining Average Grain Size for the ordered grade or to other requirements agreed upon
E381 Method of Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets, between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
Blooms, and Forgings
5.3 Product analysis may be made by the purchaser in
E1019 Test Methods for Determination of Carbon, Sulfur,
accordance with Test Methods, Practices, and Terminology
Nitrogen, and Oxygen in Steel, Iron, Nickel, and Cobalt
A751. Permissible variations in product analysis shall be in
Alloys by Various Combustion and Fusion Techniques
accordance with Specification A29/A29M.
E1077 Test Methods for Estimating the Depth of Decarbur-
ization of Steel Specimens 6. Sizes, Shapes, and Dimensional Tolerances
6.1 The physical size and shape of the material shall be
agreed upon between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 6.2 Dimensional tolerances for hot-rolled or hot-rolled and
A01.28 on Bearing and Power Transmission Steels. annealed bars, in straight lengths or coils, and cold-finished
Current edition approved May 1, 2018. Published May 2018. Originally bars 0.500 in. (12.7 mm) and larger in diameter furnished under
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as A866 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/A0866-18.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
the ASTM website. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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 A866 − 18
TABLE 1 Chemical CompositionA,B
ISOC Name C Mn P (max) S (max) Si Cr Mo V Cu (max) O (max)D Al (max)
... 1030 0.28 to 0.34 0.60 to 0.90 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 1040 0.37 to 0.44 0.60 to 0.90 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 1050 0.48 to 0.55 0.60 to 0.90 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 1541 0.36 to 0.44 1.35 to 1.65 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 1552 0.47 to 0.55 1.20 to 1.50 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 4130 0.28 to 0.33 0.40 to 0.60 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 0.80 to 1.10 0.15 to 0.25 ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 4140 0.38 to 0.43 0.75 to 1.00 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 0.80 to 1.10 0.15 to 0.25 ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 4150 0.48 to 0.53 0.75 to 1.00 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 0.80 to 1.10 0.15 to 0.25 ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 5140 0.38 to 0.43 0.70 to 0.95 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 0.70 to 0.90 ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 5150 0.48 to 0.53 0.70 to 0.90 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 0.70 to 0.90 ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
... 6150 0.48 to 0.53 0.70 to 0.90 0.025 0.025 0.15 to 0.35 0.80 to 1.10 ... 0.15 min 0.30 0.0020 0.050
ISO C56E2 0.52 to 0.60 0.60 to 0.90 0.025 0.015 0.40 max ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
ISO 56Mn4 0.52 to 0.60 0.90 to 1.20 0.025 0.015 0.40 max ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
ISO 70Mn4 0.65 to 0.75 0.80 to 1.10 0.025 0.015 0.40 max ... ... ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
ISO 43CrMo4 0.40 to 0.46 0.60 to 0.90 0.025 0.015 0.40 max 0.90 to 1.20 0.15 to 0.30 ... 0.30 0.0020 0.050
A
Elements not quoted shall not be intentionally added to the steel without the agreement of the purchaser.
B
Intentional additions of calcium or calcium alloys for deoxidation or inclusion shape control are not permitted unless specifically approved by the purchaser.
C
Steels listed as ISO meet the requirements of ISO 683, Part 17, Third Edition, Table 3.
D
Oxygen content applies to product analysis and shall be determined in accordance with Test Methods E1019.

this specification shall conform to the requirements specified in may be selected. Other methods of sampling shall be as agreed
the latest edition of Specification A29/A29M. upon by manufacturer and purchaser.
6.3 Dimensional tolerances for cold-finished coils for ball 7.2.3 For strand cast products, a minimum of six samples
and roller material shall be as shown in Table 2. representing the first, middle, and last portion of the heat cast
shall be examined. At least one sample shall be taken from
6.4 Coil tolerances also apply to cold-finished straight each strand.
lengths under 0.500 in. in diameter.
7.3 Inclusion Rating—The specimens shall be 3⁄8 by 3⁄4 in.
7. Quality Tests (9.5 by 19.1 mm) and shall be taken from an area halfway
between the center and outside of the billet. The polished face
7.1 The supplier shall be held responsible for the quality of
shall be longitudinal to the direction of rolling. The scale used
the material furnished and shall make the necessary tests to
for rating the specimens shall be the Jernkontoret chart
ensure this quality. The supplier shall be required to report on
described in Test Methods E45, Plate I-A. Fields with sizes or
the results of the micro-inclusion rating tests detailed below.
numbers of all types of inclusions intermediate between
Quality tests shown in 7.2 through 7.3 are based upon
configurations shown on the chart shall be classified as the
procedures established in Test Methods E45.
lesser of the rating number. The worst field of each inclusion
7.2 Sampling—Samples taken in accordance with the fol- type from each specimen shall be recorded as the rating for the
lowing paragraphs shall be obtained from 4 by 4 in. (102 by specimen. Two thirds of all specimens and at least one from
102 mm) rolled billets or forged sections. Tests may be made each ingot tested, or from the first, middle, and last portion of
on smaller or larger sections by agreement with the purchaser. the strands tested, as well as the average of all specimens, shall
A minimum 3 to 1 reduction of rolled billets or forged sections not exceed the rating specified in Table 3.
is required for strand cast products.
7.2.1 For top poured products, a minimum of six samples 8. Grain Size
representing the top and bottom of the first, middle, and last 8.1 The grain size shall be from 5 to 8 as defined in Test
usable ingots shall be examined. Methods E112 (see Plate 4, Austenitic Grain Size in Steels),
7.2.2 For bottom poured products, a minimum of six with occasional grains as large as No. 3 permissible. Material
samples shall be examined and they shall represent the top and not meeting this requirement may be normalized at 1700 °F
bottom of three ingots. One ingot shall be taken at random (925 °C) or above, and retested.
from the first usable plate poured, one ingot, at random, from
the usable plate poured nearest to the middle of the heat, and 9. Decarburization and Surface Imperfections
one ingot, at random, from the last usable plate poured. When 9.1 Decarburization and surface imperfections shall not
two usable plates constitute a heat, two of the sample ingots exceed the limits specified in Tables 4 and 5. Decarburization
shall be selected from the second usable plate poured. Where a
single usable plate constitutes a heat, any three random ingots
TABLE 3 Inclusion Rating
Rating Units
TABLE 2 Dimensional Tolerances for Cold-Finished Coils
Thin Series Heavy Series
Size, in. (mm) Total Tolerance, in. (mm) A 2.5 A 1.5
Through 0.096 (2.44) 0.002 (0.05) B 2.0 B 1.0
Over 0.096 (2.44) to 0.270 (6.86), incl 0.003 (0.08) C 0.5 C 0.5
Over 0.270 (6.86) to 0.750 (19.1), incl 0.004 (0.10) D 1.0 D 1.0

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 A866 − 18
TABLE 4 Decarburization and Surface Imperfections for Coils and Bars for Balls and Rollers
Decarburization or Surface Imperfections
per Side, max, in. (mm)
Size, in. (mm)
Hot-Rolled or Cold-Finished
Hot-Rolled Annealed Annealed
Through 0.250 (6.35) 0.005 (0.13) 0.003 (0.08)
Over 0.250 (6.35) to 0.500 (12.7), incl 0.006 (0.15) 0.004 (0.10)
Over 0.500 (12.7) to 0.750 (19.1), incl 0.008 (0.20) 0.006 (0.15)
Over 0.750 (19.1) to 1.000 (25.4), incl 0.010 (0.25) 0.008 (0.20)

TABLE 5 Decarburization and Surface Imperfections for Bars and Tubes

Decarburization or Surface Imperfections per Side, max, in. (mm)
Size, in. (mm) Hot-Rolled Bars Hot-Rolled Annealed Cold-Finished Annealed
Bars Tubes Bars Tubes
Through 1.000 (25.4) 0.012 (0.31) 0.015 (0.38) 0.012 (0.31) 0.012 (0.31) 0.010 (0.21)
Over 1.000 (25.4) to 2.000 (50.8), incl 0.017 (0.43) 0.022 (0.56) 0.020 (0.51) 0.015 (0.38) 0.014 (0.36)
Over 2.000 (50.8) to 3.000 (76.2), incl 0.025 (0.64) 0.030 (0.76) 0.030 (0.76) 0.025 (0.64) 0.019 (0.48)
Over 3.000 (76.2) to 4.000 (101.6), incl 0.035 (0.89) 0.045 (1.14) 0.035 (0.89) 0.024 (0.61)
Over 4.000 (101.6) to 5.000 (127.0), incl 0.055 (1.40) 0.065 (1.65) 0.040 (1.02) 0.028 (0.71)

shall be measured using the microscopical methods described material is being produced and furnished in accordance with
in Test Methods E1077. this specification. Mill inspection by the purchaser shall not
interfere unnecessarily with the manufacturer’s operations. All
10. Microstructure and Hardness tests and inspections shall be made at the place of manufacture,
10.1 Material may be ordered as hot rolled or thermally unless otherwise agreed to.
treated. When thermally treated, the acceptance criteria for
microstructure and hardness shall be agreed upon between the 12. Certification and Reports
manufacturer and the purchaser. No hardness limits shall apply 12.1 Upon request of the purchaser in the contract or order,
for as-hot-rolled materials. a manufacturer’s certification that the material was manufac-
tured and tested in accordance with this specification, together
11. Inspection with a report of the test results, shall be furnished at the time
11.1 The manufacturer shall afford the purchaser’s inspector of shipment. Special requirements agreed to at the time of
all reasonable facilities necessary to satisfy him that the purchase must be noted on the certification.

SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

One or more of the supplementary requirements described below apply when included in the
purchaser’s order or contract. When so included, a supplementary requirement shall have the same
force as if it were in the body of the specification. Supplementary requirements’ details not fully
described shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier, but shall not negate any of the
requirements in the body of the specification.

S1. Titanium Content S3.2 Sampling—See 7.2.

S1.1 The purchaser may specify that the analysis of titanium S3.3 Limits—The “SAM’’ rating for B-type inclusions shall
be provided by agreement with the steel manufacturer. not exceed fifteen. The “SAM’’ rating for D-type inclusions
shall not exceed ten.
S2. Residual Elements
S2.1 The purchaser may specify that the analysis of S4. Magnetic Particle Method
titanium, aluminum, and/or oxygen (Test Methods E1019) be
provided by agreement with the steel manufacturer. The S4.1 The purchaser may specify that the magnetic particle
number and location of samples shall be by agreement between method described below be used in addition to the microinclu-
the purchaser and the manufacturer. sion rating system described in 7.3. The magnetic particle
method measures bearing steel cleanliness by evaluating the
S3. “SAM” Inclusion Rating System total length of macro-inclusions for a stated area or per unit
S3.1 The purchaser may specify that the “SAM’’ inclusion area. Results are commonly expressed in mm/m2.
rating described in Method E of Test Methods E45, be used in S4.2 Sampling—See 7.2.
addition to the micro-inclusion rating method described in 7.3.

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 A866 − 18
S4.3 Test specimens shall be straight cylinder quarter sec- S7. Macroetch Testing
tion samples prepared and examined in accordance with the
S7.1 Sampling—See 7.2.
magnetic particle method of Test Methods E45.
S4.4 For purposes of calculation, an inclusion length shall S7.2 Specimens representative of the full cross section of
be taken as the mean length of the length bracket into which it bars, billets, or blooms shall be macroetched and rated in
falls; that is, an inclusion in the 1⁄16 to 1⁄8 in. bracket shall be accordance with Method E381 in hydrochloric acid and water
taken as being 3⁄32 in. in length. The sum of all lengths for each (1:1) at a temperature of 160 to 180°F (71 to 82°C). Such
specimen shall be determined and expressed as total length per specimens shall not exceed S2, R2, C2 of Method E381.
area inspected. The average total length per area inspected of Indications due to sulfur segregation (commonly referred to as
all six specimens shall not exceed 200 mm/m2 (or equivalent). Type A segregates) are not to be included in the rating. For
ingot cast material only, if the size and weight of the bars,
S5. Sulfur Requirement for Machinability
billets, or blooms prevent the full cross section from being
S5.1 The sulfur content shall be 0.015–0.030 %. macroetched, an oversize quarter-section may be used as an
S5.2 The sulfide (Type A) rating units in Table 2 shall be 3.0 alternative. The quarter-section must meet the reduction re-
thin and 2.0 heavy. quirement of 7.2 and contain both the surface and center of the
S5.3 The manufacturer’s certification shall state that mate- original cross section before reduction.
rial was produced to this supplementary requirement when
applicable.
S6. Sample Reduction Ratio
S6.1 For the sampling described in 7.2, the purchaser may
specify that the reduction ratio from as-cast section to test
section be provided.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee A01 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (A866 – 14)
that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved May 1, 2018.)

(1) Table 1 ISO chemical composition designations revised. (2) Table 1 Grade 70Mn4 was added.

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