Shelf life of open bearings SKF bearings are coated with a rust-inhibiting compound and suitably packaged before distribution. For open bearings, the preservative provides protection against corrosion for approximately three years, provided the storage conditions are appropriate.

under optimal conditions (60% relative humidity and 20°C maximum temperature), bearings can be stored for up to 10 years. the maximum storage period for double shielded bearings (metallic) is 2 years. for double sealed bearings, the maximum storage period is 3 years.

Standard bearing steel The steel used for standard SKF super-precision bearings is an extremely clean, through-hardening carbon chromium steel (100Cr6), containing approximately 1% carbon and 1,5% chromium, in accordance with ISO 683-17.

Surface hardness depends slightly on the process used. Typical values for SKF DLC coatings are of the order of 1,200 HV, compared with values of between 650 and 850 HV for bearing steel. Matching the mechanical properties of the coating and the steel is crucial for the performance of the coated component.