Apparatus for applying a surface treatment laser to an external peripheral surface exposed to at least one inner ring of a rolling bearing.Method for laser treatment of an inner ring of a bearing, bearings.Apparatus for applying a surface treatment laser to an internal peripheral surface exposed to at least one external ring of a rolling bearing.And method for laser treatment of an outer ring of a bearing

摘要

Apparatuses (10) for and methods of imparting a laser surface treatment to an exposed outer surface (12) of a rolling bearing component having a carbon-containing coating thereon. The apparatus (10) includes a support housing structure (16). A rolling bearing carrier has a surface adapted to receive and engage at least one ring of a rolling bearing. A motor (22) mounted to the support housing structure (16) is coupled with the carrier and adapted for rotatably driving the carrier. A laser beam emitter aims a laser beam at an exposed surface (12) of the rolling bearing component. The carrier is rotated while the rolling bearing component is in generally opposing relationship with the laser beam so that energy from the beam causes at least a portion of the coating on the bearing component to volatilize and be removed while also causing at least a portion of a carbon content of the coating to diffuse into the bearing component.