Bearing ring with insulating coating

Abstract

A non-conventional, low temperature, process for applying a thin electrically insulating coating arrangement with high density, high purity, minimal porosity, and improved adhesion strength to a steel bearing component is provided. The bearing component is formed from steel and machined or otherwise formed to a near net shape. A high purity aluminum is electro-chemically deposited on the steel bearing component using a non-aqueous electrolyte in an inert environment to form a high purity aluminum coating at least over a portion of the steel bearing component. A surface of the high purity aluminum coating is then converted by an acid-bath into aluminum oxide to form an insulating layer. A bearing component and a bearing having such components is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.