Method of making a machine component with lubricated wear surface

A process for producing a machine component having a wear surface thereon, said process comprising:

• compacting powdered metal into a shape having the wear surface and otherwise the general configuration desired for the machine component, the compaction being to less than 100% theoretical density so that the shape contains pores;
• mechanically machining the shape and thereby creating a Bielby layer which to a measure obliterates and closes the pores at the wear surface;
• impressing an electrical potential across a gap between an electrode and the shape at the wear surface thereon, with the potential being of a magnitude sufficient to generate arcs which pass between the electrode and wear surface and erode the shape at the wear surface so as to remove the Bielby layer, whereby the pores are exposed and open at the wear surface;
• and introducing a fluent lubricant into the pores, whereby the lubricant will reduce friction along the wear surface.

A process for producing an annular bearing component having a working surface along and against which the rolling elements of an antifriction bearing move when the bearing is in operation, said process comprising:

• compacting powdered metal into a ring form having the general configuration desired for the annular bearing component, whereby the ring form has a working surface, the compaction being to less than 100% theoretical density so that the ring form contains pores;
• thereafter sintering the ring form to establish bonds between the grains of the compacted powdered metal;
• thereafter mechanically machining the sintered ring form to create a Bielby layer which to a measure closes the pores at the working surface;
• and eroding the machined ring form along its working surface by establishing electrical arcs between the working surface on the ring form and an electrode, with the erosion being of sufficient magnitude to open the pores at the working surface.