Abstract: A surface treated bearing component and a bearing (10) including such bearing component. The bearing component may include a peripheral surface adapted for contacting a rolling body (16). A mass adjoins the surface. The surface has a plurality of visible overlapping striped regions (26, 28) generally devoid of any surface erosion. The surface may have a graphitic layer (36) formed in situ thereon. The mass portion may include a first region (30) having a depth (e.g., of about 50 to about 200 micrometers) and a first carbon content. The mass may include a second region (32) generally adjoining the first region having a depth (e.g., about 50 to about 100 micrometers) and a second carbon content less than the carbon content of the first region. A third region (34) generally adjoins the second region and has a third carbon content less than the carbon content of the first and the second region.

Abstract: 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.