Thrust ball bearing running surface

[alansimpson]

I wish to make an axial thrust arrangement with caged ball bearing. I need to make the rolling surface or "thrust washer" from attached sketch. What would be best material to use to minimize friction and maximize life?
Needs to be thin (0.5mm), non-magnetic.
Axial loading 2-5 Kg.
Speed 0-500 rpm.

Thanks

 

[Hippo41]

Flat thrust washers, usually used for needle thrust bearings, should be available from your local bearing distributor. Is there any reason you can't use standard ball or needle thrust bearings?

 

[alansimpson]

It is difficult to get non-magnetic bearings. 316 Stainless is available but the range is limited. I can buy or make up thrust race similar to attached picture without rolling washer. Not getting recommendations from bearing manufacturers.

 

[Hippo41]

Do you have heavy loads? What about plastic thrust washers? (Sorry - you've probably already thought of this).

 

[alansimpson]

Loading 2-5 kg
I need very low friction so a plain running surface like PTFE would not do.
If there is a plastic around 0.5 mm thick would perform well taking a 2-3mm ball bearing I havn't found it yet.

 

[volpegrigia]

The friction is a function of the localized deformation you will have. The harder the material the lower your deformation. The harder material (non magnetic) we used were PH steels (15-5; 17-7; etc.) that get to ~40HRC.
You can machine the raceways form this material.