FIELD: mechanical engineering. SUBSTANCE: proposed process deals with hardening of supporting surface of crater of thrust bearing directly in device after installation of thrust bearings and mobile part into casing by simultaneous formation of collisions of punchers with supporting surface of crater and torsional vibrations of mobile part around rotational axis. Formation of collisions of punchers with supporting surface and torsional vibrations are executed either by supply of alternating electric signal into working winding or with the use of vibration bed. As result of collisions of punchers with supporting surface of crater the latter is subjected to strain hardening that leads to diminished ductility and impact elasticity, to increased hardness and strength of surface layer which ensures high mechanical characteristics of thrust bearing that remains viscoelastic. EFFECT: enhanced efficiency of process. 2 cl, 2 dwg
