Abstract: Abstract: The microstructure transformation of GCr19SiMnMo bearing ring forgings during post-forging cooling and normalizing annealing was studied. Process tests were conducted in comparison with GCr15SiMn to contrast the microstructure evolution of the two materials, and the effects of different microstructures on forging quality were analyzed. The process was optimized to control the microstructure of forgings, so as to meet the internal quality requirements of forgings. The test results show that air cooling after finish forging at 900–1000 ℃ tends to form coarse martensite in thin-walled GCr19SiMnMo bearing rings (wall thickness ≤40 mm), and coarse grain inheritance occurs after normalizing. GCr15SiMn forms sorbite or troostite after post-forging cooling. Through process improvement, the post-forging microstructure of GCr19SiMnMo forgings is transformed into pearlite, which reduces post-forging structural stress and inhibits coarse grain inheritance.