Balls for ceramic ball bearings
Aluminium oxide Al2O3
Ceramic balls made of aluminium oxide, also known as oxide ceramics, have a polycrystalline structure. The specifications of the
lightweight balls include good corrosion, abrasion and heat resistance. Despite influences such as
water, salt solutions and some acids, they are extremely
corrosion-free. It is important to avoid contact with hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, warm sulphuric acid and strong alkaline solutions. They are also known to be self-lubricating and electrically insulating. Balls made of Al2O3 aluminium oxide are white to ivory-coloured and are manufactured according to ASTM F 2094 Class II/III.
Silicon nitride Si3N4
Balls made of the ceramic material silicon nitride are
light, but offer high toughness and
excellent corrosion resistance. Corrosion only occurs in certain acidic and alkaline solutions. The material has an insulating effect. The balls are also self-lubricating and have great resistance to temperature fluctuations, which noticeably affects the bottom line. They are
much more expensive than balls made of aluminium oxide. Balls made of Si3N4 are a black mother-of-pearl colour.
Zirconium oxide ZrO2
Balls made of zirconium oxide are particularly suitable in application environments where high temperatures, corrosion and abrasion play a role. They are significantly lighter than aluminium oxide balls.
Other benefits:
- Very low porosity of the material
- Extreme hardness of the balls
- Very good thermal, chemical and mechanical resistance