Product Description
In the world of engineering and machinery, the quest for efficiency, longevity, and performance is never-ending. One of the most significant advancements in this field is the development of ultra-low wear Si3N4 balls, which have been proven to extend bearing lifespan 10 times over traditional steel bearings. This breakthrough is not just a leap in technology but a revolution that promises to transform industries reliant on high-performance bearings.
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) balls are a type of ceramic bearing ball known for their exceptional mechanical properties. Unlike steel balls, Si3N4 balls are lightweight, incredibly hard, and resistant to high temperatures and corrosion. These characteristics make them ideal for applications in demanding environments such as aerospace, military, and high-speed machinery.
- High Heat Resistance: Silicon nitride balls can withstand temperatures up to 1800°F, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Low Friction: The smooth surface of Si3N4 balls ensures minimal friction, reducing wear and increasing efficiency.
- Corrosion Resistance: These balls are resistant to most chemicals, making them ideal for use in corrosive environments.
- Lightweight: Si3N4 balls are 60% lighter than steel, reducing centrifugal force during operation and allowing for higher speeds.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Si3N4 balls over steel is their longevity. The ultra-low wear characteristics of silicon nitride mean that bearings last significantly longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance. This longevity translates to lower operational costs and increased uptime for machinery.
In high-temperature environments, steel balls can expand and degrade, leading to reduced performance. Si3N4 balls, however, maintain their structural integrity even in extreme heat, making them ideal for applications like gas turbines and automotive engines.
The lightweight nature of Si3N4 balls means less energy is required to move them. This reduction in weight not only improves efficiency but also reduces the load on machinery, leading to longer service life and lower energy consumption.
Si3N4 balls are electrically non-conductive, which prevents electrolytic corrosion in electric motors and generators. This property is particularly beneficial in applications involving electric and autonomous vehicles, where maintaining the integrity of the magnetic field is crucial.
Silicon nitride balls are increasingly becoming the material of choice in various industries due to their unique properties. Here are some of the key applications:
- Aerospace: Used in aircraft engines and other high-speed applications where weight reduction and durability are critical.
- Military and Defense: Ideal for high-impact environments and applications requiring superior mechanical properties.
- Automotive: Used in engines and other components to enhance performance and reduce maintenance.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: The non-magnetic properties of Si3N4 balls make them suitable for environments with magnetic fields.
- Electric Vehicles: Their insulating properties make them ideal for use in electric motor bearings, preventing premature failure due to electrolytic corrosion.
While Si3N4 balls are more expensive than steel, their longer lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements often offset the initial cost. Industries that demand high performance and reliability find the investment in silicon nitride balls to be cost-effective in the long run.
| Property | Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) | Steel (440C) | Zirconia (ZrO2) | Alumina (Al2O3) |
| Density (g/cm³) | 3.2 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.9 |
| Hardness (HV) | 1,400–1,600 | 700–900 | 1,200–1,300 | 1,500–1,800 |
| Fracture Toughness (MPa·m½) | 6–7 | 15–20 | 7–10 | 3–4 |
| Compressive Strength (GPa) | 2.5–3.5 | 2.0–2.5 | 2.0–2.3 | 2.0–3.0 |
●Description:
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball is the most ideal bearing ball for bearing applications, due to the excellent properties of silicon nitride ceramics, it has many irreplaceable advantages comparing to traditional steel materials, such as: high mechanical strength, low wear loss, good self-lubrication, low density, high corrosion resistance, good electrical insulation etc.
Therefore, Silicon Nitride Balls are mostly used for some harsh working conditions: high speed/super speed bearings, high precision bearings, bearings in vacuum, high/low temperature bearings.
Moreover, Silicon Nitride Ceramic Balls can also used as valve ball or measurement balls in chemical pumps/high temperature pumps/metdering pumps.
●Physical Properties:
| Chemical Composition: | Si3N4≥95% |
| Bulk Density: | 3.2±0.05g/cm3 |
| Elastic Modulus: | 350GPa |
| Hardness Vickers: | 1870HV |
| Bending Strength: | 780MPa |
| Fracture Toughness: | 7.2MPa·m1/2 |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient: | 3.2 10-6/K |
| Thermal Conductivity: | 25W/(m·K) |
● Ball Sizes/Grade :
| Size (mm) | Φ0.8-180 |
| Grade | Vdws | SPH | Vdwl | Ra |
| G3 | 0.05-0.08 | ≤0.08 | <0.13 | 0.01 |
| G5 | 0.08-0.13 | ≤0.13 | <0.25 | 0.014 |
| G10 | 0.15-0.25 | ≤0.25 | <0.5 | 0.02 |
| G16 | 0.2-0.4 | ≤0.4 | <0.8 | <0.025 |
| G20 | 0.3-0.5 | ≤0.5 | <1 | <0.032 |
| G100 | 0.4-0.7 | 0.4-0.7 | <1.4 | <0.0105 |
Factory equipment
Exhibition & Partner
Case
Ship to South Korea
Ship to Spain
FAQ
1. What sizes and tolerances are available?
-
Diameter range: 0.5mm to 50mm (custom sizes possible).
-
Sphericity: As low as 0.1µm (Grade 5 for ultra-precision bearings).
-
Surface finish: Ra < 0.02µm (mirror polish for low friction).
2. Are silicon nitride balls FDA-approved for medical use?
Yes! Si3N4 is biocompatible (ISO 6474-1) and used in spinal implants, dental devices, and joint replacements due to its antibacterial properties.
3. How do I choose the right Si3N4 balls for my application?
Consider:
-
Load & speed requirements (dynamic/static stress).
-
Temperature range (Si3N4 excels in high heat).
-
Chemical exposure (resistant to most acids/alkalis).
-
Electrical insulation needs (non-conductive).
Product Tags:
|
|
Polished Si3N4 Ceramic Media Balls Lead Ball Mill Media Lightweight Images
|
