Silicon nitride and zirconium oxide ceramic ball bearings offer superior wear resistance, temperature resistance, corrosion protection, machining accuracy and overall performance.
Ceramic balls are widely utilized in demanding environments like aerospace and high-speed applications, providing precise semiconductor production as well as managing heat effectively. Furthermore, these lightweight balls weigh 30% less than steel bearings reducing lubricant requirements to save energy costs and save on maintenance.
High Temperature Resistance
High-performance ceramic bearings such as zirconium oxide (ZrO2) can tolerate much higher operating temperatures than traditional metal bearings, opening them up for use in environments too hostile for metallic ones to function reliably in. Furthermore, this makes ceramic bearings the perfect solution in high speed applications where surface fatigue or rolling contact stress could shorten bearing lifespan significantly.
ZrO2 ceramics offer more than their ability to withstand high temperatures; they also possess other outstanding properties. Their smooth wear surfaces produce low coefficients of friction that help minimize heat generation and energy loss in bearings – saving millions of kWh of electricity usage as well as thousands of barrels of oil annually.
At SMB, our full hybrid ceramic hybrid bearings come equipped with superior Silicon Nitride balls that boast an exceptional surface finish. These bearings boast exceptional load capacity, high-speed performance, chemical and corrosion resistance as well as minimal lubrication requirements – making them the go-to solution for a range of demanding industrial applications.
Our full hybrid ceramic hybrid bearings come in a range of shaft sizes and styles. Choose between PEEK or PTFE cage options – both are strong and corrosion resistant, and both options can be provided with standard or precision bore sizes.
Corrosion Resistance
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is an extremely hard, yet surprising lightweight ceramic material. It is resistant to water and salt exposure as well as numerous acids and alkalis; making silicon nitride ball bearings suitable for marine applications where they may remain submerged for extended periods without corrosion damage or degradation. Furthermore, Si3N4 features an extremely wide operating temperature range suitable for cryogenic environments and high vacuum applications.
Silicon nitride bearings outshone steel bearings when it came to chemical resistance, easily withstanding most corrosive chemicals and providing optimal performance in industrial and mechanical applications where corrosion could otherwise lead to failure. Furthermore, this material also boasts electrical insulation properties making it safe to use where electromagnetic interference might cause disruptions.
Silicon nitride ceramic bearings offer high speeds with reduced vibration and noise levels due to their superior abrasion resistance, reduced centrifugal forces during high-speed rotations, decreased maintenance costs and lifespan four to 25 times longer than steel counterparts – qualities which make them popular choices among aerospace, high-speed automotive applications as well as electronic medical devices.
Low Friction
Zirconium oxide ceramic ball bearings are extremely hard and capable of withstanding high levels of pressure in demanding applications, while their reduced friction coefficient reduces energy usage and heat generation, making them energy efficient. As a result, zirconia ball bearings can reach faster speeds while outliving traditional steel bearings by years or decades.
Silicon nitride is an incredibly hard material, which makes it perfect for use in demanding applications such as marine and aerospace environments. Plus, its light weight reduces costs while improving efficiency.
Silicon nitride bearings are less affected by temperature changes than other materials, allowing them to maintain performance and load capacity under extreme conditions. Furthermore, these bearings feature a lower coefficient of thermal expansion which relieves strain on systems while increasing reliability.
When it comes to selecting a ceramic bearing for your application, it is crucial that you consider both its application and environment carefully. Zirconia and silicon nitride offer distinct advantages but should be tailored specifically for different jobs. LILY Bearing offers both full ceramic bearings as well as hybrid ceramic bearings in various sizes that combine zirconium rings with silicon nitride balls to deliver strength and performance for demanding applications.
Self-Lubricating
Zirconia ceramic ball bearings excel at working well in vacuum environments due to their smooth surfaces and ability to run without needing lubrication, making them suitable for space missions where temperatures may be exceptionally harsh. They can even withstand wide temperature ranges – perfect for use when the environment becomes hostile!
Silicon nitride is more brittle than zirconia and should not be used in applications involving shock loads or where loads vary rapidly, although it does excel at handling vibration and nonconductivity, making it perfect for electronics use.
Ceramics are non-magnetic, making them suitable for medical equipment or electrical applications that may suffer from electromagnetic interference, as well as applications where their use would save power consumption due to running at lower temperatures. Ceramics’ non-conductive nature also saves power consumption costs.
Zirconia stands out from steel or stainless steel because it can withstand high temperatures without suffering damage to its structural integrity, making it an attractive option for cryopumps or semiconductor devices whose operating temperature fluctuates frequently. Furthermore, zirconia remains stable when exposed to chemical corrosion compared to other materials which would likely corrode. Furthermore, monoclinic, tetragonal, cubic crystal forms of zirconia exist. Furthermore, dense sintered parts may contain stabilisers like magnesium oxide, calcium oxide and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) for enhanced strength and fracture resistance.
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