Silicon Nitride Balls

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic balls are made from a new material for applications requiring high loads, high speeds and extreme temperatures. Long life and minimal lubrication requirements make this material suitable for extreme applications. Silicon nitride is a non-porous, non-magnetic, non-corrosive material that is lighter than steel. Silicon nitride balls are harder than steel and can withstand the harshest environments. Ceramic balls have almost no friction because they are non-porous, which allows them to spin faster than steel balls. At 800°C, the strength and hardness are almost unchanged, and its density is 3.20g/cm3, which is almost 1/3 of the weight of bearing steel, so the centrifugal force is small when rotating. High-speed operation can be realized.

• Silicon nitride can be used in hybrid bearings due to its excellent mechanical properties, such as low thermal expansion, high rigidity and wear resistance.Silicon nitride balls are used in all-ceramic and hybrid-ceramic bearings in applications requiring ultra-high speed rotation. The density of silicon nitride is less than half that of steel, which reduces the ction for preventing premature failure of electric motor bearings.
• The non-magnetic properties of silicon nitride are ideal for applications affected by magnetic fields. Using steel balls in these applications may interfere with magnetic fields or affect rotational torque. Silicon nitride ball bearings are ideal for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and medical diagnostic equipment where magnetic fields are present.
• Silicon nitride has the most versatile combination of mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of any technical ceramic material. It is a high-performance technical ceramic that is extremely hard and has excellent thermal shock and impact resistance.
• The low thermal conductivity and high wear resistance of Si3N4 ceramics make them excellent materials capable of withstanding the toughest demands in industrial applications. Si3N4 ceramics are also a good choice when high temperature and high load capacity are required, widely used in aerospace\military and defense\hybrid bearings\full ceramic bearings\gas turbines\auto engine parts\metalworking tools.

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramic balls are commonly used in bearings for their high heat resistance and low friction. Silicon nitride balls are commonly used in industries such as aerospace, military and defense, hybrid bearings and full ceramic bearings.

Advantage

• Retains strength and hardness up to 800°C
• Excellent corrosion and chemical resistance
• 60% lighter than steel
• Longer life than steel
• Generates less friction
• Low coefficient of thermal expansion
• Low thermal conductivity, reducing the need for system cooling
• Good shock resistance
• High elasticity
• High fracture toughness
• Requires minimal lubrication
• No holes
• Non-magnetic

Weakness

• Risk of release of toxic gases during thermal decomposition
• Susceptible to acid attack, may generate flammable hydrogen gas under strong acid conditions