Product Specification

Product Description

Non-Oxide Ceramic Balls: Silicon Nitride for Corrosion Resistance

Understanding Silicon Nitride Ceramic Balls

Key Properties of Silicon Nitride Ceramic Balls

1. Corrosion Resistance: Silicon nitride ceramic balls exhibit strong corrosion resistance, especially in oxidizing and corrosive environments. This makes them highly suitable for applications where traditional materials would deteriorate rapidly.
2. High-Temperature Stability: These ceramic balls maintain their strength and hardness at temperatures up to 1100°C, making them perfect for high-temperature applications.
3. Non-Magnetic and Electrically Insulating: Silicon nitride is non-magnetic and electrically insulating, allowing its use in magnetic fields and electrical applications without interference.
4. Lightweight and High Rigidity: With a density of 3.26 g/cm³, silicon nitride balls are 60% lighter than steel balls. This reduced weight lowers the centrifugal force and abrasion in high-speed applications, enhancing efficiency and longevity.
5. Low Thermal Expansion: The linear expansion coefficient of silicon nitride is 3.2 × 10^-6/K, significantly lower than that of steel, allowing it to withstand sudden temperature changes without cracking.
6. Self-Lubricating: The self-lubricating property of silicon nitride reduces the need for additional lubricants, which is advantageous in vacuum and high-temperature environments.

Applications of Silicon Nitride Ceramic Balls

• Bearings: Their low density and high rigidity make them ideal for high-speed bearings, reducing friction and wear.
• Valves: In chemical processing, silicon nitride balls are used in valves where they resist corrosion from harsh chemicals.
• Aerospace and Automotive: Their lightweight nature and durability make them suitable for aerospace and automotive applications, where performance and efficiency are critical.
• Medical Equipment: The biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of silicon nitride make it suitable for medical devices and implants.

Advantages Over Other Ceramic Materials

• Mechanical Strength: Silicon nitride is twice as strong as alumina oxide, making it more durable in high-stress applications.
• Thermal Properties: With a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, silicon nitride is less prone to thermal shock compared to zirconia.
• Weight: Being lighter than both alumina oxide and zirconia, silicon nitride reduces the load in dynamic applications, enhancing performance and longevity.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Silicon Nitride Ceramics

●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:

● Ball Sizes/Grade :

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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).