Silicon nitride balls are ceramic balls made of silicon nitride (Si3N4). These balls are known for their excellent mechanical performance. They are crucial in many fields such as aerospace, defense, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing

Characteristics of silicon nitride balls

High corrosion resistance: Silicon nitride Si3N4 ceramic balls can resist corrosion from various chemicals, making them very suitable for use in harsh environments

Lightweight design: Silicon nitride balls are 60% lighter than steel balls, reducing centrifugal force on bearings. The reduction of centrifugal force minimizes slippage and wear during high-speed operation and acceleration

Durable: The density of silicon nitride balls is 3.2 g/cc, the bending strength is 1.0 GPa, the fracture toughness is 6 MPa/M2, and the hardness is 75-80 HRC, which is harder than steel, making it very suitable for harsh applications

High temperature stability: Even at temperatures up to 1800 ° F, they can maintain strength and hardness, making them suitable for applications under high-speed and extreme temperature conditions

Manufacturing and Precision of Silicon Nitride Balls

Silicon nitride balls are produced with top precision and meet strict industry standards. The production process adopts advanced ceramic technologies such as pressing, sintering, and precision machining. This ensures that each steel ball can meet precise specification requirements

Dimensional accuracy: These steel balls have extremely high precision, exceeding the ISO Level 3 standard. This precision ensures the optimal performance of the product, even in applications where slight deviations can affect functionality

Excellent surface finish: The surface finish of these steel balls is Ra 0.17-0.25 microinches, which can significantly reduce friction and wear. Compared to steel balls, this excellent surface finish can extend the life of bearings by up to 10 times

Diverse sizes: The size range of silicon nitride balls is very wide, with diameters ranging from 0.5 millimeters to 50 millimeters. We can also customize it according to specific application requirements to make it suitable for various industrial purposes

Application of Silicon Nitride Balls

Motor: Silicon nitride balls are very suitable for use in motors. Its insulation performance can prevent premature failure of bearings due to electrolytic corrosion

Semiconductor manufacturing: These ball bearings play a crucial role in semiconductor equipment. Due to their non-magnetic nature, they do not cause interference when dealing with high speeds, low lubrication, and magnetic fields

Wind power generation: Silicon nitride balls are favored in wind turbines due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. They help reduce the frequency of unexpected maintenance

Automotive and bicycle applications: Silicon nitride balls are used for high-performance automotive parts and bicycle wheels. They have low friction, light weight, and can improve efficiency and performance

Hybrid bearings and all ceramic bearings: These balls are commonly used in hybrid bearings and all ceramic bearings, especially in ultra high speed applications such as aerospace and defense