Ceramic Ball

Ceramic balls, made from ceramics (fine ceramics), are divided into two types: non-oxide ceramics (silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), silicon carbide (SiC)) and oxide ceramics (alumina (Al₂O₃), zirconia (ZrO₂)). Among them, silicon nitride balls have a much higher hardness than regular steel balls at less than half the weight. They have high strength even under high temperatures and wear resistance, making them physically stable. They also excel in chemical properties such as corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, and insulation.

Types of Materials

Non-oxide ceramic balls

Silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramic balls
Features
  • Lightweight and high-temperature strength.
  • Excellent fracture toughness.
  • Strong wear resistance and thermal shock resistance.
  • High heat resistance and mechanical strength.
  • Small thermal expansion rate.
Caution
It can be corroded by hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, and fluorine.
Applications
  • Bearings (ceramic bearings, bearings for machine tools, etc.)
  • Automobile parts (hydraulic lash adjuster, common rail injector, etc.)
  • Wind power generation (generator), etc.
Material Model Grade Size (mm) Color
Si₃N₄ JSN-W4C (HIP) Class I (ASTM F2094) 0.4～140 Black
JSN-W4 (HIP) Grey
JSN-05W (HIP) Class II (ASTM F2094) Black
JSN-12 Black
JSN-63 Grey
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Ceramic Ball
Features
  • High hardness, wear resistance, high insulation.
  • Excellent heat resistance (about 1500℃) and high thermal conductivity.
  • Other electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility.
  • Among fine ceramics, it is a relatively inexpensive material.
Caution
Dissolves in molten salt and molten iron.
Applications
  • Bearings (Ceramic bearings, bearings for machine tools, etc.)
  • Automotive parts (Hydraulic lash adjuster, common rail injector, etc.)
  • Wind power generation (Generator, etc.)
  • Semiconductor manufacturing equipment parts, etc.
Material Model Size (mm) Color
SiC SC-HD01 0.8～19.05 Black

Oxide Ceramic Ball

Alumina (Al₂O₃) Ceramic Ball
Features
  • Has high heat resistance and relatively high thermal conductivity.
  • Excellent mechanical properties.
  • Excellent corrosion resistance.
  • Possesses good electrical insulating properties.
Caution
Inferior in thermal shock resistance.
Applications
  • Bearings (ceramic bearings, bearings for machine tools, etc.)
  • Automobile parts (hydraulic lash adjuster, common rail injector, etc.)
  • Mixing, nozzle, pump parts, sliding parts, grinding materials, grinding plates, etc.
Material Model Purity Size (mm) Color
Al₂O₃ AO-3N01 99.7wt% ≥1.0 Yellow
AO-4N01 99.99wt% White
Zirconia (ZrO₂) Ceramic Ball
Features
  • High strength, high fracture toughness.
  • Excellent thermal properties.
  • Chemical resistance.
  • Low thermal conductivity, providing insulation effect.
  • Biocompatible.
Note
It is severely attacked by fluorine.
Applications
  • Bearings (ceramic bearings, bearings for machine tools, etc.)
  • Automotive parts (hydraulic lash adjuster, common rail injectors, etc.)
  • Gas turbines, industrial blades, jewelry parts, etc.
Material Model Size (mm) Color
ZrO₂ ZO-HD01 ≥0.1 White

Dimension and Dimensional Accuracy

Dimension: 0.8mm ~ 1-7/8 (47.6mm)
※The above dimensions are standard, but we also produce other dimensions.

※Compliant with JIS B1563 (Rolling Bearings - Silicon Nitride Balls) and ISO 3290-2 (Rolling Bearings - Ceramic Balls)
Grade Diameter Variation (Max) (μm) Sphericity (Max) (μm) Surface Roughness (Max) (μmRa) Lot Diameter Deviation (Max) (μm)
G3 ≤ 0.08 ≤ 0.08 ≤ 0.01 < 0.13
G5 ≤ 0.13 ≤ 0.13 ≤ 0.014 < 0.25
G10 ≤ 0.25 ≤ 0.25 ≤ 0.02 < 0.5
G16 ≤ 0.4 ≤ 0.4 ≤ 0.025 < 0.8
G20 ≤ 0.5 ≤ 0.5 ≤ 0.032 < 1
G24 ≤ 0.6 ≤ 0.6 ≤ 0.04 < 1.2
G28 ≤ 0.7 ≤ 0.7 ≤ 0.05 < 1.4
G40 ≤ 1 ≤ 1 ≤ 0.06 < 2
G60 ≤ 1.5 ≤ 1.5 ≤ 0.08 < 3