Product Description
Property | Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) | Steel (440C) | Zirconia (ZrO2) | Alumina (Al2O3) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Density (g/cm³) | 3.2 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.9 |
Hardness (HV) | 1,400–1,600 | 700–900 | 1,200–1,300 | 1,500–1,800 |
Fracture Toughness (MPa·m½) | 6–7 | 15–20 | 7–10 | 3–4 |
Compressive Strength (GPa) | 2.5–3.5 | 2.0–2.5 | 2.0–2.3 | 2.0–3.0 |
●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:
Chemical Composition: | Si3N4≥95% |
Bulk Density: | 3.2±0.05g/cm3 |
Elastic Modulus: | 350GPa |
Hardness Vickers: | 1870HV |
Bending Strength: | 780MPa |
Fracture Toughness: | 7.2MPa·m1/2 |
Thermal Expansion Coefficient: | 3.2 10-6/K |
Thermal Conductivity: | 25W/(m·K) |
● Ball Sizes/Grade :
Size (mm) | Φ0.8-180 | |||
Grade | Vdws | SPH | Vdwl | Ra |
G3 | 0.05-0.08 | ≤0.08 | <0.13 | 0.01 |
G5 | 0.08-0.13 | ≤0.13 | <0.25 | 0.014 |
G10 | 0.15-0.25 | ≤0.25 | <0.5 | 0.02 |
G16 | 0.2-0.4 | ≤0.4 | <0.8 | <0.025 |
G20 | 0.3-0.5 | ≤0.5 | <1 | <0.032 |
G100 | 0.4-0.7 | 0.4-0.7 | <1.4 | <0.0105 |
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FAQ
While ceramics are generally brittle, Si3N4 has high fracture toughness (6-7 MPa·m½) compared to other ceramics like alumina. Properly manufactured balls resist cracking under mechanical stress.
Yes! They outperform steel in:
Speed: Lower mass reduces friction and heat buildup.
Lifespan: Up to 10x longer service life in harsh conditions.
Maintenance: Self-lubricating properties reduce grease dependency.
Standard (commercial-grade): For general industrial use.
High-purity (HIP’ed): Hot isostatically pressed for zero porosity (best for aerospace/medical).
SiAlON-modified: Enhanced thermal shock resistance.
Powder pressing – Si3N4 powder is compacted into spherical shapes.
Sintering – Fired at high temperatures (1,700–1,800°C) for density.
HIP (optional) – Hot isostatic pressing eliminates microvoids.
Precision grinding/lapping – Achieves sub-micron sphericity (Grade 5-100).
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).
Yes! Si3N4 is biocompatible (ISO 6474-1) and used in spinal implants, dental devices, and joint replacements due to its antibacterial properties.