Product Description
In the realm of engineering materials, few substances capture the imagination and utility quite like silicon nitride balls, often referred to as the "black diamonds" of the industry. Known for their remarkable resilience and adaptability, these ceramic marvels are engineered to withstand the most punishing environments. From aerospace to automotive applications, silicon nitride balls offer unparalleled performance where traditional materials falter.
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a ceramic material renowned for its exceptional properties, including high mechanical strength, low wear loss, and excellent thermal stability. These characteristics make silicon nitride balls the ideal choice for bearing applications in demanding environments. Unlike traditional steel materials, silicon nitride offers high corrosion resistance, good electrical insulation, and a low density, making it a superior alternative in various industrial applications.
- High Hardness: Silicon nitride balls are incredibly hard, providing superior wear resistance and longevity compared to steel balls.
- Thermal Stability: They retain their strength and hardness at temperatures up to 1800°F, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Low Density: Weighing 60% less than steel, silicon nitride balls reduce the overall weight of mechanical systems, enhancing efficiency.
- Corrosion Resistance: These balls are resistant to corrosive chemicals, ensuring durability in harsh environments.
- Electrical Insulation: Non-conductive properties make them ideal for applications in electric motor shafts and generators.
Silicon nitride balls have found their way into a plethora of industries, each benefiting from their unique properties. Here are some key applications:
In aerospace applications, weight and reliability are critical. Silicon nitride balls are used in aircraft engines and other components where high heat resistance and low friction are essential. Their use in military applications further underscores their reliability under extreme conditions.
The automotive sector leverages silicon nitride balls in engine parts and hybrid bearings. Their low coefficient of thermal expansion and reduced friction help increase the efficiency and longevity of automotive components.
Silicon nitride balls are indispensable in the oil and gas industry, where they are used in check valves and other components exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures. Their resistance to erosive and corrosive chemicals ensures a longer lifecycle for critical equipment.
In industrial settings, silicon nitride balls are used in high-speed and high-impact environments. Their shock resistance and minimal lubrication requirements make them perfect for machinery that operates under constant stress.
The production of silicon nitride balls involves several key steps to ensure their superior quality and performance:
- Material Preparation: The raw materials are ground and crushed into a slurry or powder.
- Shaping: The slurry or powder is formed into semi-finished products using various methods.
- Sintering: The semi-finished products are placed in a kiln for dewaxing and sintering, enhancing their mechanical properties.
- Precision Machining: Post-sintering, the balls undergo CNC precision machining to meet specific design requirements.
- Quality Control: Rigorous testing ensures that the final products meet industry standards for performance and durability.
Silicon nitride balls offer numerous advantages over traditional steel balls, including:
- Reduced Wear and Tear: The high hardness and low wear loss of silicon nitride extend the service life of bearings and other components.
- Energy Efficiency: The lightweight nature of silicon nitride reduces energy consumption in mechanical systems.
- Extended Maintenance Intervals: With lower friction and wear, components require less frequent maintenance, reducing operational costs.
- Enhanced Performance in Harsh Conditions: Silicon nitride's resilience to extreme temperatures and corrosive environments ensures reliable performance where other materials fail.
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 |
Factory equipment

Exhibition & Partner

Case
Ship to South Korea


Ship to Spain


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).