Product Description
In the world of advanced engineering and manufacturing, precision is paramount. Whether it's aerospace, military, automotive, or other high-demand industries, the need for materials that can withstand extreme conditions is crucial. Enter NitroBalls Precision Silicon Nitride Spheres, a game-changer in the realm of ceramic precision balls. Known for their remarkable properties and versatility, these spheres are crafted to meet the demands of the most rigorous applications.
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a ceramic material renowned for its exceptional strength and resistance to high temperatures and corrosive environments. Silicon nitride spheres, often used in bearings, exhibit low friction and high heat resistance, making them ideal for applications requiring durability and efficiency. Precision Plastic Ball Company is a leading manufacturer of these spheres, offering a wide range of sizes and grades to suit various industrial needs.
- High Heat Resistance: Silicon nitride spheres can retain their strength and hardness up to 1800°F, making them suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Low Friction: The lightweight and hard ceramic nature of silicon nitride reduces skidding and wear under acceleration and high speeds.
- Chemical Resistance: These spheres are extremely resistant to chemicals and corrosive elements, ensuring longevity in harsh environments.
- Thermal Conductivity: With a moderate rate of thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion, silicon nitride spheres help reduce cooling costs.
- Non-Conductive: Ideal for electric motor shaft bearings, silicon nitride spheres are electrically non-conductive, making them suitable for AC/DC motors and generators.
The versatility of NitroBalls makes them suitable for a wide array of applications across various industries:
- Aerospace: Used in aircraft components due to their high strength and lightweight properties.
- Military & Defense: Employed in military applications, including the NASA STS space shuttle program, for their durability and resistance to extreme conditions.
- Automotive: Utilized in hybrid and full ceramic bearings, as well as in automotive engine parts, to enhance performance and longevity.
- Metalworking Tools: Their hardness and resistance to wear make them ideal for metalworking applications.
- Gas Turbines: Silicon nitride spheres are perfect for high-temperature environments found in gas turbines.
NitroBalls offer several advantages over traditional materials, making them a preferred choice for demanding applications:
- Longer Service Life: The low friction and high wear resistance of silicon nitride spheres contribute to extended bearing service life and reduced re-lubrication intervals.
- Lightweight: Weighing 60% less than steel, silicon nitride spheres reduce the overall weight of assemblies, enhancing efficiency and performance.
- Minimal Lubrication Required: Their non-porous nature means less lubrication is needed, simplifying maintenance and reducing costs.
- High Elasticity and Fracture Toughness: These properties ensure that silicon nitride spheres can withstand high impact and shock environments.
While silicon nitride spheres offer numerous benefits, there are some challenges to consider:
- Toxic Off-Gassing: When heated to decomposition, there is a risk of toxic off-gassing, which requires careful handling and application.
- Acidic Conditions: Silicon nitride spheres may generate flammable hydrogen gas under highly acidic conditions, necessitating caution in specific environments
| 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
1. Are silicon nitride balls brittle?
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.
2. Can Si3N4 balls replace steel balls in bearings?
Yes! They outperform steel in:
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Speed: Lower mass reduces friction and heat buildup.
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Lifespan: Up to 10x longer service life in harsh conditions.
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Maintenance: Self-lubricating properties reduce grease dependency.
3. What grades of silicon nitride balls are available?
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Standard (commercial-grade): For general industrial use.
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High-purity (HIP’ed): Hot isostatically pressed for zero porosity (best for aerospace/medical).
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SiAlON-modified: Enhanced thermal shock resistance.
4. How are silicon nitride balls manufactured?
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Powder pressing – Si3N4 powder is compacted into spherical shapes.
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Sintering – Fired at high temperatures (1,700–1,800°C) for density.
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HIP (optional) – Hot isostatic pressing eliminates microvoids.
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Precision grinding/lapping – Achieves sub-micron sphericity (Grade 5-100).
5. What sizes and tolerances are available?
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Diameter range: 0.5mm to 50mm (custom sizes possible).
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Sphericity: As low as 0.1µm (Grade 5 for ultra-precision bearings).
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Surface finish: Ra < 0.02µm (mirror polish for low friction).
6. 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.
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