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. This
article delves into the properties, applications, and advantages of
silicon nitride balls, showcasing why they are indispensable in
extreme conditions.
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 |
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FAQ
How do I store zirconia grinding beads?
What is the cost of zirconia grinding beads?
Can zirconia beads cause contamination?
What industries use zirconia grinding beads?
They are used in pharmaceuticals, paints, coatings, ceramics,
electronics, and nanotechnology industries.
