Product Description
In the world of advanced materials, silicon nitride balls stand out for their exceptional properties and versatile applications. These ceramic precision balls, made from silicon nitride (Si3N4), are renowned for their high heat resistance, low friction, and remarkable chemical inertness.
Silicon nitride balls are crafted from Si3N4, a ceramic material known for its superior mechanical properties. They are lighter than steel, weighing 60% less, and exhibit excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. These balls maintain their strength and hardness up to 1800°F, making them ideal for high-temperature and high-impact environments.
- Heat Resistance: Silicon nitride balls can withstand extreme temperatures, making them suitable for applications in aerospace and automotive industries.
- Low Friction: The smooth surface of these balls reduces friction, enhancing the efficiency of bearings and other mechanical systems.
- Chemical Inertness: Silicon nitride is chemically inert, meaning it does not react with most chemicals, which is crucial for applications in corrosive environments.
- Non-Toxicity: Food-grade silicon nitride balls are non-toxic, ensuring safety in applications related to food processing and handling.
Silicon nitride balls are used in a variety of industries due to their unique properties. Here are some notable applications:
In aerospace, silicon nitride balls are used in bearings for aircraft engines and other high-performance components. Their ability to endure high temperatures and resist corrosion makes them indispensable in this sector. The military also leverages these balls for applications that require durability and reliability.
Silicon nitride balls play a crucial role in the automotive industry, particularly in electric and hybrid vehicles. They are used in electric motor shaft bearings, contributing to improved efficiency and longer service life. Their non-conductive nature makes them ideal for applications in electric motors.
For the food industry, the non-toxic and chemically inert nature of silicon nitride balls is vital. These balls are used in food processing equipment where contamination must be avoided. Their resistance to chemicals ensures that they do not react with food products, maintaining safety and hygiene standards.
Silicon nitride balls are integral to hybrid and full ceramic bearings, offering extended service life and reduced maintenance costs. Their lightweight and durable nature make them perfect for applications requiring high-speed and high-precision.
Silicon nitride balls offer several advantages over traditional materials like steel. Here’s why they are preferred in various industries:
- High Wear Resistance: These balls exhibit excellent wear resistance, ensuring longevity and reliability in demanding applications.
- Reduced Maintenance: The low friction and chemical inertness of silicon nitride balls mean less frequent lubrication and maintenance, saving time and costs.
- Environmental Safety: Being non-toxic and chemically inert, silicon nitride balls are environmentally friendly, reducing the risk of contamination.
- Versatility: Available in various sizes and grades, silicon nitride balls can be customized to meet specific requirements, from industrial applications to scientific research.
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

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FAQ
1. 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).
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:
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Load & speed requirements (dynamic/static stress).
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Temperature range (Si3N4 excels in high heat).
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Chemical exposure (resistant to most acids/alkalis).
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Electrical insulation needs (non-conductive).