Product Description
In the ever-evolving world of aerospace engineering, the quest for materials that can withstand extreme conditions is relentless. Bearings in jet engines and turbines face high pressure, temperature, and rotational speeds, demanding materials that offer exceptional performance. Enter aerospace-grade silicon nitride balls for bearings—a revolutionary solution that is transforming aerospace applications. With unmatched compressive strength, lightweight properties, and superior resistance to wear and corrosion, silicon nitride is setting new standards in the industry.
Silicon nitride balls boast a compressive strength of up to 4000 MPa, far surpassing traditional materials like steel, which typically offer around 2500–3000 MPa. This extraordinary strength makes silicon nitride balls ideal for handling the extreme pressures encountered in aerospace systems such as jet engines and turbines.
Weight reduction is a critical factor in aerospace engineering, directly impacting fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Silicon nitride is 30–40% lighter than steel, significantly reducing the weight of critical components. This lightweight nature not only enhances performance but also contributes to cost-effectiveness in aerospace applications.
Silicon nitride balls maintain their strength at temperatures exceeding 1000°C, making them suitable for environments like jet engines and space missions where extreme heat is common. This thermal resistance ensures reliability and longevity in high-temperature applications.
Operating in harsh environments, aerospace bearings require materials that resist wear and corrosion. Silicon nitride excels in vacuum conditions, high humidity, and minimal lubrication scenarios, reducing maintenance needs and extending component lifespan.
Silicon nitride bearings play a pivotal role in satellites and space probes, particularly in reaction wheels and gyroscopes. These components demand precision and reliability in vacuum environments, which silicon nitride provides through its wear and corrosion resistance. A case study highlighted a satellite manufacturer that achieved zero bearing failures over five years by switching to silicon nitride, significantly extending operational times.
Jet engines require materials that can withstand extreme heat and stress. Silicon nitride bearings excel in these conditions, maintaining strength at high speeds and temperatures. A leading aerospace company reduced component weight by 20% and improved fuel efficiency by replacing steel bearings with silicon nitride.
Space exploration missions, such as Mars rovers, operate in extreme environments. Silicon nitride bearings withstand temperature swings, dust, and radiation, ensuring smooth operation over extended missions. Their durability and ability to function without lubrication make them essential for long-term space missions.
Silicon nitride balls are not limited to aerospace applications; their benefits extend to industries like automotive and renewable energy. Electric vehicles use them to improve efficiency and reduce battery strain, while wind turbines rely on their durability in high-stress components. The lightweight and heat-resistant properties of silicon nitride balls are transforming these industries, offering environmental benefits by reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Advances in manufacturing are also driving down production costs, making these bearings accessible to more sectors.
| 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?
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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).
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