Steel Balls, Ceramic, Glass & Plastic Bearing Balls

Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) Ceramic Balls are formed from a new material suitable for applications where high loads, high speeds and extreme temperatures are factors. Long life and the need for minimal lubrication make this material appropriate for extreme applications. Silicon Nitride is non-porous, non-magnetic, non corrosive, lighter than steel and, in ball form, is harder than steel. Because ceramic balls are non-porous they are virtually frictionless and are capable of spinning faster than steel balls.

The C-HIP Ceramic Balls are similar to our Si3N4 Ceramic Ball series, but these C-HIP balls are made with by Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). These ceramic balls have an even greater density and hardness than a standard ceramic ball. Ceramic balls are suitable for applications where high loads, high speeds and extreme temperatures are factors. Long life and the need for minimal lubrication make this material appropriate for extreme applications. Ceramic is non-porous, non-magnetic, non corrosive and lighter than steel. In ball form, ceramic balls are also harder than steel and because ceramic balls are non-porous they are virtually frictionless and capable of spinning faster than steel balls.

Hot Isostatic Press (HIP) vs. Gas Pressure Sintered (GPS) Material Properties

Alumina Oxide (Al2O3) Ceramic Balls are resistant to most corrosive materials except for hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids or strong alkaline solutions. Alumina Oxide is non-porous, lighter than steel and, in ball form, harder than steel. Because ceramic balls are non-porous they are virtually frictionless and are capable of spinning faster than steel balls.

Stainless Steel 440C Series Balls contain a martensitic-type stainless steel used extensively in bearing applications that require hardness, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance and toughness. Stainless Steel 440C Balls are resistant to corrosion from fresh water, steam, crude oil, gasoline, perspiration, alcohol, blood and food stuffs. Stainless Steel does contain some carbon so it is still slightly magnetic.

316 Stainless Steel contains chromium, nickel and small amounts of manganese and molybdenum which make it more resistant to chlorides and saline environments. 316 Stainless Steel is resistant to most forms of oxidation. It is used in industrial applications where chemical exposure is high. 316 is also frequently used in saltwater environments and in medical and surgical equipment.

304 Stainless Steel contains chromium, nickel and small amounts of manganese. 304 Stainless Steel is resistant to most forms of oxidation. The durability makes 304 easy to sanitize, and therefore ideal for kitchen and food applications and environments. 304 Stainless Steel  is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions, and from saline environments like the coast, those conditions would warrant a different material need. 

304 Stainless Steel contains chromium, nickel and small amounts of manganese. 304 Stainless Steel is resistant to most forms of oxidation. The durability makes 304 easy to sanitize, and therefore ideal for kitchen and food applications and environments. 304 Stainless Steel  is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions, and from saline environments like the coast, those conditions would warrant a different material need. 

Chrome Steel 52100 Series Balls contain chromium and, due to thorough hardening, has excellent surface quality and high load capability. 52100 Chrome Steel is a universal material for many applications. Chrome Steel is magnetic.

Soda Lime Glass Balls for packaging and other industrial and consumer applications. 

Plastic Balls are made from a white hardened plastic. Plastic balls are often used in industrial applications for sizing, for non-crush applications, as rollers for tracks, among many other applications. Plastic balls are able to be graded in precision from 1-100. 

Hollow Stainless Steel Balls can be made from several different types of stainless steel. These hollow metal balls are used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. They are often used as float valves, also they are used as mechanisms for weight measurement. These are also popular among various commercial entities they are used as flag pole toppers. They are often times used by mixed media artists in their outdoor sculptures, kinetic art pieces, and in other artistic endeavors. 

Zirconia is inert to corrosive materials, with the exception of hydrofluoric acid and hot concentrated sulfuric acid. Zirconia is lighter than steel, non-magnetic and has a maximum useful temperature of 1800°F or 968°C.

Metallic alloy balls such as brass balls and bronze balls exhibit excellent corrosion resistance to chemicals, water, gas and oil. Brass balls are used in measurement devices, flow meters, pumps and valves. Brass balls are also ideal for electrical conductivity, electrical appliances and electrical contacts. Due to the low friction properties of brass balls gasoline rollover valves and fire equipment hose couplings are also common applications.

Brass balls are very hard, very salt water stable, water resistant. Due to its unique properties, which include corrosion resistance, common uses for Brass include applications which require low friction. These applications can include fittings (fasteners and connectors), tools, appliance parts, and ammunition components. It is good for electroplating and any electrical conductivity requirements. The metal has both good heat and electrical conductivity (its electrical conductivity can be from 23% to 44% that of pure copper), and it is wear and spark resistant (energy exploration). 

Soft Carbon Steel Balls are used in applications where the ball would need to be welded, modified, or drilled. The softer carbon steel allows these balls to be modified more easily than a standard chrome steel or stainless steel ball. 

S-2 Rockbit Steel balls are hardened steel balls often used in mining and drilling applications. The steel has been hardened to withstand the heavy loads and abrasive conditions associated with drilling into the ground. The S-2 Rockbit Balls are resistant to wear associated with the most extreme conditions. 

Blemished Balls are made from hardened chrome steel. These are ungraded non-precision balls often times used for weight, or in industrial applications where graded precision is not needed.