Metallic elements mixed with non-metallic elements are used to make ceramics. Actually, the term ceramics comes from a Greek word meaning clay or potter's earth. This word is Keramos.
To make a Ceramic ball bearing both non-metallic and inorganic ingredients are mixed together and fired at high temperatures. As this is a man-made process, the desired sizes are easy to produce.
Ceramic ball bearings come in two classifications. The bearings can be either Full Ceramic Bearings or hybrid ceramic ball bearings. The ball bearings have two parts, an inner ring and an outer ring.
Ceramic ball bearings are made of 100% ceramic material. Hybrid ceramic ball bearings contain a steel center with the outer ring made with a ceramic substance.
Various kinds of ceramic materials are used. Two of the most popular are Si3N4 and Zr02. One mixture is a combination of silicon nitride ceramic material that is black and called Si3N4. This is the most popular. If white is desired, a mixture of zirconium dioxide (Zr02) is formed, also called zirconia or zirconium oxide. It is hard to tell a ball of Zr02 and a pearl apart, as the zirconia Ceramic ball bearing very closely resembles the pearl.
Although ceramic material is softer than steel, it also weights less and creates less friction. This mean Ceramic ball bearings move faster with less heat. In a high speed application this is very important.
For over 10 years, these wonderful ceramic ball bearings found many uses. The most common uses are in satellites, racing, especially formula 1 racing, turbines and tools especially designed for cutting.
Why? There are three reasons for the popularity of Ceramic ball bearings.
1. Thermal Expansion: Most materials change size when exposed to changes in temperatures. Steel expands and contracts 35% more than Ceramic ball bearings. Therefore Ceramic ball bearings work smoother and eliminate some of the vibration of other products.
2. Less Conductivity: Ceramic ball bearings do not conduct electricity. Unlike steel, Ceramic ball bearings do not oxidize or rust.
3. Weight Reduction: Steel weights about 40% more than silicon nitride ceramic balls. The lighter weight of Ceramic ball bearings is easier to speed up or slow down, especially at high speeds.
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