Most people would never think about the ceramic ball bearings advantages over other types of ball bearings. But there certainly are advantages that come into play and, whether you realize it or not, these differences and advantages effect the way you live, how you use machinery, and the physics behind moving parts.
The modern ceramic ball bearing is a credible alternative to steel ball bearings. It offers capabilities of much higher speed and acceleration then do steel bearings. In addition it offers the quality of increased stiffness and lower friction. All of these attributes lead to a more efficient bearing that has a lower cost per unit that allows for a longer lifespan.
But ceramic ball bearings advantages don’t end there. They are very adaptable and be manufactured in all standard industry configurations:
- Angular Bearings
- Trust Bearing
- Pillow Block Bearing
- Needle Bearings
- Roller Bearings
- Skater Bearings
- Square Bearings
Because the exterior of the bearing is made of ceramic material it will normally have a smoother surface than steel balls. This of course is one of the main factors that lead to a longer life cycle for the ceramic bearings.
The ceramic ball bearings advantages keep on coming! They require less lubricant and show less lubricant degradation. This is just another reason that the life cycle of the ceramic bearing is longer than steel bearings.
The utility of the ceramic ball bearing is evident in the applications in which you will find them. Some examples: aircraft accessories, semiconductor, food processing, high speed electric motors.
Ceramic ball bearings can operate at a high temperature range of 1,400-1,600F. Try doing that with steel. And just to put a little bit of topping on the old turbine…ceramic ball bearings are much more resistant to oxidation than their steel counterparts.
The ceramic ball bearings advantages are clear. If your engineering department can design them into your next project then you should approve the new bearing.