Product Description
In the realm of aerospace engineering, where precision and reliability are paramount, the choice of materials can make all the difference. Silicon nitride (Si3N4) balls have emerged as a groundbreaking solution for satellites and extreme environments, offering unparalleled performance where traditional materials fall short.
Silicon nitride is a ceramic material renowned for its exceptional strength, thermal resistance, and chemical inertness. Its unique composition makes it ideal for applications that demand resilience under extreme conditions. The material is available in several phases, with the β-phase being the most commonly used due to its superior thermal stability and mechanical properties.
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Compressive Strength: Silicon nitride boasts a compressive strength of up to 4000 MPa, significantly surpassing traditional materials like steel, which generally offer around 2500-3000 MPa. This makes Si3N4 balls suitable for handling high pressures in aerospace systems.
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Lightweight Advantage: Si3N4 is 30-40% lighter than steel, reducing the weight of critical components and enhancing fuel efficiency and payload capacity—key considerations in aerospace engineering.
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Thermal Resistance: Silicon nitride maintains its strength even at temperatures exceeding 1000°C, making it ideal for environments such as jet engines and space missions, where extreme heat is commonplace.
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Wear and Corrosion Resistance: The material resists wear and corrosion, functioning reliably in vacuum environments, high humidity, or without lubrication. This reduces maintenance needs and extends the lifespan of components.
Silicon nitride balls are transforming aerospace applications, proving their worth in scenarios where traditional materials falter. Here are some key areas where Si3N4 balls are making an impact:
In satellite technology, precision is crucial. Si3N4 balls are used in reaction wheels and gyroscopes, essential for accurate positioning in space. Their resistance to wear and corrosion ensures long-term reliability, minimizing the risk of failure during extended missions.
A satellite manufacturer faced frequent bearing failures due to wear and degradation in vacuum conditions. By switching to silicon nitride bearings, the company achieved zero failures over five years, significantly extending satellite operational times.
Jet engines demand materials that can withstand extreme heat and stress. Si3N4 bearings excel in these conditions, maintaining their strength at high temperatures and operating reliably at high speeds. This makes them a preferred choice for high-performance rotors and turbines.
Beyond aerospace, the benefits of silicon nitride balls are being realized in 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, increasing energy output.
Silicon nitride’s lightweight properties contribute to lower fuel consumption and emissions in aerospace and automotive applications. Advances in manufacturing are also driving down production costs, making these bearings accessible to more industries.
| 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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Ship to South Korea
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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).
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