Alternative Ball Material
CERBEC® silicon nitride balls
Engineered specifically for bearings, CERBEC® silicon nitride balls deliver highly controlled, consistent geometry (often better than 0.000001 tolerance) and extremely smooth and consistent surface finish (<0.15 micro-inch Ra). The stiffness, light weight and inertness of silicon nitride offer significant bearing performance advantages, including higher operating speeds, extended bearing life and expanded design possibilities for unique and demanding bearing applications.
Typical Applications
- Semiconductor processing (high vacuum)
- Medical and dental handpieces
- Turbo molecular pumps
- Flow meters
- Scanners
- Micro turbines (power generation)
- Aircraft instrumentation
- Machine tool spindles
Chart of Performance Benefits
| PROPERTIES | IMPROVEMENT IN BEARING PERFORMANCE |
|---|---|
| Lower internal friction |
Lower internal temperature Reduced cage and raceway wear |
| Lighter weight: 58% lighter than steel |
Lighter overall bearing weight Decreased centrifugal force Decreased gyroscopic movement |
| Higher stiffness & higher hardness: 68% stiffer than steel |
Reduced skidding Less friction Lower operating temperatures Less wear |
| Smoother surface: 75% smoother than steel |
Decreased lube degradation No cold welding/adhesive wear Less friction Lower operating temperature Less wear |
| Corrosion resistance |
Durability in harsh environments Less wear Resists galling |
| Higher maximum temperature: 1000° C vs. 320° C for steel | Wider operating range |
| Lower thermal expansion | Lower operating temperature |
Trademark
CERBEC® is a registered trademark of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation.