Product Description
In the realm of advanced ceramics, SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls stand out as a revolutionary material optimized for thermal shock resistance. These balls, composed of silicon nitride (Si3N4) and further enhanced with SiAlON, offer unparalleled advantages in high-temperature and high-impact environments. As industries increasingly demand materials that can withstand extreme conditions, SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls have emerged as a preferred choice, especially in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and military applications.
SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls are comprised of silicon, nitrogen, aluminum, and oxygen atoms arranged in a crystalline structure. This unique composition results in a material that is not only hard and wear-resistant but also exceptionally thermally stable. The integration of SiAlON into the Si3N4 matrix enhances the material's ability to resist thermal shock, making it ideal for applications involving rapid temperature changes.
One of the most significant advantages of SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls is their mechanical robustness. These balls exhibit high hardness, which contributes to their wear and abrasion resistance. The hardness also allows them to withstand high loads without deformation, ensuring longevity and efficiency in applications where moving components are in contact.
SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls boast excellent thermal stability and shock resistance. They can endure rapid temperature fluctuations without cracking or breaking, a crucial property for applications in high-temperature environments such as automotive engines and aerospace components. Their low coefficient of thermal expansion further supports their thermal shock resistance, reducing the risk of structural failure under extreme conditions.
Silicon nitride is renowned for its chemical inertness, and the addition of SiAlON enhances this property. These balls are highly resistant to corrosive substances, acids, and alkalis, ensuring longevity and consistent performance in environments where exposure to such chemicals is inevitable.
In aerospace and military applications, materials are subjected to extreme conditions, including high temperatures and corrosive environments. SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls are used in bearings and components that require high strength and thermal shock resistance. Their ability to withstand the rigorous demands of these sectors makes them indispensable in aircraft engines and defense systems.
The automotive industry benefits significantly from the use of SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls, particularly in high-performance engines. These balls are employed in bearings and engine components where high speed and temperature resistance are critical. Their lightweight nature reduces centrifugal force and wear, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and engine longevity.
SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls are also utilized in industrial applications such as cutting tools and ball valves. Their hardness and thermal stability make them ideal for machining hard materials and ensuring reliable operation in high-temperature environments. Additionally, their chemical resistance makes them suitable for use in industries dealing with corrosive substances.
Compared to steel, SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls are significantly lighter, weighing 60% less. Despite their lightweight nature, they retain high strength and hardness, making them suitable for demanding applications where weight reduction is beneficial without compromising performance.
These ceramic balls exhibit high fracture toughness, reducing the likelihood of breakage under stress. Their wear resistance ensures a longer service life, minimizing maintenance costs and downtime in industrial settings.
SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls are electrically non-conductive, making them suitable for applications in electric motors and generators. This property is particularly advantageous in the manufacturing of electric and autonomous vehicles, where electrical insulation is crucial.
When integrating SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls into engineering designs, considerations such as size, grade, and quantity are essential. Manufacturers offer customization options, allowing engineers to select the most suitable specifications for their applications.
Despite their advanced properties, SiAlON-enhanced Si3N4 balls are cost-effective compared to other high-performance materials. Their durability and reduced maintenance requirements contribute to overall savings in industrial applications.
| 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
Exhibition & Partner
Case
Ship to South Korea
Ship to Spain
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).
