Ceramic - Bearings - Technical Information - Hobby and Engineering

Ceramic vs Ceramic Hybrid

Ceramic Hybrid Bearings

A Ceramic Hybrid Bearing is a bearing with Steel Races and Ceramic Balls. The balls are usually Si3N4 (Silicon Nitride), and the races can be either SAE52100 Chrome Steel or AISI440C Stainless Steel.

Benefits of the Ceramic Hybrid Bearing

• Ceramic balls are harder often resulting in longer life.
• Ceramic balls are usually smoother resulting in less vibration.
• Ceramic balls are non-metallic meaning no magnetic build up and longer life due to no micro-welding between balls and races.
• More tolerant of reduced lubrication.

Ceramic Bearings

A Ceramic Bearing is a bearing with Ceramic Races and Ceramic Balls. Ceramic Bearings may be either Si3N4 (Silicon Nitride - Grey) or ZrO2 (Zirconia - White).

Benefits of the Ceramic Bearing

• High Temperature. Cages fitted to Ceramic Bearings are often made from PTFE which can withstand temperatures up to 260^oC.
• With no cage the Zirconia Bearing can be used in temperatures exceeding 1000^oC whereas Silicon Nitride can be used to around 700^oC.
• Silicon Nitride Bearings can run at loads and speeds approaching those of steel bearings. Zirconia is reserved for slower less loaded applications.
• Inert to water and most chemicals.
• Non magnetic
• Can be used without lubrication
• No heat build up due to friction

See also

• Properties of Silicon Nitride Ceramic (Si3N4)
• Properties of Zirconia Ceramic (ZrO2)

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