Ceramic Balls

Ceramic balls represent an important advancement in technology because they are significantly stronger and lighter than traditional chrome balls or steel balls. Ceramic balls (silicon nitride, Si3N4 ) show very little deformation under pressure. For this reason, ceramic balls have an excellent application in high-performance precision bearings and bearing tracks. The balls' hardness reduces the coefficient of friction present in the subassembly, thereby maximizing the amount of energy that is converted to work. 

Additionally, silicon nitride is thermally stable and therefore the ceramic balls can withstand extremely high temperatures. When one compares the melting point of silicon nitride (1900 C) to stainless steel (1370 C), it is easy to see how ceramic balls have revolutionized engineering in manufactured items that are subject to extremely high temperatures. 

One such example is the aircraft braking assemblies. These systems must withstand an incredible amount of pressure and heat, yet must be light enough to conserve fuel on hundreds of flight-miles per day. Such an application yields an obvious decision for precision ceramic balls, since the difference in weight between these balls and hollow balls can save thousands of dollars yearly. 

Some commercial applications of ceramic balls include the automotive and aircraft industry, since the balls are extremely durable and light-weight. Ceramic balls have gained notoriety by enabling motion in commercial power-generating windmills. Considering how frequently the windmill is designed to revolve and how much stress is placed on the components, this is an excellent example of the ceramic balls' value. 

Another important aspect of ceramic balls is their extreme hardness and resistance to wear. Ceramic balls have an extremely long usable life, and are ideal for components that cannot be maintained easily. These balls, once installed in any machine or subassembly, show a resistance to wear unlike any other material. The material in ceramic balls shows remarkably little deformation when used in machines that exert extreme pressure on their components.

Ceramic balls are also non-reactive to human and animal internal systems, giving them a unique biological application. Ceramic balls have also been applied to internal medicine to treat several human and animal dysfunctions. Of course, it would be impossible to use steel for this due to the chemicals present inside the human body which would corrode the steel.