Hybrid Bearings (Ceramic Bearings)

Hybrid bearings are quickly becoming the bearing of choice because of the versatility of their uses and ability to out perform traditional steel bearings. These bearings are typically made with steel outer and inner rings, but with ceramic rolling elements made of either silicone nitride or zirconium oxide. This combination provides the bearing with unmatched performance. With increasing productions demands comes faster operating speeds, and requirements for maximum efficiency, reliability, and higher output quality. The steel bearings inability to keep up with technology's constant evolution has opened the door for more efficient and cost effective materials to be used in the manufacturing of ball bearings.

The use of hybrid bearings in many of today's machines is growing quickly. They are capable of outperforming steel ball bearings in practically every way, which ultimately increases productivity. Hybrid bearings offer increased speed due to their lighter weight. With the decrease in weight the forces exerted on the rings are less, resulting in less skidding, increasing running speeds that use less lubrication. Ceramic balls also have a higher resistance to warping than steel which improves accuracy.

The higher accuracy is due to the ceramic having a smoother finish than steel. Hybrid bearings are anti-friction as well. This leads to less wear, less lubrication, and lower energy consumption essentially extending the life of the bearing and reducing costs. The need for less lubrication will immediately reduce costs as the need for designing and maintaining a lubrication system is cut out. Hybrid bearings also provide low thermal expansion and insulation from electrical currents. In all hybrid bearings are more efficient, increase productivity, and lasting longer. All of these advantages combined will amount to reduced costs and increased profits.

The use of hybrid bearings in mechanical equipment is quickly replacing traditional steel bearings. Their versatility and ability to handle increasingly heavy forces while maintaining steady and efficient production has put them at the top of the list for almost all applications they could be used in. Whether it be a machine tool spindle, two cycle engines, furnaces, marine applications, manufacturing systems, processing or MRI equipment hybrid bearings can handle the job. Their combination of light weight, strength, and durability gives them an advantage in the ball bearing industry. They can reduce costs while simultaneously increasing production efficiency and therefore profits. When something so small can have such an impact on performance and profits why would you not want it to be part of your business model.

Advantages of Ceramic Ball Bearings

Ceramic ball bearings have many benefits for certain applications when compared to steel and other bearing materials. Below is a summary of benefits.

♦ High speed, faster acceleration comes from a material only 40% as dense as steel, yet strong enough to deliver 30-50% higher running speeds with reduced skidding and a lower volume of lubrication

♦ Lighter in weight ...ceramic ball bearings are more rigid and compared to steel ball bearings are lighter in weight, allowing for lower coefficients and higher overall rotations per minute (RPMs).

♦ Greater accuracy is the result of balls with a 50% higher modulus of elasticity than steel. This greater rigidity means less of the deformation that leads to vibration and spindle deflection, thus increasing both component quality and productivity

♦ Reduced friction leads to a host of benefits: longer life, less lubrication, energy efficiency, reduced sound levels and less heat

♦ Non-conductive properties of a nonmetal like silicon nitride eliminate the pitting and fluting of raceways common in electric motor applications. With steel bearings, electricity and magnetic fields can be created and act as a conductor damaging the bearing over time. Ceramic bearings are immune to this and are fine in environments where electricity is present.

♦ Corrosion resistance of silicon nitride makes it more effective than steel bearing balls in the presence of water or corrosive chemicals. Corrosion resistance can be enhanced when ceramic balls are combined with a dry film lubricant on the ring and retainer components

♦ Longer operating life ...5 to 10 times longer than standard metal bearings

♦ Higher temperature operation ceramic ball bearings can operate in high temperatures (can be up to 1,800 °F)

♦ Less noise and vibration due to a lower coefficient of friction

Compared to traditional steel bearings, ceramic bearings hold up better against corrosive elements such as water and salt. Their cooler operating temperature also allows them to improve the life of the lubrication, meaning their operating life should be longer.