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Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball
Purity: ≥99%
Diameter: φ0.8-φ50.8 mm, or customized
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball is known for its lightweight and high strength—its density is much lower than that of metal balls, helping reduce system load while improving overall efficiency. It offers excellent resistance to acids and alkalis, exceptional wear resistance, and performs reliably even under high temperatures, high speeds, or dry running conditions. With strong electrical insulation and no risk of rusting, it’s a reliable choice for demanding environments. These features make it widely used in aerospace, high-speed bearings, wind turbines, pumps, and valve systems. We can supply high-quality silicon nitride ceramic ball with various specifications and competitive prices, offering customized solutions to meet specific requirements.
Or email us at sales@heegermaterials.com.Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball Data Sheet
| Reference Code: | HM2557 |
| Purity: | ≥99% |
| Color: | Black |
| Chemical Formula: | Si3N4 |
| Material Grades: | HMSN1000, HMSN2000, HMSN3000, HMSN4000 |
| Density: | 3.20 g/cm3 |
| Diameter: | Φ0.8-φ50.8 mm, or customized |
| Precision Grade: | G5~G60 |
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball Description
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball stands out for its ability to perform in demanding environments where conventional materials fail. Its structure is exceptionally tough, resisting thermal shock and maintaining stability across rapid temperature changes. The low friction coefficient ensures smooth operation in high-speed rotating systems, while its non-magnetic and non-conductive nature makes it suitable for sensitive electronic or medical equipment. Whether it’s operating in vacuum systems, exposed to chemicals, or running without lubrication, this ceramic ball remains dependable.
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball Features
- Lightweight and Long Service Life: With only 40% of the density of steel, it reduces centrifugal force at high speeds, minimizing wear and extending bearing life.
- High Hardness and Strength at Elevated Temperatures: Maintains excellent mechanical properties up to 1050 °C, with a hardness rating of HRC 78.
- Self-Lubricating and Rust-Free: Operates reliably without lubrication and resists oxidation and rust in harsh conditions.
- High Elastic Modulus: About 44% higher than steel, resulting in less deformation under stress.
- Low Thermal Expansion: Its thermal expansion coefficient is just one-third of steel, providing better dimensional stability under temperature changes.
- Thermal Shock Resistance: Withstands sudden temperature fluctuations without cracking or degrading.
- Chemical Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to acids, alkalis, and most aggressive chemicals.
- Non-Magnetic and Electrically Insulating: Suitable for use in magnetic-sensitive or electrically isolated environments.
- No Reaction with Molten Metals: Remains stable and non-reactive at high temperatures in contact with molten metals.
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball Applications
- Aerospace: Used in jet engines, gas turbines, and other high-temperature rotating components for their stability and heat resistance.
- Automotive Racing: Applied in high-performance engine bearings where lightweight, low friction, and high durability are essential.
- Energy Sector: Integral to turbines and high-temperature machinery in wind, gas, and thermal power systems.
- Electric Motors and Generators: Helps prevent electrical pitting and insulation failure in bearings exposed to electric currents.
- Medical Devices: Suitable for biocompatible implants and precision instruments due to its non-magnetic and inert properties.
Silicon Nitride Material Properties
Silicon Nitride Material Grades
HMSN1000 is produced through a gas over-pressure sintering technique, which is widely recognized for enabling the manufacture of high-strength silicon nitride parts with intricate shapes. The process starts with a silicon nitride powder blend that includes sintering additives—such as yttria, magnesium oxide, or alumina—to create a liquid phase during sintering, as well as binders to enhance the structural integrity of the pre-sintered form. After shaping the powder into the desired geometry and performing any necessary green machining, the components are densified in a nitrogen-pressurized furnace. This environment ensures proper consolidation while minimizing material loss due to evaporation or decomposition of silicon, nitrogen, and the additive elements.
Common Uses
- Components for aerospace systems
- Rolling and sliding elements in bearing units
- High-durability parts for internal combustion engines
- Tools and accessories for casting and metal processing
- Structural parts in mechanical assemblies
- Biocompatible elements for medical devices
HMSN2000 is manufactured using a hot pressing technique, where silicon nitride powder is compacted under high pressure and elevated temperature simultaneously. This method relies on specialized equipment, including precision dies and uniaxial presses. The result is a dense ceramic with outstanding strength and durability. However, the process is best suited for forming basic geometries due to the limitations of the equipment. Since components cannot be machined in the pre-sintered (green) state, all post-processing must be done through diamond grinding, which is both time-consuming and costly. As a result, this method is generally reserved for small-scale production of straightforward parts where premium material performance is required.
Common Uses
- Structural parts in aircraft and spacecraft systems
- Equipment and piping components in chemical processing industries
- Friction-resistant elements for engines
- Tools and wear parts used in metal casting environments
- Load-bearing and precision parts in industrial machinery
- Specialized pieces in medical and dental instruments
HMSN3000 utilizes the Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) process, where silicon nitride powder is compacted under both high pressure and high temperature. The material is placed in a chamber that is pressurized with inert gas, subjecting the component to uniform pressure from all sides at up to 2000 bar while it is simultaneously heated. This method helps to remove any residual porosity or defects during the sintering process, resulting in a material with a density close to its theoretical maximum. While HIP significantly improves the mechanical properties, durability, and overall reliability of the material, the high cost and complexity of the process limit its use to highly specialized applications.
Common Uses
- Components for aerospace and defense industries
- Precision bearing applications, especially in high-performance environments
- Equipment and components in chemical processing and industrial plants
- Engine parts subjected to extreme wear and thermal stress
- Foundry tools and wear-resistant components
- High-performance parts for mechanical engineering systems
- Medical components requiring high strength and biocompatibility
HMSN4000 is produced through an extruded gas over-pressure sintering process, where silicon nitride powder is blended with sintering additives, such as yttria, magnesium oxide, and/or alumina, to facilitate liquid-phase sintering. Additionally, binders are incorporated to enhance the mechanical properties of the green ceramic structure. The extrusion process helps form the material into the desired shape, and the parts are then subjected to gas over-pressure sintering in a controlled environment. This method ensures uniform density and superior mechanical performance, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
Common Uses
- Aerospace industry components
- Bearings used in high-performance machinery
- Equipment for chemical plants and industrial processing
- Wear-resistant parts for engines
- Components used in foundry operations
- Parts for mechanical engineering systems
- Medical-grade components for high-precision instruments
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Machining
Silicon nitride can be machined in green, biscuit, or fully sintered forms, each with different machining properties. In green or biscuit states, it is easier to shape into complex forms, but the material shrinks about 20% during sintering, affecting dimensional accuracy. For tight tolerances, fully sintered silicon nitride must be machined using diamond tools, a precise but costly process due to the material’s hardness and toughness.
Machining Methods and Considerations:
- Green or Biscuit Machining: Easier to machine into complex shapes but lacks final dimensional accuracy.
- Sintering Shrinkage: The material shrinks approximately 20% during the sintering process, affecting post-sintering dimensions.
- Tight Tolerances: For precise dimensions, post-sintered material must be machined using diamond tools.
- Diamond Grinding: This technique involves the use of diamond-coated tools or wheels to abrade the material and achieve the desired shape.
- Cost and Time: Machining fully dense silicon nitride is a slow, expensive process due to the hardness and toughness of the material.
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Packaging
Silicon nitride ceramic products are typically packaged in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture or contamination and wrapped with foam to cushion vibrations and impacts during transport, ensuring the quality of products in their original condition.
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