Ceramic Bearings Ben Stratton Jake Allen
Overview Materials used in bearings What are ceramics? Why ceramic bearings over steel? Applications References Summary
Materials Used Steel Bronze Plutonium Nylon Aluminum Wood Teflon Ceramic
What are Ceramics? Definition: any inorganic nonmetallic solids processed at high temperatures. Properties: hard, stiff, high heat and corrosion resistance, low density Advanced: Silicon Nitride (Si 3 N 4 )
Ceramic Bearings What is a hybrid bearing? Ceramic balls Steel rings
Ceramic vs. Steel Friction/Vibration Ceramic High surface finish Smaller contact ellipse with race Lubrication Ceramic requires less lubrication
Ceramic vs. Steel
Wear
Ceramic vs. Steel Temperature Rise
Ceramic vs. Steel Properties
Ceramic vs. Steel Speed Ceramics can run at higher rpm Cost Ceramics cost 5% more than steel
Applications Medical Machine tools Turbines RC vehicles High speed electric motors Pumps Aerospace
References
Summary Lower friction Less wear Smaller temperature rise Higher speeds Slightly higher cost