High-precision silicon nitride balls for bearings

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Abstract
Hybrid ceramic bearings are now commercially available for use in high performance applications where the properties of the ceramic balls give advantages in terms of higher operating speeds, increased stiffness, lower fraction and less heat generation. Most hybrid bearings are high precision angular contact ball bearings fitted with silicon nitride balls, which have to be finished to ISO dimensional grades 3 and 5. Ball diameter variation and deviation from the spherical form has to be less than 0.125 micrometers for Grade 5 balls and less than 0.08 micrometers for Grade 3 balls. Surface finish of silicon nitride balls is typically 0.003 - 0.010 micrometers Rq (0.002 - 0.008 micrometers Ra). At this level, the basic material microstructures is discernible which facilitates inspection for material and other faults.

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