Detailed Scope And Analysis Of Ceramic Ball Bearing
Abstract
Starting in 1963, Silicon Nitride was developed by NASA for Thermal Protection Systems for the space program in the Washington’s University Department of Material's Science and Engineering. Eventually manufacturers of various products from the starting block of all machinery, the ball bearing, to manufacturers of complete ceramic engine assemblies have been slowly discovering the benefits and various uses of today's hi-tech ceramics. Silicon Nitride ceramic balls are virtually indestructible and survive in thermal and heavy load environments that will destroy steel balls. A uniform and stress-free material that won’t dent or rust and is virtually unbreakable is produced by advanced processing methods. A mirror finish is given to ceramics, ensuring they will not be worn down or degraded over time. Ceramic balls have demonstrated a 3 to 5 time life improvement over traditional steel designs. A precision bearing in which one or all components are made of ceramic elements is known as a Ceramic Hybrid Ball Bearing. A highly processed silica and ceramic material which is similar to the heat-absorbing and highly resilient tiles used on the Space Shuttle is found in silicon nitride. These tiles are used to line the heat shield of the Space Shuttle, as they protect it from the 2500 plus degrees F. extremes of re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. A far superior and longer-lasting product over traditional all-steel ball bearings is produced when ceramics are used for bearing components. A much higher hardness is shown by the ceramic ball than by steel (Rockwell 78c versus Rockwell 60c for steel balls), and a weight reduction of 60% compared to steel is achieved, making it much less prone to skid. In addition a significantly rounder shape and a finer finish are possessed by these elements than by conventional steel balls. An operating temperature of 2000 degrees F is achieved by ceramics, versus 600 degrees F for steel. Vibration levels that average two to seven steel are shown by ceramic hybrid bearings while a service life two to 5 times longer than traditional steel ball bearings is maintained. Since 25% of all produced electrical energy is used to power some type of electric motor a massive saving in resources can be imagined if all motors were run with ceramic hybrid ball bearings.
Keywords
Ceramic Hybrid Ball Bearings, Silicon Nitride, Friction Reduction, Wear Resistance, Energy Efficiency
