Product Description
In the world of advanced materials, HIP Silicon Nitride Balls, or
Hot Isostatically Pressed (HIP) Si3N4 Balls, stand out as a
remarkable innovation. Known for their zero porosity and superior
mechanical properties, these ceramic balls are revolutionizing
industries that demand high performance and reliability.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is a manufacturing process that
combines high temperature and isostatic gas pressure to enhance the
mechanical properties of materials. In this process, components are
placed in a sealed chamber where they are subjected to extreme heat
and pressure using an inert gas, typically argon. This combination
effectively eliminates porosity, resulting in materials that are
denser and possess superior mechanical properties.
Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is a hard ceramic known for its exceptional
strength, thermal shock resistance, and low coefficient of thermal
expansion. These properties make it an ideal candidate for
applications requiring high structural integrity and wear
resistance. The HIP process further enhances these characteristics
by achieving zero porosity, thereby maximizing the material's
potential.
Zero Porosity: The HIP process eradicates porosity, leading to a denser material
that offers improved sealing and mechanical strength.
High Fracture Toughness: Unlike many ceramics, HIP Silicon Nitride Balls exhibit high
fracture toughness, reducing the risk of cracks and defects under
stress.
Superior Wear Resistance: These balls maintain their integrity under high-speed and
high-temperature conditions, significantly reducing wear and tear.
Lightweight: Weighing approximately 60% less than steel balls, they reduce
centrifugal force and wear in high-speed applications.
Thermal Stability: With a low coefficient of thermal expansion, HIP Silicon Nitride
Balls can withstand severe temperature fluctuations without
compromising performance.
Corrosion Resistance: They offer excellent resistance to chemical corrosion, making
them suitable for use in harsh environments.
Non-Magnetic and Electrically Insulative: These properties make them ideal for applications where magnetic
interference or electrical conductivity is a concern.
HIP Silicon Nitride Balls are utilized across a variety of
industries due to their outstanding properties:
Bearings: Used in high-speed, high-precision, and non-magnetic bearings,
they are crucial in aviation, defense, and high-tech industries.
Pumps and Valves: Their corrosion resistance and mechanical strength make them
ideal for chemical and high-temperature pumps and valves.
Medical Implants: The biocompatibility and durability of silicon nitride make it
suitable for medical applications such as artificial joints and
dental drills.
Aerospace and Automotive: Their lightweight and high strength are beneficial in reducing
fuel consumption and enhancing performance in aerospace and
automotive components.
The production of HIP Silicon Nitride Balls involves several
critical steps:
Sintering: Initial shaping and partial densification of the silicon nitride
material.
HIP Treatment: The sintered components are subjected to the HIP process, where
high temperature and pressure are applied to achieve zero porosity.
Finishing: Precision grinding and polishing ensure the balls meet strict
dimensional and surface finish requirements.
While both HIP and Gas Pressure Sintering (GPS) utilize gas to
apply pressure, the key difference lies in the pressure levels. HIP
uses higher pressure (100-300 MPa) compared to GPS (1-10 MPa),
resulting in complete densification and superior mechanical
properties. This makes HIP the preferred choice for applications
demanding the highest performance.
The decision to use HIP Silicon Nitride Balls hinges on their
unparalleled combination of properties. For industries where
performance, reliability, and longevity are paramount, these balls
offer a compelling solution. Their ability to operate under extreme
conditions without degrading makes them indispensable in
cutting-edge technologies.
| Property | Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) | Steel (440C) | Zirconia (ZrO2) | Alumina (Al2O3) |
|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 3.2 | 7.8 | 6.0 | 3.9 |
| Hardness (HV) | 1,400–1,600 | 700–900 | 1,200–1,300 | 1,500–1,800 |
| Fracture Toughness (MPa·m½) | 6–7 | 15–20 | 7–10 | 3–4 |
| Compressive Strength (GPa) | 2.5–3.5 | 2.0–2.5 | 2.0–2.3 | 2.0–3.0 |
●Description:
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Ball is the most ideal bearing ball for
bearing applications, due to the excellent properties of silicon
nitride ceramics, it has many irreplaceable advantages comparing to
traditional steel materials, such as: high mechanical strength, low
wear loss, good self-lubrication, low density, high corrosion
resistance, good electrical insulation etc.
Therefore, Silicon Nitride Balls are mostly used for some harsh
working conditions: high speed/super speed bearings, high precision
bearings, bearings in vacuum, high/low temperature bearings.
Moreover, Silicon Nitride Ceramic Balls can also used as valve ball
or measurement balls in chemical pumps/high temperature
pumps/metdering pumps.
●Physical Properties:
Chemical Composition: | Si3N4≥95% |
Bulk Density: | 3.2±0.05g/cm3 |
Elastic Modulus: | 350GPa |
Hardness Vickers: | 1870HV |
Bending Strength: | 780MPa |
Fracture Toughness: | 7.2MPa·m1/2 |
Thermal Expansion Coefficient: | 3.2 10-6/K |
Thermal Conductivity: | 25W/(m·K) |
● Ball Sizes/Grade :
Size (mm) | Φ0.8-180 |
Grade | Vdws | SPH | Vdwl | Ra |
G3 | 0.05-0.08 | ≤0.08 | <0.13 | 0.01 |
G5 | 0.08-0.13 | ≤0.13 | <0.25 | 0.014 |
G10 | 0.15-0.25 | ≤0.25 | <0.5 | 0.02 |
G16 | 0.2-0.4 | ≤0.4 | <0.8 | <0.025 |
G20 | 0.3-0.5 | ≤0.5 | <1 | <0.032 |
G100 | 0.4-0.7 | 0.4-0.7 | <1.4 | <0.0105 |
Factory equipment
Exhibition & Partner
Case
Ship to South Korea
Ship to Spain
FAQ
1. What sizes and tolerances are available?
Diameter range: 0.5mm to 50mm (custom sizes possible).
Sphericity: As low as 0.1µm (Grade 5 for ultra-precision bearings).
Surface finish: Ra < 0.02µm (mirror polish for low friction).
2. Are silicon nitride balls FDA-approved for medical use?
Yes! Si3N4 is biocompatible (ISO 6474-1) and used in spinal implants, dental devices, and joint
replacements due to its antibacterial properties.
3. How do I choose the right Si3N4 balls for my application?
Consider:
Load & speed requirements (dynamic/static stress).
Temperature range (Si3N4 excels in high heat).
Chemical exposure (resistant to most acids/alkalis).
Electrical insulation needs (non-conductive).
