ZRO2 Zirconia ceramic bearing balls
Zirconia (ZrO₂) ceramic balls are usually considered when steel doesn't hold up well anymore - for example, when there's moisture, chemicals, or lubrication isn't reliable.
The material itself is stabilized zirconia (Y-TZP in most cases). It's still a ceramic, but compared with others, it's a bit more forgiving. You get good hardness, but also enough toughness that it's less likely to chip or crack under normal working conditions.
From what we've seen, customers tend to use zirconia balls mainly in a few situations:
when corrosion starts to be a problem (water, cleaning agents, food environments)
when they want to reduce lubrication or avoid it altogether
when insulation is required
In lighter-load, higher-speed applications, zirconia usually runs a bit smoother than steel. Partly because friction is lower, but also because the surface stays more consistent over time. It's also lighter than steel, so the centrifugal force is lower during rotation - which helps once the speed goes up.
- Material Properties (Typical for ZrO2)
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Zirconia (ZrO2, Y-TZP) |
| Density | 6.0 – 6.1 g/cm³ |
| Hardness | 1200 – 1300 HV |
| Fracture Toughness | 7 – 10 MPa·m½ |
| Elastic Modulus | ~210 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 2 – 3 W/m·K |
| Max Working Temp | 800 – 1000°C |
| Electrical Property | Insulating |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent |
- Precision & Size Data
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | 0.5 mm – 50 mm (custom up to 100mm+) |
| Precision Grades | G5 / G10 / G16 / G25 / G100 |
| Diameter Tolerance | ±0.25 μm (G10 example) |
| Sphericity | ≤ 0.25 μm |
| Surface Roughness | Ra ≤ 0.1 μm |
| Color | White / Ivory |
- Performance Comparison
| Property | Zirconia Ball | Steel Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Lubrication Requirement | Low / None | Required |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Friction | Very Low | Medium |
| Electrical Insulation | Yes | No |
| Wear Resistance | High | Medium |
Products Description
We usually supply these balls for:
food processing equipment (no contamination)
chemical pumps and valves
medical or clean systems
electric motors (insulation needed)
high-speed precision bearings
water or marine environments
Some customers also use them to replace stainless steel balls when corrosion becomes a recurring issue.
Certifications
Certifications
| 11 Years+ OEM&ODM Bearings Manufacturers |
ISO 9001
RoHS
REACH
SGS
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FAQ
1. Are zirconia balls better than steel balls?
Not always. If your application involves corrosion, water, or no lubrication, zirconia is a better choice. For heavy shock loads, steel may still be more suitable.
2. What precision grade should I choose?
G5 / G10 → high precision bearings
G16 / G25 → general industrial use
G100 → non-precision applications
If you're not sure, G10 is usually a safe starting point.
3. Can zirconia balls run without lubrication?
Yes, in many cases they can run dry due to very low friction, but it still depends on load and speed conditions.
4. Do zirconia balls break easily?
They are much tougher than typical ceramics due to transformation toughening, but they are still more brittle than steel under impact.
5. What sizes do you stock?
Common sizes like 1mm–25mm are usually in stock. Larger or special sizes can be customized.
6. Can you supply OEM or bulk orders?
Yes, we support:
custom sizes
bulk packaging
OEM labeling
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