Bearing Ball Materials

Borosilicate Glass Balls

Borosilicate Glass Balls are dimensionally stable, resist corrosion and chemical absorption. They can withstand high temperatures (up to 600° F). They are made from the special glass of the first hydrolytic class, which is well-known for its stability and pressure resistance, good workability and high thermal shock resistance due to its low rate of thermal expansion

Borosilicate glass balls are resistant to corrosion and remain absolutely neutral, even to aggressive chemicals in nearly all fields of chemistry. It is extremely resistant to water, acids, organic substances, halogens and it also has a high alkali resistance.

316 Stainless Steel Balls

AISI 316 stainless steel balls meet requirements for an unhardened ball with excellent toughness and resistance to corrosion.

AISI 316 is an austenitic, chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel and heat resisting steel with corrosion resistance superior to most other chromium-nickel stainless steels in many types of chemical corrodents, as well as, marine atmospheres.

Material Analysis:
All sizes and grades are of the highest quality and in accordance with AISI 316.

Chemical Analysis:
Carbon..........................................0.08% maximum
Chromium....................................16.0% to 18.0%
Manganese..................................2.0% maximum
Silicon...........................................1.0% maximum
Nickel............................................10.0% to 14.0%
Phosphorus.................................0.045% maximum
Sulphur.........................................0.03% maximum

Mechanical Properties:
Hardness as measured on parallel flat surfaces is Rockwell “C” 25-39.
Tensile Strength.........................80,000 to 120,000 psi
Elongation in two inches..........10.0% to 15.0%
Reduction in area.......................55.0% to 65.0%
Modulus of elasticity...................28,000,000 psi
Density..........................................0.29 lbs./cu. in

316L Stainless Steel Balls

AISI 316L stainless steel balls meet requirements for an unhardened ball with excellent toughness and resistance to corrosion. 316L is a low carbon austenitic, chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel with general corrosion resistance similar to 316, but with superior resistance to intergranular corrosion following welding or stress relieving.

Parts made from 316L are generally limited to service temperatures up to 800ºF (425ºC).

Material Analysis:
All sizes and grades are of the highest quality and in accordance with AISI 316L.

Chemical Analysis:
Carbon..........................................0.03% maximum
Chromium....................................16.0% to 18.0%
Manganese..................................2.0% maximum
Silicon...........................................1.0% maximum
Nickel............................................10.0% to 14.0%
Phosphorus.................................0.045% maximum
Sulphur.........................................0.03% maximum

Mechanical Properties:
Hardness as measured on parallel flat surfaces is Rockwell “C” 25-39.
Tensile Strength.........................80,000 to 120,000 psi
Elongation in two inches..........10.0% to 15.0%
Reduction in area.......................55.0% to 65.0%
Modulus of elasticity...................28,000,000 psi
Density..........................................0.29 lbs./cu. In

Acetal Balls

Acetal (POM) is considered a high performance plastic. This particular plastic has excellent chemical resistance, solvent resistance, wear properties and is self lubricating. The natural color of Acetal is white. This material, in its natural state, is heavier than water; meaning it will sink in water. The maximum continuous operating temperature in air for Acetal is 180°F.

Alumina Oxide Balls

Alumina Oxide Ceramic balls are particularly well suited for use in extremely harsh environments where high temperatures, corrosive and erosive substances are present. Standard 99.5% alumina oxide ceramic balls have proven performance in wear, heat and corrosive environments, as well as, in maintaining dimensional stability at temperatures up to 2000°F. Alumina resists oxidation and is tolerant to water, salt solutions, and many chemicals and acids, but is not suitable for use in hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acids or strong alkaline solutions.

Polypropylene Balls

Polypropylene (PP) has great chemical resistance properties and is generally described as a commodity resin with engineering resin capabilities. PP raw material comes in standard grade. FDA grades are available. The natural color of the raw material is translucent white. This material, in its natural state, is lighter than water, meaning PP balls float in water.

Silicon Nitride Balls

Specified for use in high-technology industries such as aerospace and defense. Silicon Nitride ceramic balls feature these advanced characteristics:

• Excellent corrosion resistance withstands attack from harsh chemicals and demanding environmental conditions.
• Lightweight Silicon Nitride weighs 60% less than steel which reduces centrifugal force, skidding and wear under high speed and acceleration.
• Superior Surface Finish, Ra 0.1 7-0.25 micro inches may extend.
• High Temperature Hardness is twice that of steel. These all-ceramic balls retain their strength and hardness up to 1800 degrees F.
• Silicon Nitride is further characterized by its low density of 3.2 g/cc, high flexural strength of 1.0 GPa, and fracture toughness of 6 MPa/M2.

Torlon® Balls

Torlon® polyamide-imide (PAI) is the highest strength and stiffness material of all thermoplastics with heat properties up to 525°F. It has outstanding resistance to wear, creep, and chemicals including strong acids and most organics and is ideally suited for severe service environments. The natural color of the raw material is olive. This material, in its natural state, is heavier than water, meaning Torlon® balls sink in water.