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.
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Zero Porosity: The HIP process eradicates porosity, leading to a denser material that offers improved sealing and mechanical strength.
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High Fracture Toughness: Unlike many ceramics, HIP Silicon Nitride Balls exhibit high fracture toughness, reducing the risk of cracks and defects under stress.
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Superior Wear Resistance: These balls maintain their integrity under high-speed and high-temperature conditions, significantly reducing wear and tear.
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Lightweight: Weighing approximately 60% less than steel balls, they reduce centrifugal force and wear in high-speed applications.
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Thermal Stability: With a low coefficient of thermal expansion, HIP Silicon Nitride Balls can withstand severe temperature fluctuations without compromising performance.
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Corrosion Resistance: They offer excellent resistance to chemical corrosion, making them suitable for use in harsh environments.
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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:
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Bearings: Used in high-speed, high-precision, and non-magnetic bearings, they are crucial in aviation, defense, and high-tech industries.
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Pumps and Valves: Their corrosion resistance and mechanical strength make them ideal for chemical and high-temperature pumps and valves.
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Medical Implants: The biocompatibility and durability of silicon nitride make it suitable for medical applications such as artificial joints and dental drills.
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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:
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Sintering: Initial shaping and partial densification of the silicon nitride material.
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HIP Treatment: The sintered components are subjected to the HIP process, where high temperature and pressure are applied to achieve zero porosity.
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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:
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Chemical Composition:
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Si3N4≥95%
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Bulk Density:
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3.2±0.05g/cm3
|
|
Elastic Modulus:
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350GPa
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Hardness Vickers:
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1870HV
|
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Bending Strength:
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780MPa
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Fracture Toughness:
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7.2MPa·m1/2
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Thermal Expansion Coefficient:
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3.2 10-6/K
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Thermal Conductivity:
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25W/(m·K)
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● Ball Sizes/Grade :
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Size (mm)
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Φ0.8-180
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|
Grade
|
Vdws
|
SPH
|
Vdwl
|
Ra
|
|
G3
|
0.05-0.08
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≤0.08
|
<0.13
|
0.01
|
|
G5
|
0.08-0.13
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≤0.13
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<0.25
|
0.014
|
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G10
|
0.15-0.25
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≤0.25
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<0.5
|
0.02
|
|
G16
|
0.2-0.4
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≤0.4
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<0.8
|
<0.025
|
|
G20
|
0.3-0.5
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≤0.5
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<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?
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Diameter range: 0.5mm to 50mm (custom sizes possible).
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Sphericity: As low as 0.1µm (Grade 5 for ultra-precision bearings).
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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:
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Load & speed requirements (dynamic/static stress).
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Temperature range (Si3N4 excels in high heat).
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Chemical exposure (resistant to most acids/alkalis).
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Electrical insulation needs (non-conductive).
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