Product Description
In the realm of medical implants, the quest for materials that offer durability, biocompatibility, and wear resistance is ongoing. Silicon nitride (Si3N4) balls have emerged as a promising solution, particularly in applications such as joint replacements and dental implants.
Silicon nitride is a ceramic material known for its exceptional mechanical properties, including high fracture toughness, low density, and excellent thermal stability. These attributes make it ideal for demanding applications across various industries, including aerospace, military, and notably, the medical sector.
- High Wear Resistance: Si3N4 exhibits a low wear rate, making it suitable for applications where durability is critical.
- Biocompatibility: Studies show that Si3N4 is well-tolerated by the human body, with minimal immune response and excellent integration with biological tissues.
- Thermal Stability: It retains strength and hardness at high temperatures, reducing the risk of degradation in demanding environments.
The use of Si3N4 balls in medical implants, particularly in joint replacements, has gained attention due to their superior wear resistance and biocompatibility. Traditional materials like ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and cobalt-chromium alloys have limitations, including the release of wear particles that can lead to osteolysis and implant loosening. Si3N4 offers a viable alternative.
- Reduced Wear Particles: Si3N4 generates fewer wear particles compared to traditional materials, minimizing the risk of osteolysis.
- Biodegradability: The wear particles of Si3N4 can dissolve in bodily fluids, potentially reducing the need for revision surgeries.
- Improved Longevity: The material's durability can extend the lifespan of implants, offering a longer-term solution for patients.
A study published in the Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials highlights the potential of Si3N4 in dental implants. Using digital light processing (DLP) technology, researchers successfully fabricated Si3N4 dental implants that demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The study underscores the versatility of Si3N4 in various medical applications beyond joint replacements.
- Mechanical Strength: The Si3N4 implants exhibited a flexural strength of 770 MPa and a fracture toughness of 13.3 MPa·m1/2.
- Biocompatibility Tests: In vitro experiments confirmed the material's compatibility with human tissues, showing no signs of toxicity or adverse reactions.
While Si3N4's primary focus is on medical applications, its properties make it suitable for other industries as well. In the aerospace and defense sectors, Si3N4 balls are used in high-temperature and high-impact environments due to their lightweight and high strength. They are also employed in hybrid and full ceramic bearings for electric motors, offering reduced friction and extended service life.
- Aerospace: Used in aircraft components for their heat resistance and durability.
- Automotive: Ideal for engine parts and electric motor bearings, contributing to improved efficiency and longevity.
- Industrial Tools: Utilized in metalworking tools for their wear resistance and toughness.
| 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).
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