Ceramic Balls

Ceramic balls are rolling, spherical elements that are used in check and ball valves, bearings, and other mechanical devices that provide rotary or linear motion. Like other ceramic products, they are made from inorganic, nonmetallic materials that are processed or used at high temperatures. Outer diameter (OD) or width is an important physical specification to consider. Many ceramic balls feature a highly controlled geometry and an extremely smooth surface finish. Precision grinding removes cuts, scratches, scuffs, and other breaks in surface continuity. Processes such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP) are used to create products with a pore-free microstructure and micron-sized grains. Many ceramic balls exhibit much greater hardness than steel balls, resulting in longer life and improved reliability. Ceramic balls can also provide higher stiffness, lower thermal expansion, lighter weight, increased corrosion resistance, and higher electrical resistance than comparable steel products.