Often used to create bearings, silicon nitride ceramic is harder than many types of bearing steel but is lightweight and can be easily polished. It also withstands high temperatures.

Often used instead of metal in bearings and rollers, these balls are ideal for applications where strength under heavy loads and wear resistance is needed. It's the addition of yttria that gives this zirconia more strength and lowers the chances of cracking from impact than standard zirconia, alumina, and silicon nitride ceramic. If cracks do occur, they will not spread, extending the life and reliability of the material. It also means this zirconia blend resists wearing down from rubbing against another part or abrasion from chemical slurries.

These balls do not withstand rapid temperature changes or high temperatures as well as other high-performance ceramics such as ceramic alumina and silicon nitride ceramic.

Extremely hard with excellent corrosion resistance, this silicon carbide ceramic is often used for rubbing parts such as bearings and bushings in chemical-processing environments. This material’s hardness means it resists abrasion and wear, but also makes it more brittle than other ceramics. Don’t use it under heavy loads or at high speeds. Nearly chemically inert, it resists corrosion better than other ceramics when in contact with acids and other chemicals. Silicon carbide ceramic conducts heat well and doesn’t expand significantly from heat, so it won’t deform or crack from temperature swings. Rated for use at up to 2550° F, it’s good for use in furnaces and refractories.