Exploration of unconventional application fields of ceramic bearings

In our lives, bearings are everywhere. With the increasing progress of science and technology, the materials of bearings are becoming increasingly diverse. Ceramic bearings are a popular category. In the large family of ceramic rolling bearings, there are all ceramic bearings and ceramic hybrid bearings made by mixing stainless steel raceways with ceramic balls; There are silicon nitride ceramic bearings, zirconia ceramic bearings, and so on. However, regardless of the type of ceramic bearings, they are an important component of today's technological innovation.



The application of ceramics has a long history. Since around 25000 BC, humans have been using ceramics for household and industrial applications. The main reason why ceramic bearings can be widely used is that their materials are hard, wear-resistant, chemical stability and thermal stability are good, and they also have electrical insulation. All these excellent properties are unmatched by steel bearings. Although compared with steel bearings, ceramic bearings do not have price advantages. In specific applications, ceramic bearings can reduce friction, reduce weight, and may last longer than traditional stainless steel bearings, especially in many harsh environments. So, what special fields can ceramic bearings be applied to? The following will delve into three unconventional application fields of ceramic bearings, namely aerospace ceramic bearings, elite ceramic bearings, and medical ceramic bearings.



（1） All ceramic bearings in space applications



The space environment of all ceramic bearings in space applications is extremely harsh. In the process of launching spacecraft, factors such as ultra-high temperature, ultra-high speed, variable temperature on the orbit, as well as cosmic radiation and vacuum have added a barrier to space exploration, which directly affects the normal operation of space exploration equipment. Therefore, manufacturers must be cautious when selecting bearings and lubricants, as the huge impact caused by space launch can amplify any small malfunction to infinity. In countless space tests, it has been found that all ceramic bearings are the preferred choice for aerospace grade bearings. All ceramic bearings can continuously operate at high speeds without lubrication, therefore they perform well in vacuum, and are sometimes referred to as vacuum ceramic bearings. In addition, all ceramic bearings also have certain low-temperature resistance, which makes them ideal bearings for satellites and other projects. For example, their application in Mars exploration vehicles is an excellent example, especially Mars may face temperatures as low as 125 ° C.



（2） Hybrid ceramic bearings in elite competition applications



Ceramic bearings are most suitable for environments that are too harsh for steel bearings, such as extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, or other corrosive liquids. In marine environments, hybrid ceramic bearings play their role in corrosion resistance, providing excellent saltwater resistance while still maintaining high speed and acceleration capabilities. For example, in the development of rowing, ceramic hybrid bearings can cope with higher loads and their performance will not be affected by the invasion of seawater. In addition, professional cyclists often choose high-quality hybrid ceramic bearings, which can be processed into tight tolerance steel rings and lightweight advanced ceramic balls. In cycling, ceramic hybrid bearings can handle the high speed of the race while providing low rolling resistance, which means that ceramic hybrid bearings require less effort to rotate the wheels, thereby saving athletes' energy.



（3） Medical grade ceramic bearings



With the increasing progress of technology, medical technology is developing at an exponential rate. Doctors can customize implants based on the patient's scanning results, perform surgeries using robots, and use related technologies to remotely diagnose patients. Manufacturers must meet strict regulations when developing equipment for the medical and pharmaceutical sectors to prevent contamination, so they must choose suitable bearings for the application, namely bearings for the medical industry. In addition, some medical and surgical equipment must withstand the influence of harsh chemicals during the disinfection process. Steel bearings are prone to corrosion in such harsh environments, so wear-resistant ceramic bearings are usually a better choice for extending equipment life. In addition, ceramic bearings are also suitable for clean rooms because they can operate without lubrication, further reducing the risk of contamination.



Although ceramic bearings are harder than steel bearings, can provide higher dimensions and stronger stability, and have corrosion and heat resistance, they are much more expensive than steel bearings. Therefore, ceramic bearings are more suitable for high-value applications, such as laboratory equipment that must meet precise requirements. In laboratory equipment, the use of incorrect components increases the risk of contamination, putting the entire study at risk.



Ceramics is one of the oldest industries, and we have been using this material for thousands of years. With the design and development of new ceramic materials, ceramic bearings have increasingly demonstrated their advantages, such as high performance, corrosion resistance, and many other advantages. Because of these advantages, ceramic bearings can stand out in a range of harsh environmental applications.