02 · The Technology
Why ceramic bearings
Silicon nitride is one of the most proven engineering ceramics for rolling bearings. Compared with conventional bearing steel, a full ceramic bearing offers a combination of properties that solve problems steel cannot.
- Rings
- Si₃N₄
- Balls
- Si₃N₄
Full ceramic construction
Silicon nitride rings and balls
In a full ceramic bearing, both the rings and the rolling elements are made from silicon nitride — the primary material across the ORIX range.
Final materials, tolerances and operating limits are defined by the approved product specification for each application. Thermal limits in particular depend on the cage and lubrication selected.
Properties
Advantages over conventional bearing steel
Lightweight, High-Speed
Silicon nitride is roughly 60% lighter than bearing steel, reducing centrifugal load and heat at high rotational speeds.
Electrically Insulating
Blocks current from passing through the bearing — a common cause of raceway damage in VFD-driven electric motors.
Corrosion Resistant
Performs in wet, washdown and chemically aggressive environments where steel bearings corrode.
Non-Magnetic
Suitable for equipment that is sensitive to magnetic fields or operates near strong magnetic sources.
Hard & Wear Resistant
Higher hardness than bearing steel helps the bearing hold its precision over a long service life.
Thermally Stable
Low thermal expansion and strength retained at elevated temperatures. Final limits depend on cage and lubrication.
Discuss your application with ORIX
Every application is reviewed with the customer before a bearing is recommended. Sample development and application testing are supported.