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DEVIATION FROM

BALL GRADE
BALL LOT DIAMETER

STEEL CERAMIC
(0.000001 IN.)
G3A 3C 5
G5A 5C 10
G10A 10C 20
G16A 16C 32
G24A 24C 48
VARIATION OF DEVIATION FROM SURFACE ROUGHNESS

BALL GRADE
BALL DIAMETER SPHERICAL FORM RA MAX.

STEEL CERAMIC
(0.000001 IN.) (0.000001 IN.)
STEEL CERAMIC
G3A 3C 3 3 0.40 0.15
G5A 5C 5 5 0.56 0.20
G10A 10C 10 10 0.80 0.25
G16A 16C 16 16 1.00 0.35
G24A 24C 24 24 2.60 0.50
Engineering
Ball Grades
Balls are manufactured to the precision requirements noted in
ANSI/ABMA Std. 10A for steel balls and ASTM F2094 for
ceramic balls. These standards require that balls meet the limits
for ball diameter, spherical form and roughness noted below for
each grade level. Lower grade numbers denote more precise
balls, which help to improve accuracy, reduce running torque,
lengthen lube life and reduce noise. With few exceptions,
NHBB manufactures its precision bearings with grade 10A
and 10C balls or better.
Individual Balls Lots
Engineered specifically for bearings, silicon nitride (ceramic)
balls possess highly controlled, consistent geometry and
extremely smooth and consistent surface finish. The stiffness,
light weight and inertness of silicon nitride balls offer significant
bearing performance advantages, including higher operating
speeds, lower heat generation, extended bearing life and
expanded design possibilities for unique and demanding
bearing applications. In addition, the dissimilar materials
between the ceramic balls and the steel rings minimize cold
welding and adhesive wear. Ceramic balls are particularly well
suited for high speed applications and in situations where
marginal lubrication is a possibility.
Specifications
Performance Benefits

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS ATTRIBUTES
ROOM TEMP.
HARDNESS
Silicon nitride ASTM F2094 Extended life, lower >1380 Hv10
torque, lighter weight, (>78 HRCj
higher stiffness

PROPERTIES
IMPROVEMENT IN BEARING
PERFORMANCE
Lower internal friction Lower internal temperature
Reduced cage and raceway wear
Lighter weight Lighter overall bearing weight
58% lighter than steel Decreased centrifugal force
Decreased gyroscopic movement
Higher stiffness & higher hardness Reduced skidding
Less friction
Lower operating temperatures
Less wear
Smoother surface Decreased lube degradation
65% smoother than steel No cold welding/adhesive wear
Less friction
Lower operating temperature
Less wear
Corrosion resistance Durability in harsh environments
Less wear
Resists galling
Higher maximum temperature Wider operating range
Typical Applications
Micro turbines (power generationj
Aircraft instrumentation
Gas turbine engines
Hot air valves
Helicopter gear boxes
Accessory gear boxes
Silicon Nitride Balls