What are the different types of ceramic bearings?
Ceramic bearings include zirconia ceramic bearings, silicon nitride ceramic bearings, and silicon carbide ceramic bearings. The main materials used in these bearings are zirconia (ZrO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and silicon carbide (SiC), which possess high hardness, high wear resistance, high temperature resistance, excellent mechanical properties, and oxidation resistance.
Specifically, ceramic bearings can be classified by material as follows:
Zirconium Oxide Ceramic Bearings: The bearing rings and rolling elements are made of zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic material. The cage is usually made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), but special materials such as glass fiber reinforced nylon 66 (RPA66-25), special engineering plastics (PEEK, PI), stainless steel (AISI SUS316), and brass (Cu) can also be used.
Silicon Nitride Ceramic Bearings: The bearing rings and rolling elements are made of silicon nitride (Si3N4). Compared to ZrO2 bearings, they have higher speed and load capacities and can withstand higher temperatures.
Silicon carbide ceramic bearings: The bearing rings and rolling elements are made of silicon carbide (SiC), possessing excellent properties such as high hardness, wear resistance, rigidity, and low friction.
Furthermore, ceramic bearings can be classified by structure as follows:
All-ceramic bearings: Both the rings and rolling elements are made of ceramic materials. The cage offers various options, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), nylon 66, polyetherimide (PEEK), polyimide (PI), stainless steel, or special aerospace aluminum.
Hybrid ceramic bearings: The rings are made of bearing steel or stainless steel, while the rolling elements are ceramic balls. They possess excellent properties such as low density, high hardness, wear resistance, rigidity, and low friction, and their service life is significantly extended.
Ceramic bearings can be classified by application as follows:
High-speed bearings: Primarily used in high-speed, high-precision equipment. They have low elasticity under stress, high compressive strength, light weight, and a wide temperature tolerance range.
High-temperature bearings: Used in high-temperature equipment, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1200℃, and possess good self-lubricating properties.
Corrosion-resistant bearings: Used in harsh environments requiring resistance to strong acids, alkalis, organic mixtures, or seawater.
Antimagnetic bearings: Non-magnetic, used in demagnetizing equipment, precision instruments, etc., effectively preventing arcing and breakdown of components.
Electrically insulated bearings: High resistivity, effectively preventing arcing and breakdown of components, frequently used in electrical equipment.
Vacuum bearings: Good self-lubricating properties, used in ultra-high vacuum environments.
If you want to know more bearing information,please contact us :
sales@cwlbearing.com
service@cwlbearing.com
Post time: Jan-19-2026
