Starting from the rigorous testing of the wire for all crucial factors, balls are produced in specifically designed machines called Headder, Flasher, Grinder and Lapper. Heat treatment is one of the most important operations that give required strength & hardness to the balls. Heat treatment makes the balls tough and wear resistant. Different materials can be used and are outlined below, if you cannot find what you are looking for please feel free to contact us directly.
Metal balls are rolling, spherical elements that are used in check and ball valves, bearings, and other mechanical devices that provide rotary or linear motion. They are usually made from alloy steel, carbon steel or stainless steel. Metal balls are characterized by the Outer Diameter, Permissible Deviation, Surface Roughness and Tolerance. The Outer Diameter (OD) is the overall width or average diameter of the ball. Permissible Deviation is the greatest radial distance in a radial plane between a sphere around the metal ball surface and any point on the ball surface. Surface Roughness measures the irregularities that form on the surface, but are not significant deviations. Basic diameter Tolerance is the maximum allowable deviation average diameter from the diameter specified. Boca Bearings stocks a wide assortment of 52100 Chrome Steel Balls, 440C Stainless Steel Balls and Carbon Steel Balls.
Ceramic balls are rolling, spherical elements that are used in check and ball valves, bearings, and other mechanical devices that provide rotary or linear motion. They are made from inorganic, nonmetallic materials that are processed at high temperatures. Many ceramic balls are capable of achieving an extremely smooth surface finish to a high degree of tolerance. As a result Ceramic Balls have an extremely low coefficient of friction as compared to Metal Balls. Grinding removes cuts, scratches, scuffs, and other irregularities. Many ceramic balls exhibit much greater hardness than steel balls, resulting in longer life and improved reliability. Ceramic balls can also provide high stiffness, low thermal expansion, light weight, increased corrosion resistance, and electrical resistance. Boca Bearings stocks a wide assortment of Silicon Nitride Ceramic Balls, Alumina Oxide Ceramic Balls and Zirconia Ceramic Balls.
Below is a list of Balls design features and characteristics. These are not the only design features available for Balls but this is what we would have available from our inventory in Florida. Click on any of the links below and you will see a list of products available off of our shelf today with that particular feature. If you do not see something please INQUIRE AVAILABILITY here.