Beads: Zirconium

Zirconium Beads

Final Advanced Materials supplies three varieties of ceramic beads: two in alumina and one in zircon oxid. These beads are distinguished by their high degree of adaptability to challenging environments and their exceptional strength characteristics. These beads are highly rated in the watchmaking, medical and automobile sectors.

Manufacturing

Ceramic is produced from a chemical composition based upon several oxidized raw materials. The resulting powder is compacted, then moulded by dry pressing. The moulding is then sintered at high temperature to develop its polycrystalline ceramic structure.

Zirconium Oxide Beads

Zirconium oxide beads can be used 2 to 3 times longer than metal or carbide beads in highly abrasive and corrosive environment. They are also much heavier than alumina oxide beads.

Applications of Zirconium Beads

  • High-precision and high-speed ball bearings
  • Hip replacements
  • Valves or relief valves
  • Measuring devices
  • Reference spheres for three-dimensional measuring machines
  • Probes for three-dimensional measuring machines

Benefits of Zirconium Beads

  • Exceptional hardness
  • Strong resistance to friction and wear
  • High elastic modulus
  • High chemical, thermal and mechanical resistance
  • Strong electrical insulating properties
  • Low porosity

Technical Data of Zirconium oxide stabilized with cerium beads

Property

Unit

Pure Alumina Oxide Beads

Item N°

055-0120

Diameter

mm

from 0.40 to 3.30

Composition

ZrO2

Wt %

83

CeO2

17

Colour

golden brown

Surface Finish

satin, smooth, glossy

Density

g/cm3

6.20 ±0.05

Bulk density

kg/l

3.85 ±0.05

Porosity

Nil

Water Absorption

Nil

Hardness on Mohs’ scale

9

Hardness on Vickers’s scale (HV5)

1,250-1,300

Crushing Strength (Ø 2 mm)

N

2,107

Bead Sphericity 90 %

≥ 0.95

Max. Operating Temperature

°C

1,050

Cumulated Weight Loss / Hour (wear test conducted with water)

after 24 hrs

%

0.0015

after 96 hrs

0.0010

Physical variables included in this documentation are provided by way of indication only and do not, under any circumstances, constitute a contractual undertaking. Please contact our technical service if you require any additional information.

Ceramic Beads (214.65k)

Data Sheet: Ceramic Beads

FAQs that can help you in this category

Alumina or zirconia beads: what material should I choose to optimise grinding?

Alumina beads (Al2O3), with a density of 3.9 g/cm³ and a hardness of 17 GPa, are cost-effective and suitable for standard grinding operations, in particular for mineral loads or pigments. Zirconia beads (stabilised ZrO2) have a higher density (6 g/cm³) and a better fracture toughness (7 MPa·m1/2), which improves the effectiveness of the grinding and reduces treatment time. They also cause less contamination and have a better wear resistance. Final Advanced Materials recommends zirconia for intensive or high precision grinding operations, and alumina for more cost-effective applications.

What are the available diameters and precision tolerances for ceramic beads?

Ceramic beads are available in standard diameters ranging from 0.4 mm to 3.3 mm depending on the applications (grinding, bearings, polishing beads). The smaller beads are used for fine drilling, while the larger diameters are suitable for mechanical applications. The precision tolerances can attain high grades such as G10 to G100 (ISO standard 3290), with a sphericity of less than 0.25 µm for premium grades. The surface roughness (Ra) is 0.02 µm. Final Advanced Materials produces beads of different diameters to meet the strictest industrial requirements.

Why are zirconia beads recommended for corrosive industrial valves?

Stabilised zirconia beads (ZrO₂) have a high density (6 g/cm³), a hardness of 12 GPa and an excellent fracture toughness, enabling them to resist wear and mechanical impacts. They also have a high chemical resistance to acids, bases and corrosive environments and can withstand temperatures as high as 1,050°C. Final Advanced Materials therefore recommends zirconia for industrial valves which are exposed to aggressive environments and which require a reliable and long lasting material.