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Overview: Ceramic Beads
Final Advanced Materials supplies three varieties of ceramic beads. 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.
Applications of Ceramic 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 Ceramic Beads
- Exceptional hardness
- Strong resistance to friction and wear
- High elastic modulus
- High chemical, thermal and mechanical resistance
- Strong electrical insulating properties
- Low porosity
Comparative Table
|
Property |
Unit |
Alumina 99.7 % |
Alumina 92 % | Zirconium |
|
Hardness (Vickers, HV5) |
1,600 |
1,300 |
1,250 - 1,300 |
|
|
Density |
g/cm3 |
3.95 ± 0.05 |
3.70 ± 0.05 |
6.20 ± 0.05 |
|
Max. Operating Temperature |
°C |
1,400 |
1,400 |
1,050 |
Our range of Ceramic Beads
99.7 % Alumina Oxide
The 99.7 % alumina oxide beads are very resistant to wear, heat and corrosive environments. They retain good dimensional stability up to 1,000 °C. Alumina resists oxidation and is tolerant to water, salt solutions and many chemicals and acids.
92 % Alumina Oxide
The composition of these spheres differs slightly from that of previous spheres of pure alumina, with a reduced alumina content of 92 %. As a result, these spheres are more cost-effective. This product is also distinguished by increased abrasiveness and reduced thermal output.
Zirconium oxide stabilized with cerium
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.
Dimensions
Bulk Denisty according to Diameter
|
Diameter (mm) |
Weight(kg/l) |
||
|
0.40-0.70 |
2.18 ± 0.05 |
2.30 ± 0.05 |
3.75 ± 0.05 |
|
0.70-1.20 |
2.18 ± 0.05 |
2.30 ± 0.05 |
3.75 ± 0.05 |
|
1.20-1.70 |
2.18 ± 0.05 |
2.30 ± 0.05 |
3.85 ± 0.05 |
|
1.70-2.40 |
2.20 ± 0.05 |
2.35 ± 0.05 |
3.85 ± 0.05 |
|
2.40-2.80 |
2.20 ± 0.05 |
2.35 ± 0.05 |
3.95 ± 0.05 |
|
2.80-3.30 |
2.20 ± 0.05 |
2.35 ± 0.05 |
3.95 ± 0.05 |
Beads Available Dimensions
|
Product |
Diameter (mm) with broad fraction size |
Product |
Diameter (mm) with narrow fraction size |
|
99.7 % Alumina Oxide 92 % Alumina Oxide Zirconium oxide stabilized with cerium |
0.4-0.7 |
Zirconium oxide stabilized with cerium |
0.2-0.4 |
|
0.7-1.2 |
0.4-0.6 |
||
|
1.2-1.7 |
0.6-0.8 |
||
|
1.7-2.4 |
0.8-1.0 |
||
|
2.4-2.8 |
1.0-1.2 |
||
|
2.8-3.3 |
1.2-1.4 |
||
|
1.4-1.7 |
|||
|
1.6-2.0 |
|||
|
1.7-2.0 |
|||
|
2.0-2.4 |
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.
FAQs that can help you in this category
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.
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.
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.
99.7% alumina beads have a maximum temperature resistance of 1,750°C in continuous service, with a Vickers hardness (HV5) of 1,600 and a compression resistance ranging between 980 and 1,078 N for a 2 mm diameter bead. Stabilised zirconia beads have a maximum temperature resistance of 1,050°C in continuous service, with a Vickers hardness (HV5) of 1,300 and a compression resistance of 2,107 N for a 1.5 mm diameter bead.
The low friction coefficient and dimensional stability of these high temperature beads reduce the wear of mechanical systems. Final Advanced Materials recommends these beads for demanding environments subject to a combination of temperature, abrasion and high mechanical stresses.