Hybrid Ceramic Bearings

Welcome to our hybrid ceramic bearings, blending the best of ceramic and steel to optimize your machinery’s performance. These bearings are designed with a mix of steel rings and ceramic balls, offering a balance of strength, speed, and durability. They ensure minimal friction, high-speed operations, and precision, making them ideal for various applications. Hybrid ceramic bearings boast of increased lifespan and resistance to wear and tear, thriving even in the most demanding conditions. Find them elevating the performance of high-speed spindles, medical devices, and robotics by combining the toughness of steel with the lightweight, low-friction advantage of ceramics for peak operational efficiency and reliability.

Ceramic hybrid bearings

Value without compromise

Hybrid ceramic bearings merge strength and efficiency, integral for diverse applications. Combining steel’s resilience and ceramic’s low friction, they offer heat resistance and durability. This balanced pairing ensures enhanced performance and reduced wear, requiring minimal maintenance. Our overview explores their versatile use, construction, and easy upkeep, serving as a valuable resource for engineers and enthusiasts desiring optimal machinery performance with less maintenance. Enjoy the reliability of steel with the performance benefits of ceramic in one solution.

IEC Products Range

A complete range of bearings and configurations designed to carry load, reduce friction and support rotating and oscillating systems in any application.

Thin section

Thrust

Specialist & customised

Understanding Hybrid Ceramic Bearings

Hybrid ceramic bearings are advanced precision bearings that combine the benefits of both ceramic and steel materials. These bearings are designed to deliver exceptional performance, extended service life, and improved efficiency in various applications. “hybrid” combines ceramic balls or rollers with steel races or rings. The ceramic balls or rollers are made from silicon nitride, which offers superior hardness, corrosion resistance, and low thermal expansion. On the other hand, the steel races or rings provide strength, durability, and compatibility with standard steel bearing housings and related components. Using ceramic and steel elements, hybrid ceramic bearings can provide higher speed capability, reduced friction, lower heat generation, and improved resistance to corrosion, electrical corrosion, and magnetic fields. This makes hybrid ceramic bearings highly suitable for demanding industries such as aerospace, machine tools, and automotive, where reliability, performance, and maintenance costs are critical.

Get your bearings

Utilise our customised Bearing Selector tool here.

Benefits of Hybrid Ceramic Bearings

Hybrid ceramic bearings offer several distinct advantages over traditional steel or stainless-steel bearings. Firstly, the use of ceramic balls in hybrid bearings provides a significant increase in rolling contact fatigue compared to steel. This results in a longer service life, with hybrid ceramic bearings lasting 2-5 times longer than their steel counterparts. In addition to the extended service life, hybrid ceramic bearings demonstrate improved performance in various applications. They can withstand high speeds, making them ideal for machine tools and other high-speed operation environments. This improved speed capability can lead to increased productivity and efficiency. Furthermore, the use of ceramic in hybrid bearings contributes to lower operating costs. With their excellent corrosion resistance, hybrid ceramic bearings require less maintenance and replacement, minimising downtime and repair expenses. This corrosion resistance also makes them suitable for operating in harsh environments, such as the aerospace or marine industry. Overall, hybrid ceramic bearings offer a range of benefits that make them a superior choice to traditional steel or stainless steel bearings. Their longer service life, improved performance, lower operating costs, and corrosion resistance make them an ideal solution for various industries and applications.

Uses of Hybrid Ceramic Bearings

Due to their unique properties, hybrid ceramic bearings are used in several industries and applications. For example, they are commonly used in machine tools, robotics, and other high-speed operation environments. Hybrid ceramic bearings can also be found in the aerospace industry, where their superior corrosion resistance makes them ideal for use in extreme conditions. Additionally, hybrid ceramic bearings are widely used in the automotive industry for improved performance and longevity. In addition to industrial applications, hybrid ceramic bearings have become increasingly popular for recreational uses such as cycling. This application’s most common form of hybrid bearing is the bottom bracket bearing system, which supports the crankset and connects it to the frame. By utilising hybrid ceramic bearings instead of traditional steel or stainless-steel models, cyclists can enjoy improved performance, reduced friction, longer service life, and reduced maintenance costs. Hybrid ceramic bearings can also be found in consumer products like fans and blenders. These products require reliable components that can withstand high speeds and moisture exposure without prematurely corroding or failing; hybrid ceramic bearings provide an ideal solution for these requirements. Additionally, other items, such as computer hard drives, often contain small but critical parts made from silicon nitride or other advanced ceramics that improve efficiency and reliability while reducing the overall size and weight of the device.

Technical Considerations for Using Hybrid Ceramic Bearings

When considering the use of hybrid ceramic bearings in various applications, there are several technical considerations to remember. These bearings, made with ceramic and steel components, offer unique advantages such as lower friction, increased speed capability, and corrosion resistance. The choice to use hybrid ceramic bearings should consider factors such as load capacity, operating speed, temperature, and the presence of contaminants. Materials such as ceramic balls and steel rings must be carefully chosen to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Additionally, the design and maintenance of the bearing assembly play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation and preventing premature failure. Meticulous attention to these technical considerations will help maximise the benefits of hybrid ceramic bearings and achieve optimal performance in various applications.

Factors Affecting Service Life

Several factors influence the service life of hybrid ceramic bearings. Firstly, the properties of ceramics contribute significantly to their extended lifespan compared to standard steel bearings. Ceramic materials, such as silicon nitride, offer exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, and excellent performance under various operating conditions. This results in reduced wear and improved longevity. Another crucial factor is the total electric isolation provided by hybrid ceramic bearings. Due to their excellent electrical corrosion resistance, these bearings prevent the flow of electric current through the rolling elements. As a result, they are ideal for applications where electrical currents can cause damage or premature failure. Additionally, hybrid ceramic bearings offer friction reduction due to their superior surface finish and low coefficient of friction. This allows for smoother and more efficient operation, reducing wear and longer service life. Furthermore, these bearings exhibit a reduced centrifugal force of the roller set, which enhances their durability. The lightweight ceramic balls decrease the energy transferred to the bearing components, minimising stresses and extending the lifespan. In conclusion, several factors contribute to the extended service life of hybrid ceramic bearings. The properties of ceramics, including hardness, corrosion resistance, and excellent performance, play a vital role. Moreover, features like total electric isolation, friction reduction, and reduced centrifugal force further extend their lifespan.

Comparing Performance to Conventional Bearings

Hybrid ceramic bearings outperform conventional bearings in several key areas, making them an excellent choice for various applications. One major advantage of hybrid ceramic bearings is their ability to operate at lower temperatures. This is due to ceramic materials’ superior heat dissipation properties, such as silicon nitride, which can handle higher thermal loads without compromising performance. In terms of strength, hybrid ceramic bearings are far superior to conventional bearings. The ceramic balls used in hybrid bearings are much stronger and harder than steel balls found in standard bearings. This results in a higher load capacity and greater resistance to impact and shock loads. Additionally, hybrid ceramic bearings offer reduced friction and improved efficiency. The smooth surface finish of ceramic balls allows for lower frictional forces, leading to less energy loss and improved overall performance. This not only extends the service life of the bearings but also contributes to enhanced machine productivity. On the other hand, conventional bearings also have their advantages. They are often more cost-effective and readily available. They also have various sizes and options to fit various applications. Furthermore, conventional bearings are generally well-established in terms of industry standards, product knowledge, and updates. In conclusion, hybrid ceramic bearings surpass conventional bearings in performance, lower operating temperatures, and superior strength. However, both bearings have their merits and should be considered based on specific application requirements and cost considerations.
You’ve got to appreciate the intricate design of these unique components, as understanding the engineering behind thin section bearings can give you a deeper sense of their crucial role in various machinery. Thin-section bearings are designed to handle radial and axial loads with high precision, even in restricted spaces, due to their slim cross-section. Unlike regular bearings, their slim design offers significant weight and space savings, which can optimise system performance. They are crafted from high-quality materials to ensure durability and efficient operation under extreme conditions. The design also carefully considers load capacity, speed, and life expectancy factors. Indeed, the complexity in the design and function of thin section bearings is a testament to the ingenuity of mechanical engineering.

Utilise our customised Bearing Selector tool here.

logo-2

Markets

IEC have a range of mechanical solutions to suit a broad spectrum of markets and applications, from aerospace to skateboards.

Markets

IEC have a range of mechanical solutions to suit a broad spectrum of markets and applications, from aerospace to skateboards.

Markets

Molestie nunc non blandit massa. Iaculis nunc sed augue lacus. Malesuada nunc vel risus commodo. Dui id ornare arcu odio ut sem nulla pharetra.

Engineering in motion

We act as partners, making our customers’ engineering challenges ours to solve, removing stress and freeing up time to turn ideas in to innovation.

Product:
Bearings
Application:
High pressure pure air generators
Challenge:
High pressure pure air generators are designed to replace rechargeable gas bottles on modern military aircraft. The system draws in atmospheric air to provide a continuous supply of high-pressure pure air, which results in unlimited mission duration and eliminates the logistics burden associated with gas bottles.
Solution:
For critical applications, reliability and resilience is paramount. IEC supplied components are capable of operating with high degrees of accuracy under extreme load.
Bearings for Electric Motors
Product:
Bearings
Application:
Co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM)
Challenge:
5-axis measurement represents the biggest step-change in measurement capability ever introduced, delivering unprecedented speed and measurement flexibility, whilst avoiding the speed versus accuracy compromises inherent in conventional techniques.
Solution:
Duty of CMMs is generally low hence there is intermittent operation of bearings. Machines do require high reliability so products are tested and developed continuously, meaning technical support from bearing OEMs is critical. Some bearings are supplied with specific profiled outer ring designs.
Product:
Bearings
Application:
Peristaltic pump
Challenge:
Peristaltic pumps use occlusion rollers and positive displacement to feed fluid in industrial and medical applications, regulating flow and eliminating the need for valves. Bearings fitted in occlusion rollers have a cycle of coming on and off load with the potential to skip.
Solution:
It is important to select a bearing with high quality machining of its raceways to allow the bearing to readily accept these changes in state.
IEC precision engineering components catalogue.

Download technical documents and brochures.

Keep up to date with the latest product and technical information from IEC and its international supply partners.

Related products

Fey Laminar Seal Rings

Fuji Bearing Lock Nuts

Schnorr Load Washers

Grow your business, become a supplier?

Are you a supplier? Let’s talk.

We are looking forward to help you

For Customised Solutions

Fill out the form below, and our team will be in touch within 24 hours.