ceramic ball bearings
Ceramic bearings
Question : What is the
advantage of Ceramic ball bearings?
Answer : Ceramic bearings have
the normal steel balls replaced by white ceramic
balls. The ceramic balls are made of solid silicon nitride.
Ceramic silicon nitride
balls are called ceramic but have nothing in common with household dish ceramics.
They are called ceramic because it's easier calling
them ceramic then silicon nitride.
The ceramic silicon nitride ball is by far, smoother, harder, lighter and stronger than
one made off steel.

The following is a list of benefits of the ceramic silicon nitride ball
bearing -
- LIGHTER. The ceramic ball is
lighter then the steel ball. This means that
the ball exerts less force outward against the outer race grove as the bearing
spins. This reduction in outward force reduces the friction and rolling resistance.
The lighter ball allows the bearing to rev up faster, and uses less
energy
to maintain it speed.
Ceramic Bearings - HARDER. The ceramic ball is
harder then the steel ball. This gives you a
bearing that will last up to 10
times longer then the steel ball bearing
because it holds it's finish better.
Ceramic Bearings
- SMOOTHER. The ceramic ball
has
smoother surface properties then the
steel ball. This means
less friction
between the ball and bearing races giving you a faster spinning
bearing.
Ceramic Bearings
- THERMAL. The ceramic ball has
better thermal properties then the steel
ball. The ceramic ball
will not heat
up like a steel ball. This helps avoid heat
build up in the bearing, a primary
culprit in
skate and skateboard bearing
performance
degradation.
Ceramic Bearings
- LUBRICATION. The ceramic balls
are impervious to oxidation, chemicals,
and require essentially
no lubricant.
The bearings are lubricated with a
very, very small amount of Aral Aralub oil,
not a gel or
grease.
Ceramic Bearings
SOLID CERAMIC. The ceramic balls are solid
ceramic silicon nitride. A cheaper
ceramic bearing uses
steel balls with a thin ceramic layer. The elastic and thermal
property difference between steel and
ceramic
cause the ceramic to split and separate from
the steel portion of the
ball on these less expensive look a likes.
Avoid this type of
ceramic ball
bearing. Ball Bearings
