Ceramic Hybrid Bearings have Steel races and Ceramic Balls. Ceramic Balls are suitable for applications where high loads, high speeds and extreme temperatures are factors. Long life and the need for minimal lubrication make this material appropriate for extreme applications. Ceramic is non-porous, non-magnetic, non corrosive and lighter than steel. In ball form, ceramic balls are also harder than steel and because ceramic balls are non-porous they are virtually frictionless and capable of spinning faster than steel balls.

Ceramic Balls are usually made of following materials:

Silicon Nitride (SiN4)

Alumina Oxide (Al2O3)

Zirconia Oxide (ZrO2)

Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Because ceramic is a glass like surface it has an extremely low coefficient of friction and is ideal for applications seeking to reduce friction. Ceramic balls require less lubrication and have a greater hardness than steel balls which will contribute to increased bearing life. Thermal properties are better than steel balls resulting in less heat generation at high speeds.