A ball bearing may be a relatively simple component, but a lot of innovation and engineering goes into producing more efficient, longer lasting, and more cost-effective ball bearings. By far the most important aspect of manufacturing a high-quality ball bearing is the material used, and new and better materials and metallurgical processes have produced many innovations in ball bearing manufacturing. Here is a detailed look at the development of ball bearing materials from VKUKEN Technology engineers.
Chrome alloys make bearings quieter
The chrome steel used to make high-precision ball bearings undergoes an additional melting step to produce a steel with an extremely fine grain, resulting in a precision ball bearing that is quieter than conventional ball bearings. In addition, innovations in the steel used in chrome ball bearings give the bearings great hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue life.
Tungsten carbide improves bearing durability
In some applications, conventional stainless steel ball bearings simply do not have enough hardness and dimensional stability to withstand the constant wear and impact they require. These applications include hydraulic valves, highly loaded bearings, and high temperature conditions. In the past, steel ball bearings used in such applications simply needed to be replaced periodically. But now, thanks to innovations in extremely hard metals like tungsten carbide, ball bearings for demanding applications can still have very long fatigue lives. Tungsten carbide ball bearings are both wear and corrosion resistant, making them ideal for high stress, high impact, low lubrication, and high temperature conditions. They are one of the most durable and long-lasting ball bearings on the market today, making them a perfect solution for a wide range of applications. For example: mining and heavy machinery, industrial machinery and manufacturing, high-performance sports equipment, and more.
Innovations in Plastics
Not long ago, the idea of using plastic ball bearings for anything but the lowest load applications was impossible. But now, thanks to innovations in the types of plastics available, plastic ball bearings are a capable and affordable solution for a wide range of applications. Plastic ball bearings are still best suited for use in low load situations, however, they are durable enough to have long fatigue lives in low temperature, low stress environments. Plastic ball bearings are also completely corrosion resistant, have high impact strength, and require little to no lubrication. Best of all, plastic ball bearings are fast to manufacture and available for immediate delivery. With advances in more durable and wear-resistant plastic production materials, plastic ball bearings will become a viable solution for more and more applications.
| Material | Hardness (Rockwell C) | Wear Resistance | Corrosion Resistance | Maximum Temperature (°C) | Typical Applications |
| Chrome Steel | 60-65 | High | Moderate | 200-300 | Precision bearings, automotive |
| Tungsten Carbide | 80-90 | Very High | Very High | 1000+ | High-stress, high-temperature use |
| Plastic (POM/PEEK) | 45-60 | Moderate | Excellent | 100-150 | Low load, medical, food processing |
Polymer Solid Lubricants
A microporous polymer structure impregnated with oil fills the free volume of the bearing between the raceways, rolling elements and cage. As the bearing rotates, the solid polymer releases just the right amount of oil to lubricate the rolling elements and raceways. Solid lubricated bearings last longer than standard lubricated bearings. Typically, solid lubricated bearings have 25% to 30% more oil volume than similar bearings lubricated with grease, allowing solid lubricated bearings to operate longer based on the increased lubricant capacity. As the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) continues to transform the nation’s food safety system, this bearing lubrication innovation is gaining popularity among food manufacturers and equipment builders.
Coating Technologies
Bearings have reached their limits in terms of material, heat treatment or geometric performance, so to exceed these physical limitations, bearing manufacturers are developing coatings and thermochemical processes. Coatings such as DLC or zirconium carbonitride improve wear resistance, fatigue durability and reduce friction during bearing motion, and new mechanical processes such as surface texturing help bearings survive harsh environments and dry lubrication conditions.
Conclusion
The continued evolution of ball bearing materials underscores the industry’s commitment to increased durability, efficiency and versatility. From refined chrome alloys and strong tungsten carbide to lightweight plastics and breakthrough lubrication and coating technologies, these innovations are reshaping the future of ball bearings. With cutting-edge technology in materials science, ball bearings will continue to meet the needs of a variety of emerging industries, ensuring that they remain the cornerstone of modern engineering. Please follow us VKUKEN, we will always share the latest technological achievements.
