Ceramic bearings offer various advantages over conventional steel bearings. Some of these advantages include higher speed and acceleration capability, increased stiffness, lower friction and heat generation, reduced lubrication requirements, low thermal expansion and extended operation life.

A ceramic bearing is generally comprised of steel rings with ceramic balls instead of steel balls. Ceramic bearings are available in all standard industry configurations, such as angular bearings, thrust bearings, pillow block bearings, needle bearings and roller bearings. ABEC (Annular Bearing Engineers' Committee) rates the bearing quality of ceramic bearings relative to the accuracy and tolerance range.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing a ceramic bearing are:

1. Dimensions of the ceramic bearing: bore diameter, outer diameter and ring width
2. ABEC rating for the ceramic bearing
3. Loads acting on the ceramic bearing: static and dynamic
4. Operating temperature and speed
5. Average fatigue life of the ceramic bearing

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy ceramic bearings from reputable ceramic bearing manufacturers

Once you have identified your requirements, evaluate different ceramic bearings available on the market.

I recommend: VXB Bearings offers ceramic bearings made of silicon nitride, silicon carbide and zirconium dioxide. Boca Bearing is a reputable bearing manufacturer that supplies ceramic bearings including ceramic bike bearings, ceramic skate bearings and ceramic speed bearings. You can buy hybrid ceramic bearings at The Barden, another reputable bearing manufacturer. Shuster offers ceramic bearings for various industries such as aerospace, automotive and biotechnology. SKF, a leading industrial goods manufacturer, supplies ceramic bearings with better electrical and magnetic resistance compared to steel bearings. Velo Carbon is another bearing manufacturer that supplies ceramic bicycle bearings, including ceramic bottom bracket bearings.

Buy ceramic bearings from a reputable distributor or retailer

You can compare different ceramic bearings based on product features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. You can ask for a discount if you are buying in bulk.

I recommend: All World Machinery Supply is a distributor of bearings, including ceramic bearings. You can buy ceramic skateboard bearings, ceramic instrument bearings or ceramic wheel bearings at Alpine Bearing, a reputable bearing distributor. Ceramic Bearing, another manufacturer and distributor of ceramic bearings, supplies bearings from reliable manufacturers such as Barden, SKF, Kadon, FAG and GMN. LocateBallBearings.com is a one-stop distributor for various specialty bearings, including ceramic bearings.

Buy a customized or specialty ceramic bearing

If standard ceramic bearings do not meet your requirements, opt for customized ceramic bearings.

I recommend: In addition to an array of standard bearings, KMS Bearings supplies custom bearings with non-standard sizes and materials. IBSCO, a reputable bearing manufacturer, can supply customized ceramic bearings with the help of an expert team. Napoleon Engineering Services is another bearing manufacturer that supplies customized bearings including ceramic bearings. AC Technologies is a manufacturer of customized ceramic products, including ceramic bearings.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A ceramic bearing is a self-aligning bearing and does not require any shaft alignment operation.
• •  Ceramic bearings require less lubrication as compared to steel bearings; therefore, use a ceramic bearing for applications where bearings are not easily accessible.