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Silicon Carbide

Silicon Carbide

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Silicon Carbide
Material Overview
Silicon Carbide - Premium Ceramic Material for High-Performance Bearings
In modern industrial production, the stability and lifespan of equipment directly determine production efficiency and costs. Silicon carbide (SiC) bearings, with their advanced ceramic material and superior performance, have become the preferred choice for demanding industries such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, chemical machinery, high-speed motors, and new energy power systems.
  • Silicon Carbide (SiC) Properties

    Silicon carbide (SiC) is an advanced ceramic material that is widely used in high-performance bearings, semiconductor equipment, chemical machinery and new energy power systems due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. It not only improves equipment operating efficiency but also reduces maintenance costs, making it a key material for ensuring the stability of industrial production.

  • 01
    Ultra-high Hardness and Wear Resistance

    Silicon carbide has a hardness close to that of diamond, far exceeding that of traditional steel bearings. It can withstand long-term operation under high-speed rotation and high load without wear, maintaining the dimensional accuracy and operational stability of the bearing.

  • 02
    Excellent Corrosion Resistance

    Silicon carbide bearings are virtually unaffected by corrosion in acidic, alkaline, and organic solvent environments, making them suitable for use in chemical, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries and significantly extending equipment lifespan.

  • 03
    Low Coefficient of Friction

    With a smooth surface and low coefficient of friction, it can effectively reduce operating heat generation and energy consumption, reduce lubricant consumption, and lower maintenance costs.

  • 04
    High-Speed Adaptability

    It can work for a long time in environments with temperatures up to 300°C and supports high-speed rotation applications, ensuring that the equipment can operate continuously and efficiently without thermal deformation or performance degradation.

  • 05
    Low Vibration and Low Noise

    The precision machining and self-lubricating properties of silicon carbide materials result in low vibration and low noise in bearings during high-speed operation, improving the comfort and precision of equipment operation.

Advantages
Advantages of Silicon Carbide
in Ceramic Bearings
Due to the above properties, Silicon Carbide exhibits the following advantages in ceramic bearings
01
Extremely High Hardness

Silicon carbide boasts a Mohs hardness of 9.0-9.5 (second only to diamond and boron carbide), giving it exceptional wear resistance and a service life several to tens of times longer than steel bearings.

02
Excellent High Temperature Resistance

Its mechanical strength hardly decreases at high temperatures. While ordinary steel bearings fail above 200°C, silicon carbide bearings maintain stable operation even at extreme temperatures of 1000°C - 1600°C.

03
Low Density and Lightweight

Its density is approximately 3.2 g/cm³ (about 40% of that of steel). This lighter weight significantly reduces centrifugal force during high-speed bearing rotation, minimizing temperature rise and increasing the limiting speed.

04
Extremely Low Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

It has excellent dimensional stability. Even in environments with large temperature fluctuations, the bearing clearance changes very little, ensuring operational accuracy.

Bearing Types
Silicon Carbide Ceramic Bearing Types
Features Of Our Product
Features Of Our Product
Why Choose Shibo Silicon Carbide Bearings
  • High-Purity Material

    Manufactured from premium ZrO₂ powder

  • Advanced Sintering Technology

    Ensures smooth surface finish and dimensional accuracy

  • Strict Quality Inspection

    Guarantees reliable performance and long service life

  • Custom Solutions Available

    Bearings designed to meet specific industrial needs

Dedicated Customer Teams & An Agile Services
Our worldwide presence ensures the timeliness, cost efficiency and compliance adherence required to ensure your production timelines are met.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a silicon nitride bearing?

A silicon nitride bearing is a bearing made partially or entirely from silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramic, an advanced engineering material known for its high strength, low density, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. These bearings are commonly used in high-speed, high-temperature, and harsh environments where traditional steel bearings may fail.

Can silicon nitride bearings operate without lubrication?

Yes. Silicon nitride bearings can operate with minimal or no lubrication in certain conditions due to their low friction coefficient and self-lubricating characteristics. This makes them especially suitable for vacuum systems, cleanroom equipment, and food or pharmaceutical machinery where lubrication is restricted.

How do silicon nitride bearings perform in high-temperature environments?

Silicon nitride maintains excellent mechanical strength and dimensional stability at temperatures exceeding 300°C. Its low thermal expansion coefficient reduces thermal stress, ensuring reliable performance in high-temperature furnaces, aerospace components, and energy systems.

Do silicon nitride bearings reduce noise and vibration?

Yes. The high surface finish, low friction, and material stiffness of silicon nitride result in lower vibration levels and reduced operating noise, which is particularly beneficial for precision instruments, medical devices, and electric motors.

How long do silicon nitride bearings last?

Under proper operating conditions, silicon nitride bearings can last several times longer than conventional steel bearings, especially in high-speed, high-temperature, or corrosive environments. Their resistance to wear, fatigue, and corrosion significantly extends service life.

What is the difference between hybrid ceramic bearings and full ceramic bearings?

Hybrid ceramic bearings use silicon nitride balls with steel rings. They combine the toughness of steel with the performance benefits of ceramic balls and are widely used in industrial and motor applications. Full ceramic bearings use silicon nitride for both balls and rings. They provide maximum corrosion resistance and can operate without lubrication, making them ideal for vacuum, chemical, and cleanroom environments.

Are silicon nitride bearings suitable for high-speed applications?

Absolutely. Thanks to their low density and high stiffness, silicon nitride bearings generate less centrifugal force at high speeds. This allows for higher RPM capability, reduced vibration, and improved dynamic stability, making them ideal for high-speed motors, spindles, and precision machinery.

Are silicon nitride bearings resistant to corrosion?

Yes. Silicon nitride is chemically inert and highly resistant to acids, alkalis, moisture, and most solvents. Unlike steel bearings, it does not rust, making it suitable for chemical processing, marine equipment, and humid or corrosive environments.

Are silicon nitride bearings more expensive than steel bearings?

The initial cost of silicon nitride bearings is generally higher than steel bearings. However, their longer lifespan, reduced maintenance, lower energy consumption, and improved reliability often result in a lower total cost of ownership over the equipment’s operating life.

Can silicon nitride bearings replace steel bearings directly?

In many applications, yes. Silicon nitride bearings are available in standard bearing sizes and can often be used as drop-in replacements. However, for extreme loads or impact-prone applications, professional selection guidance is recommended to ensure optimal performance.

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