Full Ceramic Bearings in ZrO2

Ceramic bearings

Ceramic bearings in ZrO2 for shaft sizes from 3mm up to 50mm
See product table below for dimensions and technical drawings
See Products Variants below for Si3N4 options

What are the benefits of ceramic bearings? Not be to be confused with hybrid ceramic bearings, full ceramic bearings have ceramic balls and rings, boasting harder than steel properties. ZrO2 or zirconium dioxide is a tough ceramic material with very similar expansion properties to steel. This is an advantage when considering shaft and housing fits for higher temperature applications. Although we usually refer to these bearings as ZrO2 bearings, they are actually made from ZrO2 stabilised with yttria (yttrium oxide) which gives the material greater strength and fracture resistance at room temperature. This is sometimes known as YSZ or YTZP. The material is approximately 30% lighter than steel.

As full ceramic ZrO2 bearings have high hardness, very smooth wear surfaces and are generally supplied without lubrication, they are often used in applications that require very low turning resistance. Full ceramic bearings have a very low coefficient of friction compared to steel bearings or even hybrid bearings. The coefficient of friction for unlubricated ZrO2 bearings at ambient temperature in air with a light load is approximately 0.0012.

The ZrO2 full ceramic bearings listed below are available with cages (or retainers) made from PEEK, PTFE. Bearings with bore sizes from 8mm upwards can also be fitted with 316 stainless steel cages. In addition, we keep stock of full complement ZrO2 bearings. These have no cage and extra balls. For full complement type, the load ratings are approximately 20% higher but the maximum speed is 40% lower. As for bearings with cages, PEEK cages are generally the option available from stock due to the strength and durability of PEEK. If an alternative cage material is required to cope with particular chemicals or temperature extremes beyond the range of PEEK, these can be produced to order. ZrO2 bearings are not magnetic or conductive and they are highly corrosion resistant to most chemicals. They are also extremely water resistant which is why they are often used in marine applications, particularly where the equipment is fully submerged or where 316 marine grade bearings will not cope with the load or speed. It is important to note that if ZrO2 has prolonged contact with steam or hot water, there may be some weakening of the material over time. 

Full complement ZrO2 bearings or those with a 316 stainless cage can be used up to 400°C. The maximum speed should be decreased as the temperature increases above ambient, particularly if the bearings are unlubricated. Bearings with a PEEK cage are rated up to 250°C due to the lower maximum temperature of the cage material. It may be preferable to use a looser radial play at high temperatures, particularly if the inner ring temperature is likely to be greater than the outer ring temperature as this will reduce the radial play of the bearing. Our ZrO2 bearings are supplied with a looser C3 radial play as standard.

Although PEEK is very durable, it will become more brittle at low temperatures so it is worth considering PTFE or 316 stainless steel cages for temperatures below -70°C. For an overview of the pros and cons of ZrO2 bearings, you can click HERE to see our ceramic bearing selection guide. 

Most of the range of ZrO2 ceramic bearings are supplied from stock in the UK. We also supply full ceramic bearings from stock in silicon nitride. See Products Variants below for the Si3N4 versions.

Click on INFO in the rows below to display technical drawings of the bearings with load and speed data. Please note that the maximum loads and speeds are used in theoretical life calculations. It is recommended to use bearings at significantly less than the maximum load and speed ratings to ensure reasonable bearing life. ZrO2 full ceramic bearings are best used at low speeds. For higher speeds or continuous rotation over long periods, they will perform better with Si3N4 balls.