Full ceramic bearings have excellent corrosion resistance and can handle very extreme temperatures, but due to the brittleness of the ceramic, the maximum speed is only 20% to 25% of that of full steel bearings, as there is a risk of sudden failure due to cracks at higher speeds. The maximum load of full ceramic bearings is about 65% to 75% of the load that steel bearings can withstand.
Hybrid bearings use steel rings and ceramic (usually silicon nitride) balls. This combination allows hybrid bearings to run at higher speeds because of the toughness of the steel and the low centrifugal forces generated by the lightweight ceramic balls, but their corrosion resistance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures are limited by the steel ring material.
When using full ceramic and hybrid bearings, shock or sudden loads should be avoided. The steel rings in hybrid bearings can withstand shock loads better than ceramic rings, but if sudden shock loads are encountered, the harder surface of the ceramic balls will leave indentations on the raceways of the steel bearing, causing rapid wear and premature failure.
Full ceramic bearings can run without lubrication. Hybrid bearings perform well in marginal lubrication conditions due to the ceramic balls, but should be properly lubricated because the ceramic balls will wear the steel rings more quickly if run without lubrication unless slow speeds are maintained.
Full ceramic bearings have excellent corrosion resistance and can handle very extreme temperatures, but due to the brittleness of the ceramic, the maximum speed is only 20% to 25% of that of full steel bearings, as there is a risk of sudden failure due to cracks at higher speeds. The maximum load of full ceramic bearings is about 65% to 75% of the load that steel bearings can withstand.
Hybrid bearings use steel rings and ceramic (usually silicon nitride) balls. This combination allows hybrid bearings to run at higher speeds because of the toughness of the steel and the low centrifugal forces generated by the lightweight ceramic balls, but their corrosion resistance and ability to withstand extreme temperatures are limited by the steel ring material.
When using full ceramic and hybrid bearings, shock or sudden loads should be avoided. The steel rings in hybrid bearings can withstand shock loads better than ceramic rings, but if sudden shock loads are encountered, the harder surface of the ceramic balls will leave indentations on the raceways of the steel bearing, causing rapid wear and premature failure.
Full ceramic bearings can run without lubrication. Hybrid bearings perform well in marginal lubrication conditions due to the ceramic balls, but should be properly lubricated because the ceramic balls will wear the steel rings more quickly if run without lubrication unless slow speeds are maintained.
