Metal, polymer, ceramic – How do you decide which ball bearing is best for your application?

Metallic ball bearings are widely used in various mechanical engineering applications and are popular for their versatility. However, the bearing will reach its limit if you need additional load capacity or speed within the application. 

Suitability is crucial for any application, and selecting the right material is especially important for industries such as food, medical technology, and chemical production. In some cases, food certification in accordance with EU standard 10/2011 or FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval is required

 

igus® ball bearings offer a unique advantage in that they are made of polymers, which come in a variety of materials that can be selected for specific applications. Mainstream plastics such as POM, PP, and PEEK have become established in the ball bearing industry in recent years. 

 

Ball bearings made of plastic can be suitable for the following industries and applications: 

– Food industry                                                    Food contact 

– Medical technology                                        FDA conformity 

– Chemical industry                                           Chemical resistant 

– Textile industry                                                 No dust or dirt build up 

– Vacuum / high temperatures                    No destruction of the lubricant 

– Special applications such as MRI         Metal-free or metal detectors 

Which material is best? 

This question can only be answered knowing all the parameters of the application, certain materials suit certain applications. Both polymers and ceramics have disadvantages compared to metals but on the flip side, they also have advantages. Metals have a good combination of hardness and elasticity, however, polymers on the other hand, are significantly softer and can deform more quickly, especially at high temperatures. 

When deciding which material is best for a specific application, all the parameters must be considered. Both polymers and ceramics have their own advantages and disadvantages compared to metals. Metals are harder and more elastic, but polymers are softer and more flexible, making them less likely to deform quickly, especially at high temperatures. 

Ceramics are very hard but have the lowest elasticity and can break quickly under impact loads. Additionally, the heat dissipation from ceramic and polymer is less than that of metal, which limits the maximum speed that can be achieved with metal bearings. Other factors that must be considered include the impact of load, wear, and moisture absorption. 

 

What is there to consider when installing igus® ball bearings? 

igus® is one of the few manufacturers worldwide to manufacture ball bearing rings by injection moulding, the xiros® range. This brings customers the following advantages: 

– High wear resistance due to the shape under high pressure 

– Homogeneous material distribution 

– Cost-effective production 

– Simplification of ball bearing assembly 

When installing igus® ball bearings, it is important to note that different rules apply for measurement and assembly compared to metallic or ceramic ball bearings. The outer ring of the polymer ball bearings is conical, which simplifies installation in an intended housing. The bearing play is reduced after being pressed into an H7 holder, so the bearings must be measured across the entire width of the ball bearing, starting at 90° from the injection point. 

 

Can one calculate the life of ball bearings? 

While the lifespan of metal ball bearings cannot be predicted, igus® xiros® ball bearings can have their expected service life calculated due to their constant wear tests and large wear database. Every application is different, and igus®'s life calculator can help predict the lifespan of ball bearings, making production planning easier. 

Click here for the lifetime calculator for xiros® ball bearings.

In summary, igus® xiros® ball bearings made of polymers offer a unique advantage over metallic and ceramic ball bearings for certain applications. The material selection should be based on the specific requirements of the application, and careful installation and measurement of igus® ball bearings should be done to ensure optimal performance. 

Check our igus® ball bearings, click here.