Ceramic or hybridbearings are still relatively unknown to the general public, but they are becoming increasingly common in many industries such as aerospace. Their composition gives them a number of advantages over traditional bearings. They offer greater heat resistance, less friction and greater durability. In this article, you'll discover all the advantages of these bearings, as well as when and why to use them.

What is ceramic ?

Ceramic is a solid material structured mainly with inorganic compounds. The most common types of ceramic are made from silicon nitride, zirconium oxide and alumina. Ceramics have distinct properties that set them apart from traditional metallic materials: they are resistant to heat, wear and corrosion, yet extremely hard and light.

Hybrid or all-ceramic ?

Hybrid bearings, which combine ceramic balls with stainless steel rings, offer an excellent compromise between performance and cost. They are ideal for applications where high speeds and reduced friction are required, while maintaining a reasonable budget. Hybrid bearings benefit from the lightness and hardness of ceramic balls, enhancing durability and energy efficiency.

In the case of all-ceramic bearings, the rings and balls are made entirely of this material, offering unrivalled performance in the most demanding environments. Their resistance to heat, corrosion and wear makes them the number-one choice for critical applications where reliability is essential, such as the aerospace and medical industries.

The benefits ?

The advantages of this choice of bearing are manifold.

• Heat resistance
• Reduced friction
• Durability
• Corrosion resistance
• Lightweight
• High-speed performance
• Less lubrication

Ceramic bearings are most frequently used in the following sectors :

• aerospace
• space industry
• medical

Why invest in ceramic parts ?

Ceramic bearings, although initially more expensive than steel ones, represent a profitable long-term investment. Their many advantages translate into a significant reduction in maintenance costs and unplanned downtime. The various operational advantages of this product can lead to gains in productivity and reliability, justifying their higher initial cost. Ultimately, the adoption of ceramic bearings can optimize return on investment through sustainable performance and long-term cost reduction.