There are many materials of Ball bushings, mainly according to the performance requirements of application (such as abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, temperature adaptability, etc.). Common materials can be divided into three categories:
I. Metal Materials
Aluminum Alloy
Features: Lightweight and corrosion resistant; surface performance can be improved by plating (e.g. green, gold, black).
Uses: Suitable for weight-sensitive, certain corrosion resistance, such as automatic equipment, light machinery, etc..
For example: Aluminum bushings can be electroplated in blue, natural color, etc. Sphere density options include standard, compact and ultra-compact.
Copper
Features: Good abrasion resistance, good thermal conductivity, suitable for high load applications.
Uses: Industrial equipment, such as punch press and die-casting machine, that needs to withstand large friction or shock.
For example, Copper bushings (material copper + GCr15) is often used in ultra-compact designs to enhance carrying capacity.
High-carbon chromium bearing steel (e.g. GCr15)
Features: High hardness (HRC61-65), wear resistance, classic for balls and runways.
Uses: High precision, high load applications, such as machine tool spindles, precision transmission, etc.
Data support: GCr15 steel balls are HRC62-66, raceway is HRC61-65, and operating temperatures range from -40°C to 130°C.
II. Plastics
Polyoxymethyl (POM)
Features: Self-lubrication, strong rust resistance, suitable for corrosive environment.
Applications: metal contamination applications such as food processing and medical equipment must be avoided.
For example: white/blue plastic sleeves (material POM+GCr15) for color differentiation by adding pigments; steel ball densities in standard, dense and ultra-dense patterns.
Polyacetal (POM) retainers
Features: Good rust resistance, low friction coefficient.
Application Scenarios: Corrosive environments or applications requiring long-term maintenance-free operations, such as chemical equipment and offshore platforms.
III. Special materials
Silicon Nitride Ceramic
Features: High hardness, high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, suitable for extreme environment.
Application Scenarios: High temperature (>130°C), high speed or highly corrosive environment such as aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing.
Data support: Silicon nitride ceramic beads can be as hard as HRC72 or higher and are far more temperature-resistant than metallic materials.
Stainless Steel (e.g., SUS440C)
Characteristics: corrosion resistance, suitable for humid or chemical environment.
Application Scenarios: Medical equipment, marine engineering, etc.. Areas requiring high corrosion resistance.