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A Ceramic Hybrid Ball Bearing is a precision bearing in which one or all of its components are made of ceramic elements from silicon nitride. Silicon nitride is a highly processed silica and ceramic material, similar to the heat absorbing, highly resilient tiles on the Space Shuttle. These tiles are used to line the heat shield of the Space Shuttle, as they protect it from the 2500 plus degrees F. extremes of re-entry into the earth's atmosphere. The use ofceramic ball bearings for bearing components results in a far superior product over traditional all steel ball bearings.
Ceramic bearing balls can weigh up to 40% less than steel bearing balls, depending on size and material. This reduces centrifugal loading and skidding, so hybrid ceramic bearings can operate 20% to 40% faster than conventional bearings. This means that the outer race groove exerts less force inward against the ball as the bearing spins. This reduction in force reduces the friction and rolling resistance. The lighter ball allows the bearing to spin faster, and uses less energy to maintain its speed.
There are basically three types of Ceramic Ball Bearings：
Ceramic "Hybrid" Ball Bearings; Where the rolling elements, or balls, are ceramic, but the inner and outer rings are still conventional steels.
"Partial" Ceramic Ball Bearings; Where the rolling elements, and the inner ring are ceramic, but the outer ring is still made of steel.
"Full" Ceramic Ball Bearings; Where the rolling elements, inner, and outer rings are made of silicon nitride.