Ball bearings with a material combination of bearing steel (inner and outer rings) and ceramic (balls) are called ‘hybrid’ ball bearings. All ball bearings can be supplied as hybrid ball bearings.

ADVANTAGES OF HYBRID BALL BEARINGS

LONG LIFE

Due to their characteristic material properties, hybrid ball bearings last more than twice as long as steel bearings. Machine run times are significantly increased.

HIGH RPM’S

Due to their tribological properties and lower mass forces – compared to bearings with steel balls – speed increases of up to 30 % can be achieved with hybrid ball bearings.

LOWER-COST LUBRICATION

The maximum RPM for grease and oil lubrication is increased. Thus hybrid ball bearings can frequently use grease lubrication instead of more expensive oil lubrication.

HIGHER PROCESSING EFFICIENCY

The higher bearing rigidity, reduced thermal expansion and lower vibration excitation of hybrid ball bearings ensure maximum machining accuracy.

GREATER STIFFNESS

General radial and axial stiffness increases due to the material characteristics of hybrid ball bearings. The benefits are increased precision and displacement at critical own frequencies.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES FOR HYBRID BALL BEARINGS

• Machine tool spindles
• Fast running machine bearings
• Durability-optimized precision bearings

Product features Hybrid bearings (chrome steel)

Material

• Roller bearing steel (chrome steel) 100 Cr 6 Material no. 1.3505, SAE 52100, SUJ2
• Special steels on request

Permissible operating temperature

• Heat stabilized up to a continuous operating temperature of 150° C (short-term up to 180° C)

Hardness

• 60 to 64 HRC, through-hardened; Corresponds to 700-800 HV30 characteristics
• High purity and homogeneity, vacuum degassed ball bearing with steel balls

Hybrid bearings (chrome steel)

Product features Hybrid bearings (ceramics)

Material

• Ceramic (silicon nitride Si3N4)

Material properties

• Low affinity to 100 Cr 6
• Low coefficient of friction
• Low thermal conductivity
• Corrosion resistance
• No magnetism
• Electrically insulating
• Hybrid ball bearing

The material characteristics of ceramic balls in hybrid bearings result in significant increases in machine performance (in comparison to ball bearings using steel balls), especially under critical conditions.

Hybrid bearings (ceramics)