Question : What is the
advantage of Ceramic bearings?
Answer : Ceramic bearings have
the normal steel balls replaced by white ceramic balls. The ceramic balls are made of solid silicon nitride.
Ceramic silicon nitride balls are called ceramic but have nothing in common with household dish ceramics. They are called ceramic because it's easier calling
them ceramic then silicon nitride.
The ceramic silicon nitride ball is by far, smoother, harder, lighter and stronger than one made off steel.
Ceramic Bearings
The following is a list of benefits of the ceramic silicon nitride ball
bearing -
LIGHTER. The ceramic ball is
lighter then the steel ball. This means that
the ball exerts less force outward against the outer race grove as the bearing
spins. This reduction in outward force reduces the friction and rolling resistance.
The lighter ball allows the bearing to rev up
faster, and uses less energy
to maintain it speed.
HARDER. The ceramic ball is
harder then the steel ball. This gives you a bearing that will last up to 10 times longer then the steel ball bearing because it holds it's finish better.
SMOOTHER. The ceramic ball has smoother surface properties then the steel ball. This means
less friction between the ball and bearing races giving you a faster spinning bearing.
THERMAL. The ceramic ball has
better thermal properties then the steel ball. The ceramic ball will not heat
up like a steel ball. This helps avoid heat build up in the bearing, a primary culprit in skate and skateboard bearing performance degradation.
LUBRICATION. The ceramic balls are impervious to oxidation, chemicals,
and require essentially no lubricant. The bearings are lubricated with a very, very small amount of Aral Aralub oil, not a gel or grease.
SOLID CERAMIC.
The ceramic balls are solid ceramic silicon nitride. A cheaper ceramic bearing uses steel balls
with a thin ceramic layer. The elastic and thermal property difference between steel and ceramic cause the ceramic to split
and separate from the steel portion of the ball on these less expensive look a likes. Avoid this type of ceramic ball bearing.
