Ceramic Vs Steel Bearings

Full ceramic bearings have races and balls that are made entirely of ceramic material and are superior to common steel bearings in many ways.

Ceramic vs steel bearings. Five different parts go into building skateboard bearings and longboard bearings. The concept behind a bearing is simple. They will both also cope with higher temperatures than chrome steel but ceramic bearings also win here. The different elements balls retainers and closures can change a bit.

The graph below shows a comparison between two steel bearings skf and ntn and a ceramic bearing enduro. I know that there has been a debate between steel and ceramic bearings for a while but i have wondered how it effects the esk8 world as well. This means lighter weight reels since the balls make up 50 75 of a bearings weight. Ceramic is the perfect material for any application seeking to achieve higher rpm s reduce overall weight or for extremely harsh environments where high temperatures and corrosive substances are present.

This is mostly due to the additional time spent to perfect a quality ceramic ball. Stainless steel bearings win the prize for load and speed ratings. Optimization is possible for the disparity that exists between these parts. Can be solid or a coating on stainless steel balls.

Stainless steel bearings and full ceramic bearings are both corrosion resistant but the ceramic bearings have greater corrosion resistance. The first thing that strikes the eye when looking at bicycle bearings is the difference in price between steel bearings and hybrid ceramic bearings. If solid ceramic they re lighter than stainless steel by as much as 60. Things don t slide or roll.

Ceramic bearings vs steel. Initially the enduro bearing has lower friction at around 600km of use the ceramic bearing has worn a track into the comparatively soft steel races and the bearing friction starts to increase dramatically. Cost of purchase for ceramic and steel bearings. The wear rate of ceramic ball bearings is significantly less than stainless steel especially when lubricated.

A ceramic bearing is also harder than steel bearings up to 30 which improves durability and they also don t rust so less maintenance should be required.