Common ceramic bearing materials include zirconia, silicon nitride, and silicon carbide. Silicon nitride ceramics are widely regarded as the best choice for manufacturing ceramic bearings for the following reasons:
Lightweight: The density of silicon nitride ceramics is 3.19-3.3g/cm ³, which is only 40% of that of bearing steel. This allows it to withstand small centrifugal loads, with lower temperature rise during high-speed operation, making it suitable for working at higher speeds and generating less heat.
High hardness and strength: Silicon nitride ceramic bearings are lighter than steel bearings, with twice the hardness of steel bearings, and are less susceptible to deformation due to external environmental factors, thus exhibiting excellent performance in bearing life and efficiency.
Low friction: The balls in silicon nitride ceramic bearings generate less friction and heat, thereby reducing wear and sometimes even eliminating the need for lubricants. In addition, silicon nitride ceramic bearings reduce raceway stress and lower mechanical operating temperatures.
High heat resistance: Silicon nitride ceramics have excellent temperature characteristics and are suitable for high temperature environments. They can maintain mechanical properties stably at high temperatures up to 800 ℃ without deformation or shrinkage, and have good dimensional stability.

Corrosion resistance: Silicon nitride ceramic bearings have excellent electrical resistance, which is particularly important in scenarios such as electric vehicles. They can avoid the phenomenon of electrical corrosion caused by high-voltage motors without the need for outer coating with non-conductive materials.
Long lifespan: Ceramic bearings have a longer service life than steel bearings, reducing replacement frequency and related costs. For applications such as electric vehicles, they can extend vehicle lifespan and provide longer driving range.