Publish Time: 2025-07-11 Origin: Site
Three Pain Points That Make Users Regret Choosing Ceramic Bearings
一. Vulnerable to Impact and Shock
Despite high hardness (up to HRC 70), ceramic bearings have 3 times lower toughness than steel bearings. Minor bumps during appliance transportation can cause cracks in ceramic balls. Improper installation force may shatter the inner ring.
二. Poor Cost-Effectiveness
A ceramic bearing costs 3-5 times more than a steel bearing (e.g., Kent brand) but offers no advantage in household scenarios. For appliances like fans (typically 1,500 rpm), steel bearings provide sufficient wear resistance. Ceramic bearings’ high-speed advantage (e.g., 12,000 rpm) remains unused here—pure performance waste.
三. Thermal Incompatibility
The mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients between ceramic and metal causes problems:
High temperatures: Gaps form between the bearing and shaft sleeve, leading to abnormal noise.
Low temperatures: Over-shrinkage results in operational jamming.
In contrast, steel bearings (e.g., Kent quenched steel) maintain stability from -30°C to 80°C, adapting to diverse climates.
Are Ceramic Bearings Worthless?
Ceramic bearings excel in specific scenarios:
Corrosion resistance: Withstands acids, alkalis, seawater, ideal for chemical and marine equipment415.
Low thermal conductivity: Maintains stable heat dissipation at high speeds (>15,000 rpm), reducing high-temperature failure risks512.
Lightweight: Density only 40% of steel, minimizing centrifugal force during high-speed operation. Reduces vibration and noise by 20-30 dB514.
Non-magnetic properties: Essential for MRI equipment and semiconductor devices sensitive to magnetic fields411.
For Household Motors: Steel Bearings Outperform
When selecting bearings for appliance motors, durability, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Instead of overspending on ceramic bearings’ “hype,” Kent steel bearings offer superior value:
Durability: Wear <0.005mm after 30,000 hours of operation17.
Cost: Priced at just 1/3 of ceramic bearings1015.
Performance: Quiet, robust, and reliable for everyday use.
Kent Proven Solution
Kent has supplied 200+ million quiet bearings to 500+ global motor manufacturers. Contact the Kent Technical Service Team at 19957028916 for a free bearing-motor compatibility test and unlock tangible returns from noise reduction upgrades!