Stainless Steel Balls

Precision-engineered spherical components made from various grades of stainless steel, prized for their corrosion resistance, hardness, and smooth surface finish. They are widely used in applications requiring low friction, high precision, or resistance to harsh environments.

Types of Stainless-Steel Balls

AISI 302/304 Stainless Steel Balls: Good general-purpose corrosion resistance, non-magnetic in annealed condition.

AISI 316/316L Stainless Steel Balls: Superior corrosion resistance (especially to chlorides and acids), often used in marine, medical, and food applications. Slightly magnetic when cold worked.

AISI 420/440C Stainless Steel Balls: Martensitic stainless steels, heat-treatable for high hardness and wear resistance, magnetic. Used in bearings, valves.

Hollow Stainless Steel Balls: Lighter weight, often decorative or used in float applications.

Polished/Mirror Finish Balls: For decorative or specific functional uses.

Applications of Stainless-Steel Balls

Bearings: As rolling elements (balls) in ball bearings for industrial machinery, automotive, aerospace, etc. (typically 440C).

Valves: As check balls in pumps, spray nozzles, dispensing valves (302, 304, 316).

Pumps: For check valves, ball valves.

Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, implants (316L for biocompatibility).

Food Processing: Agitators, check valves, cleaning systems (316).

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Roll-on applicators.

Grinding Media: For milling and dispersion (harder grades).

Automotive: Seat belt mechanisms, steering components.

Decorative & Architectural: Balustrades, sculptures.

Technology: Precision grinding and lapping for tight tolerances and surface finish, specialized heat treatment for hardness, material purity control, magnetic particle inspection for defects, automated sorting by size and grade.

Material Selection Considerations:

• Corrosion Resistance: Crucial for the intended environment (e.g., 316 for marine/chemical, 304 for general).
• Hardness & Wear Resistance: For applications involving friction or impact (e.g., 440C for bearings).
• Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic (304) vs. magnetic (440C).
• Precision Grade: ABEC standards for bearings, different grades for other applications (e.g., G10, G25, G100).
• Surface Finish: Polished, matte, etc.
• Biocompatibility: For medical and food contact.
• Cost: Varies significantly by grade and precision.