All CeramicSpeed Balls are of the highest quality Grade 3 Silicon Nitride, featuring the highest achievable surface finish and roundness. The quality of the balls is what determines the performance and lifetime of a bearing. The CeramicSpeed Balls feature unparalleled impact strength, smoothness, roundness and brittleness, proven to be superior to both ceramic and steel balls tipically used in the cycling components. The hammer test below speaks for itself.
This video illustrates the strength of the ceramic balls used in CeramicSpeed bearings.
Unique strength of CeramicSpeed balls
The CeramicSpeed balls are 15% harder, take 99% higher loads and are more than 100% smoother than other ceramic balls typically seen in the market. The hammer test video shown above speaks for itself. The smoothness and the hardness of the CeramicSpeed balls are unique. After 600 hours of testing, the CeramicSpeed ball is still in perfect condition whereas the surface of the other ceramic balls is rough and bumpy after only 10 hours of testing. A rough ball creates increased friction in the bearing and wears down quickly the steel races.
This picture shows two _" (6.35 mm) balls. The one to the left is a CeramicSpeed ball and the one to the right is a standard steel ball. We applied the same pressure to both balls and the result is clear. The steel ball simply cracked under the load while the CeramicSpeed ball is 100% intact and perfectly usable.
Corrosion
This picture shows a CeramicSpeed ball and a steel ball. Both have been running under the same conditions. The CeramicSpeed ball is in perfect condition and the steel ball has traces of corrosion easily visible. Both bearings work, but the operating temperature for the bearing with CeramicSpeed balls is lower. The lower the temperature - the longer the bearing will last.
This picture shows the same balls after some time in a corrosive environment. The CeramicSpeed ball has no sign of corrosion, while the steel ball is heavily corroded and thebearing broke down before the test finished.
CeramicSpeed balls compared to other ceramic balls