Steel balls come in various materials, with the most common ones being carbon steel balls, bearing steel balls, and stainless steel balls. Although there are other materials out there, they aren't often used. Today, let’s focus on these three widely applied types.
Carbon steel balls can be categorized into two groups based on whether they undergo heat treatment, which involves a heating process to enhance their properties. Once heat-treated, carbon steel balls become much harder, with surface hardness reaching approximately HRC60. In contrast, untreated carbon steel balls have a hardness closer to regular steel, around HRC28, commonly referred to as iron balls. Naturally, the cost differs between the two types. Heat-treated carbon steel balls are pricier, but this doesn’t mean they’re superior. After heat treatment, these balls lose their weldability, making them less reliable even when welded, as they tend to fall apart easily upon contact. If welding is necessary, opt for carbon steel balls that haven’t undergone heat treatment.
Bearing steel balls are notable for their varying precision levels, indicated by grades according to national standards like GB/T308-2013. These grades include G5, G10, G16, G28, G40, G60, G100, G200, G500, and G1000, where “G†stands for Grade in English. The lower the number, the higher the precision, and the better the quality of the steel ball. High-precision balls are typically used in industries demanding precision, such as precision machinery, automotive components, and aerospace. Lower-precision balls find applications in more general areas like grinding, crushing, and mixing.
Stainless steel balls are available in several types, including 201, 304, 316, 316L, 420, 440, and 440C. From a material perspective, 304, 316, and 316L stainless steel balls belong to the austenitic family, which is non-magnetic, rust-resistant, and highly corrosion-resistant. On the other hand, 420, 440, and 440C stainless steel balls are martensitic, also called stainless iron, and possess magnetic properties. They offer excellent rust and corrosion resistance along with superior wear resistance.
In summary, each type of steel ball serves its unique purpose depending on the application and required properties. Understanding their differences ensures optimal selection for specific needs.
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