Silicon nitride balls ideal for medical uses

Thomson has introduced a new family of balls made from silicon nitride that are ideal for a number of high precision medical and test applications, including dental drills and gauges

Thomson Precision Ball Company has introduced a new family of balls made from silicon nitride that are ideal for a number of high precision medical and test applications, including dental drills and gauges.

They are also being used in automotive fuel injection and anti-lock braking systems, specialty bearings, and aerospace actuators.

Guaranteed to meet ISO standards and manufactured in an ISO-9002/QS-9000 plant, this new line of precision ball products conforms to the standards of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ANSI/ABMA Std.

10-1989).

When compared to steel balls, silicon nitride balls provide equipment and device designers a number of benefits, including: a 40% reduction in weight; up to 2x the material hardness for tight tolerances; a coefficient of thermal expansion that is 70% less than steel; and a temperature operating range up to 980 degrees C.

In addition, Thomson silicon nitride balls are non-corrosive, anti-magnetic, and excel in low noise, high rigidity, and high load carrying applications.

Furthermore, these balls can run dry in a vacuum environment and up to 260 degrees C without lubrication.

Thomson silicon nitride balls are available in 1/32" to 1".

Special sizes can be ordered in lot quantities.

Thomson precision balls are available in a choice of 27 high performance materials, including Type 316L surgical stainless steel, 52100 chrome steel, stainless steels, Monel, K-Monel, titanium, bronze, brass, non-ferrous, and plastic.

Thomson Precision Ball has the only metrology laboratory approved by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) for the calibration of spheres.

The scope of their accreditation includes specific ball diameter, roundness, and surface finish.

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