All ceramic bearing 1

[alansimpson]

I need a small ball bearing 3-8mm to be low torque and non-magnetic. All ceramic may fit the bill but I can't get information on sizes available by searching many websites. Any ideas would be welcome.

Loading and speed is low. Jewel bearings too small. Friction must be as low as possible.

 

[unclesyd]

Here is one company that I have used that has a selection of ceramic bearings. I haven't used their ceramic but have used their small metal bearings numerous times.

http://www.bocabearings.com/main1.aspx?p=docs&id=17

 

[Oldliar]

Some weight weenies in cycling use ceramic bearings due to low weight in addition to less friction.

http://woodcock.shop2.mtsyellowpages.com/product.php?txtCatID=0&txtProdID=1085&txtProdImageID=1893

 

[diskullman]

You need a Jilson plastic ball bearing, do a web search for Jilson bearing

 

[rorschach]

most "ceramic" bearings use ceramic rolling elements and steel races. finding an all ceramic version is going to be hard because ceramic on ceramic wear is very high and neither is dimensionally forgiving. a plastic bushing or bearing might be our best bet.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I don't want to get in over my head, but ceramic on ceramic wear can actually be quite low.

Knee and hip joints have used ceramic bearing surfaces for a long time now, and the technology is starting to spread to spinal use as well.

I can't vouch for specific bearings, but this company:

http://www.coorstek.com/products.asp

does some good work with biomedical ceramics, Very low wear.