Ceramic Balls
Characteristics like an extremely smooth surface finish allow for the use of ceramic balls in several industries including electrical, microwave, semiconductor, optical and automotive products such as rings, ball bearing inspections, pumps and discs. While also used for this purpose in industrial settings, ceramic balls have become increasingly popular as a means of water filtration in commercial and domestic purification systems. As water passes along the small, complex pore structure, harmful pollutants are removed while beneficial minerals such as calcium are maintained and in some cases enhanced. Different types of ceramic balls can offer health benefits beyond those offered with other filtration methods. Far infrared ray ceramic balls, for example, act as an anti-ageing agent while improving blood pressure, blood sugar, immunity and hormone regulation. Due to the many benefits they offer, ceramic ball filtration is increasingly seen in softeners, washing machines, humidifiers, cooling towers and even aquariums.
As previously mentioned, there are many different types of ceramic balls. While size must be considered for any application, the materials and manufacturing are of great importance as well. All ceramics start as a granular powder. These inorganic, nonmetallic compounds can be blended before or during manufacturing to increase advantageous attributes. Alumina, silicon carbide, boron carbide and cubic boron nitride are all common ceramics. Often, other minerals such as aluminum, calcium, titanium and magnesium are added to the compounds. The many combination possibilities allow for different categories of ceramic balls. Tourmaline, mineral, alkaline reducing, negative ion and the aforementioned far infrared rays are just some of the available options. Manufacturing is important in the creation and selection of these categories as well. In general, the first part of any process is that the granular minerals are blended into the desired mixture before being melted together. Ceramic balls can then be slip cast, pressed, fired or injection molded depending upon the intended use. Hot isostatic pressing, for example, produces balls with a pore-free microstructure and micron-sized grains. Precision ceramic grinding is a common finishing technique which removes scratches, cuts and other breaks to improve surface continuity.
