Stainless Steel Balls
Precision Plastic Ball Company offers a selection of stainless steel balls for a variety of applications. Our high-quality stainless steel precision balls are available in a range of sizes. We are a leading supplier of stainless steel balls and also offer chrome steel, plastic, and aluminum precision balls.
Stainless Steel Ball Features / Properties
Stainless steel balls are a vital precision part for many industries. Generally consisting of approximately 89% steel and 11% chromium, stainless steel is a modern answer to many of the problems associated with traditional steel, such as corrosion, rust, and staining. While specific properties will vary based on the type of stainless steel (440 vs. 316, etc.), balls manufactured from stainless steel typically hold up well in corrosive environments and applications requiring toughness and durability, where maximum hardness is not a requirement. Stainless steel is also very resistant to dyes, weatherization, acids, and other chemical compounds. This makes stainless balls ideal for many specialized use cases, especially in the automotive industry, such as mission-critical parts for anti-lock brakes.
Applications of Stainless Steel Balls
Stainless steel spheres have a variety of uses in both industrial and consumer products alike. They are often used in small consumer items such as pens, nail polish bottles, and cigarette lighters.
- Automotive parts
- Couplings, valves, and pumps
- Industrial bearings
- Agitation elements for cosmetics, spray cans, etc.
- Locking mechanisms
- Appliance components
- Food processing
- Medical equipment
Strengths
- Highly resistant to corrosion (especially 316 balls)
- High tensile strength – even in low temperatures
- Resistant to acids, sterilizing solutions, and other chemicals
- Wear-resistant (especially 440 balls)
Weaknesses
- Weaker against attacks from halogen acids
- High rate of expansion when heated
- Relatively low melting temperature
- Not a good conductor of heat
- Some types of stainless steel balls are softer than other metals
For more information or to order stainless steel balls in bulk, contact us today at 847.678.2255 or browse our product catalog.