CE-R133-ZrSiPE is a high-precision hybrid ceramic miniature bearing featuring ZrO₂ (zirconia) rings, Si₃N₄ (silicon nitride) balls, and a PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cage. This innovative material combination leverages the high strength and corrosion resistance of zirconia rings with the exceptional hardness, low density, and thermal shock resistance of silicon nitride balls. The PEEK cage provides excellent chemical resistance and high-temperature stability. Together, they deliver superior wear resistance, low friction, and the ability to operate without lubrication. Commonly found in medical, aerospace, and high-speed miniature applications, this bearing ensures durability and precision under extreme conditions.
◆ Basic Dimensions and Weight
Model CE-R133-ZrSiPE (standard R133 series). Dimensions in mm, weight in kg.
| Parameter | Value |
| Inner diameter (d) | 3 mm |
| Outer diameter (D) | 7 mm |
| Width (B) | 2.5 mm |
| Minimum fillet radius (r) | 0.15 mm |
| Cage material | PEEK (polyetheretherketone) |
Mounting dimensions: da min = 3.8 mm, Da max = 6.2 mm, ra max = 0.15 mm.
Reference weight: ~0.0007 kg (hybrid ceramic construction).
◆ Material and Design
● Rings – ZrO₂ (Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia) – Sintered advanced ceramic with ≥94% ZrO₂ + Y₂O₃ stabilizer. Density ~6.0 g/cm³, Vickers hardness 1250–1350 HV10, flexural strength ≥1000 MPa. Provides excellent toughness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Thermal expansion coefficient 10.3×10⁻⁶/K (matches steel), dielectric strength >15 kV/mm, non-magnetic, non-conductive.
● Balls – Si₃N₄ (Silicon Nitride) – Advanced ceramic with high fracture toughness, excellent thermal shock resistance, and low density (~3.2 g/cm³). Vickers hardness 1400–1700 HV10, flexural strength ≥800 MPa. The combination of ZrO₂ rings with Si₃N₄ balls provides optimal hybrid performance: zirconia offers toughness and corrosion resistance, while silicon nitride offers superior hardness and reduced centrifugal forces.
● Cage – PEEK (Polyetheretherketone) – High-performance engineering thermoplastic offering excellent chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and high-temperature stability up to +260°C continuous (+300°C short-term). PEEK provides lower friction and better wear resistance than traditional cages, making it ideal for high-speed and chemically aggressive environments.
● Design Features – Miniature deep groove geometry suitable for radial and light axial loads. Optimized for high-speed operation with low noise and vibration characteristics. The hybrid design maximizes performance in compact applications.
◆ Core Performance Advantages
● High Strength & Toughness – ZrO₂ rings provide excellent fracture toughness, while Si₃N₄ balls offer superior hardness and strength, ensuring durability under demanding conditions.
● Corrosion & Chemical Resistance – Both ZrO₂ and Si₃N₄ offer excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, solvents, and seawater. The PEEK cage further enhances chemical resistance.
● Low Friction & High Speed – Very low friction coefficient (0.03–0.10), enabling high rotational speeds with reduced heat generation. The hybrid design minimizes wear and extends service life.
● Extreme Temperature Range – Operates from -200°C to +600°C (rings/balls) and up to +260°C for PEEK cage. Low thermal expansion ensures stable clearances across temperature variations.
● Lightweight & Compact – Miniature design with low weight (~0.7 grams), ideal for portable and space-constrained devices.
● Electrical Insulation – Non-conductive and non-magnetic, preventing arcing damage in motors, generators, and electromagnetic-sensitive equipment.
● Maintenance-Free Operation – Operates without lubrication in many applications, reducing maintenance costs and contamination risks.
◆ Application Areas
● Medical & Dental Equipment – Surgical handpieces, dental drills, miniature pumps – biocompatible and lubrication-free.
● Aerospace – Instrumentation, gyroscopes, actuator mechanisms – lightweight, extreme temperature reliability.
● High-Speed Miniature Spindles – PCB drilling, small precision tools – high rotational speeds and precision.
● Semiconductor & Cleanroom – Vacuum robots, wafer handling – particle-free, non-magnetic, non-conductive.
● Laboratory Instruments – Centrifuges, precision measurement equipment – high accuracy and chemical resistance.
● Robotics & Automation – Miniature actuators, precision joints – compact and reliable.
◆ Technical Data
| Technical Data – CE-R133-ZrSiPE |
| Rings material | ZrO₂ (Y-TZP) |
| Balls material | Si₃N₄ |
| Cage material | PEEK |
| Temp. limit (rings) | -200°C to +600°C |
| Temp. limit (balls) | -200°C to +800°C |
| Temp. limit (PEEK cage) | -70°C to +260°C |
| Overall bearing temp. limit | -70°C to +260°C (cage limited) |
| Friction coefficient (dry) | 0.03–0.10 |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (rings) | 10.3 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
| Thermal expansion coefficient (balls) | 3.2 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
| Dielectric strength | >15 kV/mm |
| Density (rings) | ~6.0 g/cm³ |
| Density (balls) | ~3.2 g/cm³ |
| Hardness (rings) | 1250–1350 HV10 |
| Hardness (balls) | 1400–1700 HV10 |
| Speed capability (relative to steel) | Up to 1.5–2.0× |