Drilled Balls and Modified
Precision Balls

Hartford customers often ask us to modify precision balls to suit a
particular application. Precision balls from Hartford can be manufactured
with a partial, or drilled-through hole. Balls can be modified to have one
or two flats. Often, a customer requests a drilled ball with a threaded hole.

Drilled Balls Applications

Hartford drilled and modified precision balls have many, diverse
applications. Automotive drive trains are a primary user, also ball seat
valves, and seat slides.  Drilled balls are used in jewelry, in pump check
valves, and in physics balls sets used in education.  They are widely used
in scientific instruments for volume/density, collision, impact, and other
experiments.   Probe tips and pendulum bobs are additional applications
for Hartford drilled balls within the laboratory environment.

Hartford has a substantial capacity for drilled and modified precision balls,
thanks to a unique two-continent manufacturing system. This is particularly
advantageous for customers who have high quality requirements,
multiple delivery sites and tight lead times.  

Drilled Balls:  Materials, Sizes, Finishes

Hartford drilled balls are manufactured in several grades of stainless steel,
carbon steel, brass, aluminum, glass and several plastics. Sizes range from
3/64" to 2 1/2", with ID tolerances typically .0008” either drilled-through,
or depth-controlled.  

Drilled balls can be customized with a broad range of surface finishes,
coatings, platings, and heat treating processes to optimize performance
and service life.   ID tolerances are typically .0008” drilled entirely through,
or depth-controlled.   

Quality Assurance

Every ball is subject to Hartford’s Zero PPM Rejects Quality Process. 
Our advanced inspection instruments detect and isolate non-conforming
balls automatically. Production samples are regularly tested for adherence
to hardness, microstructure and finish specifications.

Hartford Technologies drilled balls and modified balls conform
to these standard industrial specifications:

• ANSI / AFBMA Standard 10 Metal Balls
• ISO 3290 Rolling Bearings – Balls – Dimensions and Tolerances
• DIN 5401 Finished Steel Balls for Rolling Bearings
• ASTM F 2215
• ASTM F2215
• ASTM F2215-08
• ASTM F 2215-08

This specification covers requirements for ferrous and nonferrous
inch balls. The balls are specified for use in bearings, bearing applications,
check valves, and other components using balls.

Precision drilled balls and modified balls are a Hartford specialty.
Let us quote your application!