FAQ: Precision Miniature Balls /
Bearings, Stainless Grades,
MIL Spec Balls
Q: Where are precision
miniature balls used?
A: Precision miniature balls are those under 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter.
Precision miniature balls are commonly used in medical, dental and
optical instruments, miniature bearings, ball screws and pumps.
Material options include chrome steel, stainless steel,
tungsten carbide, plastic and glass.
Q: What are some good criteria for
deciding whether a ball or roller is best
for a given rolling motion application?
A: There are 6 main factors to consider – here’s how balls and rollers
compare on that basis:
Hartford has some excellent tools to help you through the process and
make the best decision for your application. Email us
Q. What are the main differences between
300 and 400 series stainless steels?
A: 300 series “austenitic” stainless steels contain chromium and nickel
and are non-magnetic. They have better corrosion resistance than 400
series, (in fact, the highest corrosion resistance of the stainless group).
They are less brittle, and can be hardened by cold working.
400 series “martensitic” stainless steels are “straight chromium” steels.
They contain more carbon to make them magnetic, and offer less corrosion
protection than 300 series. They can be readily heat treated to increase
hardness, making them more brittle. Martensitic grades are specified for
applications that demand strength, hardness and wear resistance.
Q. What major standards does Hartford
adhere to for its ball manufacturing?
A: Hartford products conform to these major standard industrial
specifications for precision balls:
- 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
Q. What about MIL spec balls?
A: Yes – see our MIL spec balls page.
For more on miniature balls,
see www.hartfordtechnologies.com/miniature-balls.htm
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