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Technical data & buying support

Material comparison, manufacturing process overview, and enquiry forms for new or experienced ball buyers.

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Material comparison

There are two main technical considerations when purchasing balls: (1) type of material, and (2) dimensional accuracy required. Use this comparison as a starting guide, then confirm grades with our sales team.

MaterialBest forStrengthsNotes
HCC / Bearing SteelBearings, high wear applicationsHardness, wear resistance, load capacitySAE 52100 / EN-31
High / Low Carbon SteelGeneral industrial use, lower wearCost-effective, versatile sizesHC & LC options
Stainless SteelCorrosion / rust prevention, hygieneRust resistance, non-magnetic grades202, 302, 304, 316, 420, 440
Tungsten CarbideValves, gauging, severe wearExtreme hardness & compressive strengthCo or Ni binder
CeramicsHigh-speed / lightweight bearingsStiffness, low expansion, insulationSi₃N₄, ZrO₂, SiC, Al₂O₃
Brass / CopperNon-bearing, conductivity needsDuctility, electrical / thermal conductivityAlloys on request
Gauge BallsMetrology, Go / No-Go inspectionSelf-centering, uniform diameterChrome steel or carbide

Manufacturing process

Typical precision ball process flow used across DSP product lines.

01

Heading

Wire coils are cold forged into spherical blanks for compact structure on single-stroke headers.

02

Flashing / Filing

Die marks on poles and equator of headed blanks are removed by grinding between hardened plates.

03

Heat Treatment

Balls are heated in a controlled environment to critical temperatures, quenched, then tempered to close limits.

04

Grinding

Balls are ground to close tolerances with graded abrasives, preparing them for final lapping.

05

Lapping

Final size, sphericity, lot variation and surface quality are achieved on specialized lappers.

06

Cleaning & Inspection

Balls are cleaned and tested with sophisticated equipment to ensure DSP quality standards.

Ceramics vs steels — property snapshot

High-level comparison to help shortlist ceramic or steel options.

PropertySi₃N₄ZrO₂SiCAl₂O₃Bearing SteelStainless
Density (g/cm³)3.2–3.36.003.1–3.23.957.857.90
Linear expansion (10⁻⁶/K)3.2010.504.508.5010.011.0
Young's modulus (GPa)300–320210350380208200
Hardness (HRC scale equiv.)1400–16001000–1200≥25001600–1800700≤30–62
Corrosion resistanceGoodGoodGoodGoodPoorPoor
Self-lubricationGoodGoodGoodPoorPoorPoor

Raise a technical enquiry

Choose the form that matches you. Submissions open your email client addressed to sales@dspballs.in with the filled details.

New ball buyer

For first-time ball buyers. Fields marked * are compulsory.

Experienced buyer

Essential fields marked *. Do not enter assumed data — leave blank if unsure. Send drawings to sales@dspballs.in if available.

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