Jewel Bearing Applications

Synthetic sapphire and ruby, because of their hardness and ability to accept a high polish, are recognized universally as the ideal material for instruments, meters, control devices and other precision mechanisms where low friction, long life and dimensional accuracy are important.

Sapphire or ruby ranks next to diamond in hardness. Synthetic sapphire is identical in chemical composition to natural sapphire, but is far superior because impurities and flaws are eliminated.

The synthesizing process dates back to the early 1900’s and has changed little since then. Aluminum ammonium sulfate is calcined at a temperature between 1200°C and 1500°C. The resulting alumina or corundum is fed as a powder into an oxyhydrogen flame of about 2050° centigrade temperature. The powder melts and is crystallized on a ceramic pedestal to form a small, single crystal boule form which blanks are cut for the manufacture of various designs of jewel bearings and other products.

Outstanding advantages of synthetic Sapphire Jewel Bearings
· High polish and low friction
· Hardness and Shock Resistance
· Miniature Size, Close Tolerances
· Low Cost, Long & Accurate Wear Life
· Resistance to Heat, Corrosion, Distortion
· Non-magnetic Properties
· High Dielectric Strength

>> Click here for Jewel Bearing Design Aids