C&U Americas, the North American subsidiary of the C&U Group, offers a range of hybrid ceramic ball bearings designed for electric motor and general industrial applications. These bearings are engineered to maximize the advantages of precision steel raceways combined with lightweight ceramic balls. In addition to providing electrical insulation, they offer higher speed capabilities, superior high-temperature performance, and extended service life compared to all-steel bearings in most applications.
Available in various configurations, these bearings cover bore diameters from 17mm to 90mm and outside diameters from 40mm to 190mm, with rated speeds reaching up to 21,600 RPM. C&U hybrid ceramic bearings feature steel rings and silicon nitride (Si3N4) balls; the balls have a density approximately 40% that of steel, resulting in lower inertia and enhanced speed performance. Reduced inertia lowers the load on the raceways and ensures excellent performance during rapid acceleration and deceleration.
Silicon nitride balls also possess a low coefficient of friction, generating less heat at high speeds and significantly extending the service life of both the lubricant and the bearing itself. Consequently, the bearings are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and high-temperature operating conditions-factors that can otherwise compromise running accuracy and internal clearance.
The silicon nitride material used in C&U hybrid ceramic bearings is significantly harder than steel, greatly enhancing overall bearing rigidity and resistance to contamination-induced damage. These bearings are also less susceptible to "false Brinelling." This phenomenon occurs when stationary bearings are subjected to external vibration; metal-to-metal contact between the balls and raceways creates wear particles that contaminate and degrade the lubricant, leading to increased noise and vibration.
Hybrid ceramic bearings are ideal for electric motors and generators prone to stray currents. Their design insulates the inner and outer rings, effectively blocking the flow of stray currents and preventing electrical pitting and secondary damage-issues that can otherwise cause increased noise and vibration, heat generation, lubricant failure, and premature bearing breakdown. C&U hybrid ceramic bearings serve as direct replacements for existing hybrid ceramic and conventional bearings across all applications. They are lubricated for life with Mobil Polyrex EM grease and feature low-torque, non-contact seals (-2RZ) that ensure optimal efficiency in torque-sensitive applications while providing effective contamination protection. As their handling and installation requirements mirror those of steel bearings, standard mounting tools and methods can be used.
