Overview of Sapphire Ball

We specialize in the production of high-precision sapphire and ruby balls with diameters ranging from 0.60 mm to 150 mm. Manufactured from synthetic single-crystal aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), these balls exhibit extraordinary hardness, outstanding wear resistance, and exceptional chemical stability. With a Mohs hardness of 9, they are second only to diamond, offering long-lasting performance even under extreme operating conditions.

Sapphire and ruby balls are widely recognized as essential components in precision engineering, fluid control, optical devices, and measurement technologies. Their combination of durability, chemical inertness, and optical transparency makes them a superior alternative to steel, glass, or ceramic balls in many critical applications.

Material Properties of Sapphire Ball

• Material: Synthetic Sapphire / Ruby (Al₂O₃)

• Mohs Hardness: 9 (extremely hard and scratch-resistant)

• Melting Point: 2045 °C (3713 °F)

• Refractive Index: No = 1.768, Ne = 1.760

• Physical and Chemical Features:

  • High resistance to mechanical wear

  • Unaffected by most acids, alkalis, and solvents

  • Wide transparency range, from UV to IR (200 nm – 5 μm for sapphire)

  • Excellent dimensional stability under pressure and thermal cycling

• Customization: Available in a wide range of diameters and tolerances, tailored to customer specifications

Applications of Sapphire Ball

Sapphire Balls

• Special Bearings: Long-lasting, low-friction performance in precision bearings where lubrication is limited.

• Chemical & Medical Devices: Resistant to aggressive reagents, ensuring reliability in analytical instruments and medical equipment.

• Flow Control Components: Used in check valves, pumps, and flow meters for accurate and corrosion-free fluid handling.

• Writing Instruments: Commonly used in fountain pens and high-quality ballpoint pen tips.

• Measurement & Optical Tools: Applied in gauges, barcode scanners, and fiber optic connectors, ensuring stability and accuracy.

Specifications of Sapphire Ball

Product Advantages of Sapphire Ball

• Durability: Exceptional hardness ensures long service life in high-wear applications.

• Chemical Stability: Maintains performance even in highly corrosive chemical environments.

• Precision: Ultra-fine tolerances (±2 nm) and roundness <0.0005 mm ensure accuracy in critical assemblies.

• Versatility: Suitable for industries ranging from aerospace and semiconductor to biomedical and consumer electronics.

• Customization: Available in a wide variety of sizes, tolerances, and surface finishes to meet specific application needs.

Sapphire Ball FAQ

Q1: What is a sapphire ball?
A: A sapphire ball is a precision sphere made from high-purity single crystal Al₂O₃ (sapphire). It combines extreme hardness, wear resistance, chemical stability, and excellent optical transmission, making it suitable for industrial, optical, and scientific applications.

Q2: What are the key advantages of sapphire balls compared with steel or ceramic balls?
A: Sapphire balls offer:

• Hardness: Mohs 9, second only to diamond, ensuring long service life.

• Chemical Resistance: Inert to most acids, alkalis, and solvents.

• High-Temperature Stability: Operational stability up to 1900°C in air, 2000°C in inert atmosphere.

• Optical Transparency: Wide spectral transmission from UV (0.2 μm) to IR (5.5 μm).

• Non-Magnetic & Electrically Insulating: Ideal for sensitive environments.

Q3: What are the typical applications of sapphire balls?
A:

• Industrial Bearings: High-precision ball bearings in harsh or corrosive environments.

• Medical Devices: Valve components, pumps, and biocompatible instruments.

• Semiconductor & Electronics: Precision alignment, spacers, and wear-resistant parts.

• Optics & Lasers: Optical calibration, lenses, and light transmission systems.

• Scientific Research: High-pressure cells, microfluidics, and extreme-condition experiments.