Precision Glass Balls
Precision Glass Balls are particularly effective in applications where corrosion resistance is a primary requirement and where extreme thermal changes are not a factor.
Like 300-series stainless, glass resists corrosion and chemical absorption, and it is non-magnetic. Glass balls are ideal for valve applications in medical devices, instrumentation gauges, pumps, water treatment bearings, roll-on applicators, and other uses.
Most 300-series stainless steel balls contain between 8 to 14 percent nickel, a material whose availability and cost has been volatile. In contrast, the cost of glass has remained stable, because its primary element is “silica,” or sand, which is abundant.
Hartford Technologies manufactures glass balls from soda-lime and borosilicate materials.
Soda-lime balls are recommended for applications requiring hardness and excellent resistance to corrosion. In applications where high temperatures and sudden temperature changes are expected, borosilicate glass is recommended for its additional resistance to chemical corrosion and temperature fluctuation.
Glass Balls can be supplied to the same diameter and “sphericity” tolerances as stainless steel balls, in smooth, matte, and polished finishes, in plain or color, and in sizes ranging from 1/32″ (0.8mm) through 1-1/4″ (31.75mm). Balls can also be manufactured to a 100,000/10,000 cleanroom standard. Hartford’s advanced high-speed visual inspection system evaluates the diameter, roundness, and purity of each ball.
Whether your requirement is for balls manufactured from carbon steel, stainless steel, tungsten carbide, brass, glass, or plastics, Hartford Technologies offers a unique 2-continent logistics strategy that shortens delivery times to multiple destinations, the industry’s strongest technical team – and greatest overall value.
Precision Glass Balls from Hartford have:
- High corrosion resistance
- Lightweight (1/3 of stainless steel)
- Low coefficient of friction
- High dimensional stability
- Tight tolerances
- Non-magnetic
- Zero porosity
- Stable material cost
