Sapphire, Ruby, Ceramic and Glass Balls

[ Click here for Properties of Synthetic Sapphire and Ruby ]
[ Click here for Standard Sizes of Sapphire, Ruby, Ceramic & Glass Balls ]

Synthetic Sapphire and particularly Synthetic Ruby materials are quickly becoming the jewels of the industry.

For companies who are producing a specific product, these materials make an immediate statement about quality. For instance, watches often feature, on their face, that all movements are fully jeweled. Furthermore, many ball point pen companies exclusively use ruby ball tips, which offer a smoother and finer writing quality.

Not surprisingly, these synthetic sapphire and ruby balls deliver better quality because of their superior qualities. They bring extreme abrasive resistance (5 times that of carbide). Both exhibit the ability to add an extremely smooth finish. Due to their zero porosity and crystal structure, micro-finishes of 2 are easily attained. Extreme hardness, chemical inertness (even to hydrofloric, hf acid), a low friction coefficient, high thermal conductivity and remarkable wear resistance are some of the reasons these balls are on a roll in the industry.

Their numerous advantageous properties make them prime candidates for literally hundreds of applications.

Ruby balls are currently used in chemical pump check valves, wind indicators, probe and test measurement tips, medical check valves, ball point pens, master ball gauging sets, ball plug gauges, sapphire fiber optic lens systems, tracer tips, gyroscopic wear points and precision metering valve assemblies.
Sapphire balls can be drilled and used as precision jeweled bearing rollers for low friction and long wear applications. They can also be implemented in high heat applications; their melting point is 2,000 degrees centigrade yet oxidation of the material isn’t a problem.

Sapphire also offers good temperature and optical qualities, as well as superior stability.

If you want more direct evidence of how they’re being applied, just take a look.

Tracer Tips and Gauge Contact Points: Perfect here because of its hardness, wear resistance, dimensional stability and smooth surface texture. It is aesthetically attractive. It can also be machined to micron tolerance in roundness and diameter.
Chemical and Medical Valves: Ideal because of its extreme resistance to chemical corrosion. It’s also inert to most acids, non-toxic, and offers zero porosity and resistance to thermal shock.
Ball Point Pens & Stylus Tips: Smooth surface and high abrasion resistance enable it to stand up to harsh surfaces, such as mylar.
Ball and Roller Bearings: Low coefficient of friction, long wear, low elastic deformation and heat and chemical resistance properties give it a longer life span.
Fiber Optic Lens Systems: Its scratch resistance, good refraction index (1.76 microns at 20 degrees C), 80% to 90% transmission in infrared wavelengths, strength and temperature stability make it perfect in meticulous applications.
Ball Gauge and Probe Tips: Delivers dimensional stability without wear since it’s harder than most surfaces to be gauged. They’re also attractive, readily available and can be machined down to micron tolerances..