Different Types of Steel Balls That Meet Your Needs

Steel balls are spherical components used as rolling mechanisms in rotary motion components such as bearings, tooling, wheels, but there are other use for steel balls such as grinding or burnishing media, toys and more. There are many sizes and gauges used in a variety of applications.

Selecting the Right Steel Ball

When sourcing steel balls, consider your application and the function you need the ball to perform. Various options are available when creating steel balls and bearing balls, so you will need to consider the size and materials.- Steel balls are available in standard and metric sizes, so determine which is most appropriate for your purpose. Standard-sized steel balls are typically less expensive and normally available for immediate delivery. However, STR Industries will design custom sizes upon request.

When selecting thread sizes for products, you’ll encounter a wide range of options to suit various needs and applications. Here’s a breakdown of some commonly available thread sizes:

• Inch Sizes:
  • Sizes range from small to large, starting as tiny as 8-32, all the way up to 5/8″-11.
  • Some popular mid-range sizes include 1/4″-20, 3/8″-16, and 1/2″-13.
• Metric Sizes:
  • Metric threads start from the smallest M6 size and increase in increments, such as M8, M10, and M12.

Each size category offers its own unique set of characteristics, catering to different requirements in strength and application compatibility. With these options, you can select the perfect thread size to match your project’s specifications.

• Steel balls are available in standard and metric sizes, so determine which is most appropriate for your purpose. Standard-sized steel balls are typically less expensive and normally available for immediate delivery. However, STR Industries will design custom sizes upon request.
• Material choice dictates the physical characteristics of the steel ball, such as hardness, magnetic properties, and oxidation resistance. Steel balls are available in low carbon (1015, 1018), high carbon (1065,1085), chrome (52100), and stainless steel (302, 304, 316, 420, and 440). The intended application will play a significant role in determining the appropriate material choice.

When considering product temperature ratings, there are typically several categories based on maximum temperature thresholds. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Below 250°F: Products in this category are suitable for relatively low-temperature applications, such as typical household items or certain electronic components.
• 250°F to 499°F: This range covers products used in mid-range temperature settings, often seen in applications like moderate industrial processes or some cooking appliances.
• 500°F to 999°F: Items within this group are designed for high-heat environments. They are commonly used in industries like metalworking or automotive where significant heat resistance is required.
• 1,000°F to 1,999°F: Products made to withstand these extreme temperatures are tailored for specialized applications. These might include parts for furnaces or high-temperature manufacturing processes.
• Not Rated: Some products do not have a specified temperature rating, possibly due to variations in use or material limitations.

Understanding these ratings can help you choose the right product for your specific temperature requirements.

Exploring Product Appearance Options

When it comes to selecting products, appearance can play a crucial role in your decision-making process. Here’s a breakdown of the various appearance options available:

1. Finish Types

• Mirror-Like Finish: Offers a highly reflective, shiny surface that is often used for decorative purposes or in applications where aesthetics are paramount.
• Matte Finish: Provides a non-reflective surface that can hide fingerprints and smudges, ideal for more utilitarian environments.
• Brushed Finish: Features subtle texture with fine lines running in a single direction, often used in modern and industrial designs.

2. Color Choices

• Custom Colors: Many products are available in a range of customizable colors through powder coating, paint, or anodizing.
• Standard Hues: Classic colors like black, white, and silver that cater to traditional tastes and blend easily with existing designs.

3. Materials and Textures

• Plastics: Often available in a spectrum of colors and textures, from glossy to matte surfaces.
• Metals: Options include polished, brushed, or raw appearances, affecting both texture and sheen. Different metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and brass offer unique reflective qualities.

4. Patterns and Designs

• Printed Patterns: Incorporate specific designs, logos, or motifs directly onto the product surface.
• Embossed or Engraved: Adds a three-dimensional texture, creating depth and interest in the product design.

5. Coatings and Treatments

• Anti-Reflective Coatings: Reduce glare and enhance visibility in bright conditions.
• Weather-Resistant Treatments: Provide additional durability for products exposed to harsh outdoor environments.

Whether you’re looking for sleek modern aesthetics, classic elegance, or rugged functionality, the wide range of appearance options ensures you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

When searching for specific products, you can apply a variety of filters based on material and measurement criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the primary filters available:

Material Type

• Metal Options:
  • Stainless Steel
  • Steel

Measurement System

• Units of Measurement:
  • Inch
  • Metric

Additional Filters

• Diameter Options:
  • Inch sizes range from 0.026″ to 1 9/16″
  • Metric sizes include 12 mm
• Hardness Levels:
  • Standard, Tight, Hard, Extra Hard
  • Rockwell ratings such as Rockwell C25 to C60
• Mount Types:
  • Bolt On, Flange, Magnet, Press Fit, Slip Fit, Threaded Hole, Threaded Stud, Through Hole, Weld On
• Appearance & Finish:
  • Mirror-like, Ground, Polished, Tumbled
• Heat Treatment:
  • Options include Case Hardened and Hardened
• Mechanical Finish:
  • Available types are Ground, Polished, and Tumbled
• Length Variations:
  • Ranges from 0.33″ to 48″
• Temperature Resistance:
  • Options for operating under various maximum and minimum temperatures
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • RoHS and REACH compliance status
• Thread Sizes:
  • Options include standard and metric, ranging from 8-32 to 1 1/2″-6 for standard sizes and M6 to M12 for metric sizes

These filters empower you to refine your product search based on precision material specifications and measurement protocols, ensuring you find exactly what you need for your specific application.

How Steel Balls are Made

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Our engineers can provide guidance in selecting the right type of steel balls for your application, including size, materials, and quantities.
Stainless steel and other metal balls are manufactured using the following processes:

• Forging aka cold heading. Rough ball shapes are forged from bar stock material.
• Deflashing. Rough machining or soft grinding removes the forge flashing.
• Heat treatment. Balls are heat treated based on technical specifications in a controlled process.
• Finishing. Stainless steel balls skip this step. Other steel balls may be hardened using heat treatments, quenching, or other tempering methods.
• Hard Grinding. The steel balls are ground to remove nicks and imperfections.
• Lapping. A controlled mechanical sanding/polishing process brings the balls into the intended design, grade dimensions, and spherical accuracy within 1/1,000,000 of an inch.
• Inspection & Packaging. Lubricant or rust-preventive is applied as a final step before the steel balls are inspected and packaged.

Mechanical Finishes Available

It’s important to understand the mechanical finishes that can be applied to steel balls and other products, enhancing their performance and aesthetics:

• Ground Finish: Ensures a smooth and consistent surface, ideal for applications requiring minimal friction.
• Polished Finish: Provides a reflective, mirror-like surface, enhancing both appearance and corrosion resistance.
• Tumbled Finish: Offers a matte surface, often used to improve durability and resistance to wear.

Each finish serves distinct purposes and can be selected based on the specific needs of your project. Our experts are available to help you choose the best finish for your application, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

When it comes to precision measurement and inspection tools, there are a variety of options available to suit different needs. Let’s dive into some of the essential instruments, such as bore gauges, that can help you achieve accurate measurements.

Bore Gauges

Bore gauges are indispensable when you need to measure the interior diameter of a hole. These tools typically feature extendable contact points that adjust to fit the hole’s size. To use one, simply insert it into the hole and expand the contacts until they touch the sides.

Other Measuring Tools

1. Calipers: Available in digital, dial, and vernier versions, calipers can measure both the interior and exterior dimensions of an object with outstanding precision.
2. Micrometers: Ideal for obtaining highly accurate measurements of small distances, these tools come in digital and analog forms for various applications.
3. Depth Gauges: Perfect for determining the depth of holes or indentations, these gauges provide exact measurements quickly and efficiently.
4. Dial Indicators: Used for checking variations in surface height or alignment, these indicators are vital in quality control processes.
5. Feeler Gauges: These help in determining gap widths and are specifically useful when working with machinery.

Inspection Instruments

• CMM Machines (Coordinate Measuring Machines): These advanced devices use probes to measure the geometry of physical objects precisely.
• Optical Comparators: Allow for visual inspection and measurement of parts using magnification and a screen projection.

Having the right measurement and inspection tools can be crucial for ensuring the success of your project. Whether you need to verify dimensions or inspect for quality, there’s a tool designed to fit your specific requirements.

When evaluating products for compliance, two key standards often come into play: RoHS and REACH.

RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

• Compliant: Products meeting the RoHS standard limit the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. This includes materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium.
• Compliant with Exemptions: Some products meet RoHS standards but are allowed certain exemptions due to technical challenges or lack of viable alternatives.
• Not Compliant: Products do not meet the RoHS standards and exceed the allowable levels of hazardous substances.

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals)

• Compliant: Products adhere to REACH regulations by ensuring the safe use of chemicals throughout their lifecycle. This involves the comprehensive testing and registration of substances.
• Not Compliant: Products fail to meet REACH standards and may pose risks due to insufficient management or disclosure of chemical properties.

Understanding these compliance ratings is crucial as they ensure product safety and environmental responsibility, impacting consumer choice and regulatory acceptability.

Types of Sawing and Cutting Tools Available

When it comes to sawing and cutting, there’s a diverse range of tools designed to meet various needs, from DIY projects to professional applications. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

Hand Saws

• Crosscut Saw: Ideal for cutting across the grain of wood, providing a clean and precise finish.
• Rip Saw: Perfect for cutting along the wood grain, designed for quick and efficient straight cuts.
• Hacksaw: Great for metal cutting, with a fine-toothed blade suited for detailed work on pipes and bars.

Power Saws

• Circular Saw: A versatile tool that can cut wood, metal, and masonry, offering both speed and precision.
• Reciprocating Saw: Prized for demolition work, it can cut through wood, metal, and drywall with ease.
• Jigsaw: Known for its ability to make curved cuts, great for intricate woodworking and fitting tasks.
• Miter Saw: Optimized for making precise crosscuts and miter cuts, often used in woodworking and framing.

Specialized Saws

• Band Saw: Ideal for intricate cuts and resawing, capable of slicing through thick wood, metal, and plastic.
• Tile Saw: Specifically designed for cutting ceramic and stone tiles with precision.
• Chainsaw: A robust tool for cutting trees and large branches, indispensable in forestry and landscaping.

Cutting Tools for Metal and Other Materials

• Angle Grinder: Widely used for cutting, grinding, and polishing hard materials like metal and concrete.
• Plasma Cutter: Allows for high-speed cutting of metal through an ionized gas torch, useful in metalworking.
• Utility Knife: Versatile for light-duty cutting tasks such as cardboard, drywall, and plastic.

Precision Cutting Tools

• Laser Cutter: Offers high-precision cuts in a variety of materials including metal, wood, acrylic, and more.
• Water Jet Cutter: Uses a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive particles for precise cutting without heat.

When selecting the right sawing or cutting tool, consider the materials you’ll be working with and the finish you need. Each tool has specific features to facilitate the job, making it crucial to match the tool to your project’s requirements. Whether you’re an enthusiast or a professional, having a diverse toolbox ensures you’re prepared for any cutting challenge.

Sure! The catalog offers a range of fabricating tools designed to assist with precision and alignment in various machining and assembly processes.

Key Product Categories

• Tooling Balls: These are essential for creating precise reference points, ensuring accurate alignment of workpieces during fixturing. You’ll find an extensive selection with 45 different options to fit your specific needs.
• Tooling Ball Mounts: These provide elevated mounting points specifically designed for tooling balls. They are vital for situations where a raised positioning is required, with four distinct products available.

These tools are designed to enhance efficiency and accuracy in fabrication projects by offering reliable solutions for precise alignment and mounting needs.

Tools for Measuring and Inspecting

When browsing the catalog for measuring and inspection tools, you’ll come across several essential items tailored to precision work:

1. Bore Gauges
   • Functionality: These instruments are indispensable for checking the diameters of holes. They operate by being placed inside a hole and then expanding their contacts. This expansion allows for an accurate reading of the hole’s diameter.
2. Calibration Equipment
   • Purpose: Ensures all measuring instruments maintain accuracy over time by comparing against a known standard.

By incorporating these tools into your toolkit, you’ll be better equipped to perform precise measurements and quality inspections.

Comprehensive Heating and Cooling Solutions Catalog

When you’re exploring heating and cooling solutions, it’s essential to find options that meet your specific needs while maintaining efficiency and performance. Here’s a detailed rundown of the solutions listed in our catalog:

Heating Solutions

1. Electric Heaters
   • Space Heaters: Designed for localized heating, ideal for smaller areas requiring quick, directed warmth.
   • Panel Heaters: Efficiently heat larger spaces using convection to circulate warm air.
2. Gas Heaters
   • Infrared Heaters: Perfect for outdoor use, these heaters emit warmth that directly heats people and objects.
   • Forced Air Heaters: Provide powerful, circulating warmth using gas, suitable for larger indoor environments.
3. Heat Pumps
   • Air Source Heat Pumps: Energy-efficient heating that extracts warmth from the air, working well in moderate climates.
   • Geothermal Heat Pumps: Utilize the Earth’s stable temperature to offer sustainable and efficient heating.

Cooling Solutions

1. Air Conditioners
   • Window Units: Compact and self-contained, these air conditioners are perfect for cooling individual rooms.
   • Central Air Conditioning: Provides uniform cooling throughout entire buildings, managed via a central control system.
2. Evaporative Coolers
   • Designed to use evaporation to cool air, ideal for dry climates. They cool larger spaces while maintaining energy efficiency.
3. Fans and Blowers
   • Ceiling Fans: Enhance air circulation, helpful in decreasing reliance on air conditioning.
   • Industrial Blowers: Heavy-duty air flow systems for large spaces such as warehouses or manufacturing floors.

Ventilation Solutions

1. Exhaust Fans
   • Crucial for expelling stale air and maintaining indoor air quality in spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, and workshops.
2. Air Purifiers
   • Filtration Systems: Remove allergens and impurities, ensuring clean air circulation throughout the environment.

By offering a structured selection of cutting-edge heating and cooling solutions, this catalog ensures that no matter the climate challenge you face, there’s an optimal system waiting to meet your needs. Keep both comfort and efficiency in balance with these diverse options.

Applications for Steel Balls

Steel balls have hundreds of potential uses. Some of the most common applications include:

• Automotive
• Bearings (most common)
• Casters
• Ink/chemicals as grinding media
• Military
• Paint
• Pharmaceuticals
• Rollers
• Sliders
• Sports Equipment
• Toys

Carbon Steel Ball

Material Available

• Low Carbon: AISI 1008~ AISI 1018
• Medium Carbon: AISI 1045
• High Carbon: AISI 1065~ AISI 1085

Chemical Composition

The yield strength options provided include values such as 44,000 psi, 290,000 psi, and 295,000 psi. Additionally, some items may not have a specific rating for yield strength.

Chrome Steel Ball

Chemical Composition

Stainless Steel Ball

Material Available

• AISI 302~AISI 316
• AISI 420~AISI 440C

Chemical Composition

STR Industries manufactures millions of bearing balls. The balls come in many different grades, as defined by the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA), which defines the precision of balls. Predictable uniformity, or repeatability, in the manufacturing process is crucial to ensuring consistent performance of STR’s bearing balls. This reliability hinges on adhering to precise tolerance and hardness ratings.

Tolerance Ratings

• Standard: A general tolerance level suitable for most applications.
• Tight: A more precise tolerance for applications requiring higher accuracy.

Hardness Ratings

• Hard: Suitable for moderate stress environments.
• Extra Hard: Designed for more demanding applications requiring additional durability.

Hardness Measurements

• Rockwell C25: Suitable for applications with lower stress factors.
• Rockwell C52: Ideal for medium-stress applications.
• Rockwell C55: Provides a balance between hardness and flexibility.
• Rockwell C60: Best for high-stress environments requiring maximum durability.

By maintaining these rigorous standards, the reliability and performance of the products are ensured, aligning with the critical demands of various industrial applications.

Bearing balls are a type of rolling-element bearing that uses balls to maintain the separation between moving parts. Bearing balls are at the heart of almost every product with a rotating shaft. They are used in bicycles, blenders, washing machines, fans, and many other products.

Bearing Balls and STR Industries

STR Industries has more than 50 years of experience in the manufacturing of steel ball for large and small projects alike. Our customers are located throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Our TS 16949 certification demonstrates our commitment to quality management and continuous improvement, emphasizing defect prevention in design, development, and production with an added commitment to the reduction of waste in all aspects of production.</span><span style=”color: #0C882A;”> </span>

In addition to our overarching quality management systems, every product comes with a Material Certificate with Traceable Lot Number. This certificate ensures that each item is linked to its manufacturing batch, providing you with the transparency and traceability you need for compliance and quality assurance.

By integrating both broad quality initiatives and specific product certifications, we ensure that you receive not only superior products but also the documentation to back them up. Whether you require detailed lot numbers for regulatory purposes or simply peace of mind, our approach covers all bases. We offer inspection on 100% of our products. Our pricing is very competitive – on average, our customers save 20-30% on manufacturing costs.

If you are in an industry that uses steel balls or bearing balls, STR Industries has a solution for you. Please contact us with the details of your project.

Options for Ordering 

When you’re ready to make a purchase, there are several convenient options available:

1. Phone Orders: If you prefer speaking to a person, many companies allow you to place orders over the phone. This can be especially useful if you have specific questions or need assistance with your order.
2. Email Orders: Some vendors allow you to place orders via email, which can be useful for bulk or specialized requests. Ensure that you include all necessary details to streamline the process.

Response Time for Email Inquiries

Our team is committed to providing prompt and efficient service. When you send us an email inquiry, you can expect a reply within 60 minutes.

We understand that timely communication is crucial, and we’re here to ensure you get the information you need as quickly as possible. Whether you have questions about products, services, or any other aspect of what we offer, we’re ready to assist you in no time.

Contact Information for Customer Service Inquiries

If you need assistance, reaching out to customer service is easy:

• Phone: Dial (800) 439-1453 to speak directly with a representative.
• Email: Send us an email, and we’ll get back to you within an hour.

Feel free to use either method to get your questions answered promptly.

Comprehensive Pressure and Temperature Control Solutions

When it comes to maintaining optimal performance in various systems, having robust pressure and temperature control solutions is essential. Here’s an overview of effective solutions that cater to diverse industrial needs:

Pressure Control Solutions

1. Pressure Regulators:
   • Function: These help maintain a stable output pressure despite variations in input pressure or flow.
   • Types: Available in options for gases and liquids, catering to specific pressure ranges and materials.
2. Pressure Relief Valves:
   • Purpose: Designed to prevent excessive pressure build-up, protecting equipment from potential damage.
   • Customization: Options allow for adjusting relief settings, making them suitable for various applications.
3. Vacuum Regulators:
   • Use: Essential for controlling the vacuum level in pneumatic and processing systems.
   • Design: Features accurate control for both laboratory and industrial environments.

Temperature Control Solutions

1. Thermostatic Mixing Valves:
   • Function: Mix hot and cold water to achieve desired outlet temperatures, crucial for safety and efficiency.
   • Applications: Perfect for domestic and commercial water systems.
2. Temperature Controllers:
   • Types: Include digital controllers for precision in maintaining specific temperatures in processes.
   • Integration: Many models offer programmable features for customized control settings.
3. Bimetal Thermostats:
   • Role: Simple and reliable devices that switch electrical circuits based on temperature changes.

Additional Solutions

• Instrument Guards:
  • Purpose: Protect sensitive instruments from harsh environments, ensuring long-term stability and accuracy.
• Sensors and Gauges:
  • Importance: Provide real-time pressure and temperature readings, assisting in maintaining system efficiency.

These solutions, encompassing a range of applications and customization options, ensure reliable control over pressure and temperature, optimizing performance across various industries.

Available Grades and Sizes: