Bearings

Small metal balls make up various types of bearings, such as deep groove ball bearings, angular contact bearings, and thrust bearings.

Conveyor Systems

Conveyor systems use steel balls to facilitate the movement of materials in manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing facilities.

Casters

Casters are the swiveling wheels often found on furniture, carts, and other objects to make them easier to move. Ball bearings are small, round metal balls that reduce friction and enable smooth rotation. When ball bearings are incorporated into caster wheels, they allow for easy and smooth movement in all directions, making it simple to maneuver objects.

Precision Instruments

Steel balls are used to manufacture precision instruments such as gauges and coordinate measuring machines.

Manufacturing Machinery

Steel balls play a role in various manufacturing machinery, including punch and die sets, which aid in the precision cutting and shaping of materials.

Robotics

Steel ball bearings are essential for precise and controlled movement in robotic welding, assembly, and material handling tasks.

Agitator Balls

Sometimes called mixing balls or mixing beads, agitator balls are small spherical objects placed inside aerosol spray cans or other liquid containers. Their primary purpose is to aid in the thorough mixing and dispersion of the contents when the container is shaken before use. These agitator balls are typically made from materials like stainless steel or glass, which are resistant to corrosion and do not react with the contents of the container. They are also sized appropriately to fit within the container’s neck or opening without causing blockages. Here’s how they work and their purpose:

Agitator Balls

Mixing

Spray can agitator balls are designed to move freely within the container. When the can is shaken, these balls bounce around and create turbulence inside, helping to break up clumps, disperse settled particles, and mix the contents thoroughly. This ensures that the product being dispensed (such as paint, spray adhesive, lubricant, or cosmetic product) maintains a consistent and uniform composition.

Agitator Balls

Preventing Clogging

In certain aerosolized products, such as paints or coatings, particles can settle over time and lead to clogs or uneven spray patterns. Agitator balls help prevent clogging by continuously agitating the contents, ensuring that they are well-mixed and ready for application.

Agitator Balls

Product Performance

Proper mixing and dispersion of ingredients are crucial for the performance and effectiveness of many liquid or semi-liquid products. Agitator balls help maintain product quality and consistency.

Agitator Balls

User Convenience

For end-users, the presence of agitator balls makes it easier to prepare and use the product. Shaking the container ensures that the product is ready for application without the need for additional mixing or stirring.