Steel Balls – Precision Engineering for Every Application

Steel balls are essential components in applications that require strength, precision, and dimensional consistency. They are widely used in mechanical systems, bearings, industrial machinery, grinding processes, and other technical solutions.

PGN Bearings supplies a full range of steel balls made from different steel alloys, built to perform under varied conditions. Each unit is manufactured with strict quality control to ensure reliability in the final application.

What Are Steel Balls?

Steel balls are spherical metal components manufactured with a high degree of dimensional accuracy. They are used in a wide range of mechanical and industrial systems to reduce friction, transmit motion, or apply impact or grinding force.

These balls can be made from different steel types — such as chrome, stainless, or carbon — and are classified by precision grades like G25, G100, or G500. The lower the grade number, the higher the uniformity and surface finish.

Performance depends on material, application, and tolerance requirements. Therefore, proper selection involves evaluating the working environment, load, speed, and need for corrosion resistance.

Why PGN Steel Balls Stand Out

PGN steel balls are built for technical performance, consistency, and long-term durability. Each unit undergoes machining and finishing processes that ensure tight tolerances and smooth surfaces, making them ideal for demanding applications.

With a wide range of materials, PGN serves multiple operational needs — from harsh environments to high-speed systems. All products are subject to strict quality control to ensure uniformity across batches, even in large-scale orders.

Another key advantage is the availability of multiple sizes and precision grades. This makes it easier to find the right fit for bearings, mechanical assemblies, grinding processes, and other high-performance applications.

Steel Ball Types Available at PGN Bearings

Steel balls are manufactured from various alloys, each offering specific properties for hardness, corrosion resistance, and mechanical behavior. 

Common materials include chrome steel for wear resistance, stainless steel for harsh environments, and carbon steel for general-purpose uses. 

PGN also offers soft carbon steel for easier machining and grinding media for material processing applications.

All materials are available in multiple sizes and precision grades to suit different industrial needs.

Chrome Steel Balls (AISI 52100)

AISI 52100 chrome steel balls are designed to withstand high loads and continuous motion with minimal performance loss. They feature high surface hardness and excellent wear resistance.

They are available in precision grades such as G25 or G100, depending on size and application. Sizes range from 1/8" to 3", with popular options like the 1" G25 ball used in industrial bearings.

Stainless Steel Balls (AISI 440)

AISI 440 stainless steel balls combine corrosion resistance with strong hardness, making them suitable for humid environments, outdoor use, or food-grade systems.

At PGN, they can be found in grades like G25, providing a refined finish and reliable dimensional stability. A typical example is the 1/2" G25 ball, common in medical devices and food equipment.

Stainless Steel Balls (AISI 420)

AISI 420 stainless steel balls offer moderate mechanical strength and good oxidation protection. They are ideal for technical parts, valves, and outdoor applications.

Available in grades like G40, they deliver the precision needed for moderate-load systems. One example is the 3/8" G40 ball, often used in sealing systems.

Carbon Steel Balls

Carbon steel balls are a cost-effective solution for mechanical assemblies in non-corrosive environments.

They may be available in grades like G100 or G500, depending on the application. A common choice is the 3/4" G100 ball for internal supports and industrial mechanisms.

Soft Carbon Steel Balls

Soft carbon steel balls are ideal for projects requiring high machinability or surface treatments.

They come in different sizes and are suited for prototyping, testing, and lightweight mechanical assemblies.

Grinding Media Balls

Grinding media balls are built to handle continuous impact in industrial milling, pulverizing, and grinding processes. Made of chrome steel, they offer high abrasion and impact resistance.

Typically available in grades like G500, an example is the 10mm G500 ball, widely used in mining and cement production.

Sizes and Technical Specifications

PGN Bearings' steel balls are available in a wide range of diameters, from 3/32” (2.38 mm) to 3” (76.2 mm), supporting everything from high-precision assemblies to large-scale industrial systems.

In addition to size options, the balls come in multiple precision grades, such as G25, G40, G100, and G500, meeting diverse dimensional accuracy needs.

Products can be purchased by quantity or total weight, providing flexibility for projects of any scale.

How to Choose the Right Steel Ball

Selecting the right steel ball depends on factors such as the application environment, precision requirements, and mechanical load involved.

For environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or climate variations, stainless steel balls are the best choice. In high-speed or heavy-load systems, chrome steel balls provide superior wear resistance.

When budget is a concern and harsh conditions are not a factor, carbon steel balls offer an effective solution. For grinding and material processing, grinding media balls are recommended due to their impact resistance.

Precision grade also matters: grades like G25 are ideal for high-tolerance systems, while grades such as G100 or G500 are suitable for general mechanical uses or grinding operations.

Practical examples include:

• 1" G25 chrome steel ball: ideal for high-performance industrial bearings.
  
  

• 10mm G500 chrome steel ball: recommended for continuous grinding processes.

Assessing the environment, the application purpose, and the precision needs is essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Main Applications of PGN Steel Balls

Steel balls are versatile components used across many industrial sectors that require precision, durability, and continuous performance.

1. High-Precision Bearings

Steel balls are crucial in high-precision bearings, where they reduce friction and support radial and axial loads. 

Chrome or stainless steel balls with grades like G25 are commonly used to ensure stability and extended service life.

2. Industrial Equipment and Technical Tools

Industrial machines, cutting tools, pneumatic systems, and motion devices rely on steel balls to maintain mechanical efficiency and operational stability.

3 Mechanical Systems and Structural Components

In assemblies such as transmissions, valves, and steering mechanisms, steel balls play a key role by providing support, alignment, and smooth motion.

4. Grinding and Manufacturing Processes

In grinding operations, steel media are used in mills and crushers to crush, mix, or pulverize materials. Balls like the 10mm G500 are ideal for these applications, offering high impact and abrasion resistance.

Storage and Handling Care for Steel Balls

To maintain the quality and durability of steel balls, it is important to follow good storage and handling practices.

Balls should be kept in dry environments, protected from moisture and sudden temperature changes. Contact with water, chemical vapors, or corrosive environments can affect material performance, especially for carbon steel.

During transportation and handling, proper packaging should be used to prevent impacts or scratches that could compromise surface finish and dimensional precision.

Following these simple guidelines helps preserve the technical characteristics of the balls and extend their service life in applications.

Why Choose PGN Bearings Steel Balls?

PGN Bearings' steel balls offer strict technical quality, a wide range of materials, and immediate availability, delivering reliable solutions across various industrial sectors.

Each product is manufactured with quality control at every stage, ensuring precise finishing and high durability. In addition, the wide selection of sizes, alloys, and precision grades simplifies choosing the right component for each application.

With a ready-to-ship inventory for projects of all scales, PGN provides fast delivery and specialized support to assist with product selection.

Discover the full range of PGN Steel Balls and find the right solution for your project!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Balls

1. What are the main materials used in steel balls?

Steel balls can be made from chrome steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, soft carbon steel, and grinding media steel. Each material offers specific properties for durability, strength, and mechanical behavior.

2. What is the difference between G25, G100, and G500 grades?

The grade refers to the dimensional precision level. G25 has tighter tolerances for high-precision applications, while G100 and G500 are suited for less demanding uses or grinding operations.

3. Can I use carbon steel balls outdoors?

Carbon steel balls are not recommended for humid or corrosive environments, as they lack natural corrosion resistance. Stainless steel balls are a better option for these conditions.

4. How do I choose the right steel ball size?

Choosing the right size depends on the application type, load requirements, and mechanical tolerances. It's also important to match the material and precision grade to the specific project needs.