Hybrid ceramic bearings are the most common type of ceramic bearing, constructed of steel or stainless steel inner and outer rings with ceramic (typically Si3N4) balls in place of steel ones.

Hybrid & Full ceramic bearings have various advantages over all steel bearings, such as higher speed and acceleration capability, increased stiffness, higher accuracy, lower friction and heat generation, low thermal expansion and extended operating life.

Compared to steel balls, ceramic balls are lighter, smoother, stiffer, harder and corrosion resistant. These fundamental characteristics allow for a wide range of performance enhancements within the bearing and its application. Silicone nitride (Si3N4) ceramic balls do not have as high toughness or ductility as steel but due to their high strength, stiffness and micro-structural make-up, they are actually much more durable than steel balls with a 100% increase in rolling contact fatigue life in comparison to steel.

Generally speaking you can expect Hybrid & Full ceramic bearings to last between 2 and 5 times longer than standard all steel bearings, however this is highly dependent on operating conditions & other factors.