FAQ – Frequently asked questions about SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads

Choosing the right SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads depends on many factors – in particular the product, the mill, the desired particle size and the process conditions. As applications vary greatly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Given the wide range of possibilities, we would be delighted to advise you individually and work with you to find the optimal solution for your process. Contact SiLi team

The various types of SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads differ primarily in terms of material, density, and their intended applications and product ranges:

• ZY – Yttrium-stabilised zirconia (very high performance, low contamination, long service life)
• ZC – Cerium-stabilised zirconia (very high density, robust for demanding processes)
• ZS – Zirconium silicate (cost-effective solution for standard applications)
• TC – High-performance tungsten carbide with zirconia, featuring very high density for extreme conditions
• A – High-purity aluminium oxide (robust, cost-effective, versatile)

SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are used when there are higher requirements in terms of wear resistance, energy input and product purity.

Glass Beads are more suitable for simple mixing or dispersion processes involving lower mechanical stresses. For demanding grinding processes, ceramic beads are generally the far more effective solution.

Zirconia beads (e.g. ZY or ZC) are the preferred choice for:

• high energy inputs
• ultrafine and nano-grinding
• sensitive or high-quality materials

Aluminium oxide beads are more suitable for:

• Standard applications
• cost-effective processes
• less extreme grinding conditions
• material-specific grinding processes

High-density zirconia SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are primarily used for nano-grinding, in particular:

• ZY 6.0
• ZC 6.1
• TC 9.5 (depending on process requirements)

These ensure a high energy input and very fine particle comminution.

High-density SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are particularly suitable for highly viscous products, as they enable efficient grinding even in viscous media. Typical solutions include ZC- and TC-based types, depending on the process and material.

SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are used in many industries, including:

• Chemistry
• Pharmaceuticals
• Glass beads for insulin
• Grinding of API nanosuspensions
• Dispersion of active ingredients for eye drops
• Cell disruption/cell lysis
• Wet grinding
• Battery materials
• Paints & coatings
• Pigments
• Ceramics industry
• Agrochemicals
• Mining/minerals

The selection is always made on a case-by-case basis.

• Yttrium-stabilised (ZY) → very low contamination, high purity, particularly suitable for high-end applications
• Cerium-stabilised (ZC) → very high density and robustness, ideal for demanding industrial processes

The choice depends heavily on the trade-off between purity, energy input and wear.

A key advantage of SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads is the combination of:

• high product quality
• wide range of applications
• consistent process stability
• and many years of expertise in materials

This enables processes to be designed in an efficient and reproducible manner.

SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are available in a wide range of diameters – from very small to larger grinding media.

• Standard sizes: widely available
• Custom sizes: available on request
• Tolerances: strictly controlled to ensure reproducible processes
• Size distributions: process-optimised depending on the application

The highest density is generally found in high-density zirconia-based SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads, in particular SiLibeads® ZC 6.1 and high-performance zirconia variants such as ZY 6.0.

This high density ensures particularly efficient energy input during the grinding process and is crucial, particularly for demanding fine and nano-grinding applications.

The hardness of the SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads varies depending on the material system:

• Zirconia-based types (e.g. ZY, ZC) → very high hardness and toughness
• Alumina-based types → high hardness, very wear-resistant
• Special types → tailored to a combination of hardness, fracture toughness and process stability

The exact choice always depends on the application, the material being ground and the process conditions.

SiLibeads® ZY 6.0 and SiLibeads® ZC 6.1 generally offer the highest wear resistance in high-performance applications.
These types have been specially developed for intensive grinding processes and are characterised by very low wear and consistent long-term performance – even under high loads.

High-density, high-purity zirconia SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads typically achieve the longest service life, particularly the ZY 6.0 and ZC 6.1 grades, depending on the specific application. However, the actual service life is strongly influenced by process parameters such as energy input, the material being ground and operating conditions.

High-purity SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads offer the lowest level of product contamination, in particular:

• ZY 6.0
• (for particularly sensitive applications)

These variants have been developed for applications where the highest purity and minimal material contamination are crucial, such as in the pharmaceutical or battery industries.

Many SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads based on zirconia and alumina are considered to be chemically very stable and inert towards a wide range of media.

In particular, ZY 6.0, ZC 6.1 and high-purity alumina types demonstrate excellent resistance to chemical influences and are therefore suitable for demanding industrial applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical and materials engineering sectors.

SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads with high density and very low wear are generally used for battery materials. They enable efficient ultra-fine and nano-grinding whilst keeping contamination to a minimum, which is particularly crucial for sensitive electrode materials. Typical suitable products include, for example, SiLibeads® ZY 6.0, which are characterised by excellent wear resistance and high process stability.

The best solution for your process depends on the material, the mill and the target particle size – please feel free to contact us; we’ll be happy to advise you on a case-by-case basis. Contact SiLi team

In pharmaceutical production, high-purity SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are the preferred choice. These are characterised by very low contamination levels, high process reliability and reproducible grinding results. Typical products here include SiLibeads® ZY-P Pharma and selected high-purity variants such as ZY 6.0, depending on the specific application and regulatory requirements. Alternative grinding media solutions may also be appropriate, depending on the process.

Purity requirements, validation and process conditions are particularly important factors in making the right choice. Please feel free to contact us – we’ll help you find the right solution for your application. Contact SiLi team

In principle, all SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are suitable for grinding, crushing and dispersing, depending on the process, material and target particle size.

Typical applications of wet grinding include pigments, paints, battery materials, chemicals, and pharmaceutical and cosmetic products, where fine to nanometre-scale results are achieved in a liquid phase.

SiLibeads® ZY 6.0 and ZC 6.1 are particularly suitable for the ceramics industry and agrochemicals, as they offer an excellent combination of wear resistance and grinding performance.

SiLibeads® ZC 6.1 are frequently used in mining, construction and mineral processing applications, particularly when dealing with abrasive and challenging materials.

The best choice always depends on your specific application and the process conditions.

In the chemical industry, universally applicable SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are used, depending on the specific process. Key factors here are often chemical resistance, efficiency in the grinding process and a long service life.

Commonly used types include, for example, SiLibeads® ZY 6.0 and ZC 6.1, which have proven their worth in a wide range of industrial applications – particularly in demanding dispersion and grinding processes. As requirements in the chemical industry can vary greatly, selecting the right product for the specific application is crucial. We would be happy to advise you personally on this matter. Contact SiLi team

SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads, which offer high purity and reliable process stability, are used in food production applications. They facilitate gentle grinding and uniform dispersion under hygienically demanding conditions.

Depending on the process, different types may be suitable – the key factors here are, in particular, product sensitivity, viscosity and the desired degree of fineness. In general, the choice can vary widely, as many of our ceramic balls are suitable for such applications. As the requirements are very specific, we recommend a bespoke consultation. Please feel free to contact us – together we will find the right solution for your process. Contact SiLi team

The selection of the appropriate SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads depends heavily on the type of mill used and the process requirements. Key factors include energy input, rotational speed, viscosity and the desired final fineness.

For high-performance agitators and high-energy mills, high-density SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads with high wear resistance are generally used. They enable efficient energy input and particularly fine grinding down to the nanometre range under intensive process conditions. For less energy-intensive applications or standard processes, other material systems and densities may also be appropriate.

We would be happy to assist you in selecting the ideal SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads for your specific application. The best solution for your process depends on the material, the mill and the target particle size – please feel free to contact us for personalised advice. Contact SiLi team

Smaller SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are often used in laboratory applications to achieve precise results and fine particle sizes. At the same time, good reproducibility is crucial in scale-up processes.

Production facilities often use larger quantities and application-optimised bead sizes to ensure efficiency, throughput and process stability. SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are suitable for both laboratory and production processes and facilitate a reliable transition from the laboratory scale to industrial manufacturing.

The service life of SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads depends on various factors:

• Process conditions
• Properties of the material being ground
• Energy input
• Type and size of balls

Thanks to their high wear resistance, SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads generally offer a long service life and help maintain stable process conditions. However, the actual service life may vary depending on the application. We would be happy to assist you in selecting durable solutions for your application. Contact SiLi team

The minimum order quantity for SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads depends on the specific bead type, size and desired specification.
For standard sizes, smaller quantities are often possible, particularly for test or pilot applications. For custom sizes or individual specifications, minimum quantities may be required for production reasons.

Do you have specific requirements or would you like a smaller quantity?
We would be happy to review your enquiry and advise you on suitable quantities and options. Contact SiLi team

Yes, SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads are also available as samples. This allows you to test different types of beads under real-world process conditions and find the optimal solution for your application. We would be happy to assist you in selecting suitable samples for your tests.

Many SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads in standard sizes are available at short notice. Delivery times depend on the specific product, size and quantity required. Customised solutions or special sizes usually require individual consultation.

Please feel free to contact us – we’ll let you know about current availability quickly and transparently. Contact SiLi team

In addition to standard products, SiLi also offers customised SiLibeads® Ceramic Beads to meet specific requirements. These include, for example, special bead sizes, material requirements or purity specifications. We work with you to develop a solution that is perfectly tailored to your application. Contact SiLi team