Zirconia Oxides:
Zirconia Oxide is one of the fastest growing categories of grinding medias due to its high hardness, durability, smooth surface, value and multiple options for users. Not all zirconia oxide beads are equal. For example, just because a bead is yttria zirconia oxide does not mean that it’s an excellent bead. Overall characteristics will depend upon grain size, microcrystalline structure, formulation, method of manufacturing, polish, sphericity, roundness, density, Vickers hardness, particle size distribution, and batch to batch consistency.
Most all zirconia oxide media is available in very small sizes up to very large sizes such as 50 mm and sometimes even larger. The highest quality beads can be put through the HIP (hot isostatic press) process to improve toughness. There is a relatively new lower cost yttria that has excellent performance available in limited sizes.
| Alumina Zirconia Oxide | Density: 2.8-6.1 gm/cc varies with % ZO | Hardness: 1000-1300 Vickers |
| Magnesium Zirconia Oxide | Density: 4.085.5 gm/cc | Hardness: 1050 Vickers |
| Cerium Zirconia Oxide | Density: 6.1-6.2 gm/cc varies with brand | Hardness: 1100-1250 Vickers |
| Yttria Zirconia Oxide | Density: 5.9-6.0 gm/cc varies with brand | Hardness: 1150-1300 Vickers |
For more detailed information on this subject, please visit the Education & Information section.
For a quote or discussion, complete the Grinding Media Specification Form.
