Ceramic bearings for medical robots

03 April, 2024

Indeed, full ceramic precision bearings are harder than steel, with superior corrosion and heat resistance, higher dimensional stability and lower density. However, ceramic bearings are expensive. This is a big issue for health institutes that operate within tight budgets, so the decision to invest in them must be well-considered. Fortunately, ceramic bearings hold a number of advantages for medical environments.

One is that the bearings don’t react to chemicals. That means they don’t corrode or weaken when subjected to harsh chemicals used for sterilisation in hospitals. Ceramics don’t require lubrication that would otherwise draw contaminants like dust, water or humidity and this also eliminates the need for maintenance processes like relubrication. They are also water-resistant, so can be washed-down regularly.

High-value applications

So, is investing in ceramic bearings for medical environments worth it? There are still certain applications where the speed and precision of steel are crucial, like in surgical robots for example. However there are other instances where using the wrong components in such medical or laboratory equipment can contaminate study conditions, or cause the study to cease altogether.

Instead, the extra investment in ceramic bearings can help ensure that medical robots run with effectiveness and longevity — especially as they are “cast more as companions providing emotional support, rather than seen as tools.”

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