Hybrid Ceramic Bearings Built to Protect Electric Motors

Cut friction up to 50% and extend grease life up to 8x versus standard all-steel bearings.

SKF CeraDrive uses non-conductive ceramic rolling elements to break the path of stray electrical currents in VFD-driven motors, resist surface damage and wear, and perform in poor lubrication conditions. Standard external dimensions mean it drops into existing motor designs without a redesign. Applied® is your source for SKF bearings built for modern electric motor demands.

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The Real Cost of Bearing Failure in Electric Motors

Stray electrical currents and surface damage are two of the leading causes of premature bearing failure, especially in VFD-driven motors.

8X
Longer Grease Life
Up to 8 times longer than standard all-steel bearings
50%
Friction Reduction
Enables higher speeds and lower operating temperatures
30%+
Of Motor Bearing Failures
Linked to electrical erosion, which CeraDrive's ceramic elements block

Electric motors have evolved to become more efficient, more controllable, and more widely used than ever. They are the most common mechanical device in the world. With the increasing use of variable frequency drives (VFDs), operating conditions have become even more demanding, placing increased demands on critical components like bearings.

Stray electrical currents, always present in electric motors, have become more significant with VFD-driven operation. At the same time, bearings must perform under challenging lubrication conditions, including exposure to contamination from the surrounding environment, while electrical effects and operating conditions can lead to surface damage and wear.

SKF CeraDrive brings the electrical insulation, lubrication performance, and resistance to surface damage of hybrid ceramic bearings to more electric motors.

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Why SKF CeraDrive Hybrid Ceramic Bearings?

SKF CeraDrive addresses the most common causes of bearing failure in electric motors through a hybrid ceramic design optimized for industrial motor operation.

Helps Prevent Electrical Erosion

Electrical currents passing through bearings can damage raceway surfaces through electrical erosion, accelerating failure. The electrically insulating ceramic rolling elements in SKF CeraDrive break the current path and protect the bearing against electrical damage.

Resists Surface Damage and Wear

Surface damage is one of the main drivers of bearing failure in electric motors. The high hardness of ceramic rolling elements provides strong resistance to surface damage and wear, helping maintain reliable performance over time.

Performs in Poor Lubrication Conditions

Frequent speed variations and demanding operating conditions can make it difficult to maintain a stable lubricant film. SKF CeraDrive supports improved lubrication performance through smoother rolling contact, lower friction, and reduced heat generation.

Reliable in VFD-Driven Motors

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) increase the risk of stray electrical currents and place additional demands on bearing performance. SKF CeraDrive supports reliable operation in VFD-driven motors by combining electrical insulation with improved lubrication performance.

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Inside the Hybrid Construction

Two materials, engineered to work together, built into one bearing.

 

Steel Rings, Ceramic Rolling Elements

Built with a combination of hardened steel rings and silicon nitride rolling elements, SKF hybrid bearings protect against electrical erosion, reduce wear, and maintain performance under high-speed and poor lubrication conditions. This leads to longer bearing service life and greater reliability across the entire motor system.

Steel Rings

  • Mechanical strength
  • Load-carrying capacity
  • Durability
  • Compatibility with existing motor designs

Ceramic Rolling Elements

  • Non-conductive
  • Low mass
  • Smooth surface finish
  • Exceptional hardness

The hybrid construction not only protects against electrical damage but also enhances overall bearing performance. The hardness and smoothness of SKF hybrid ceramic bearings reduce friction by up to 50%, enabling higher operating speeds and extending grease life by up to eight times.

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Compare dimensions, load ratings and limiting speeds, then view each part on Applied.com.

Representative SKF CeraDrive hybrid ceramic bearing

90 mm bore

6318/HC5C3VA505

Applied item: 122574902

Outer diameter
190 mm
Width
43 mm
Dynamic load
146 kN
Static load
93 kN
Limiting speed
5600 rpm
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Representative SKF CeraDrive hybrid ceramic bearing

85 mm bore

6317/HC5C3VA505

Applied item: 122575543

Outer diameter
180 mm
Width
41 mm
Dynamic load
130 kN
Static load
81.5 kN
Limiting speed
6000 rpm
View Product
Representative SKF CeraDrive hybrid ceramic bearing

95 mm bore

6319/HC5C3VA505

Applied item: 122575544

Outer diameter
200 mm
Width
45 mm
Dynamic load
159 kN
Static load
104 kN
Limiting speed
5300 rpm
View Product
Representative SKF CeraDrive hybrid ceramic bearing

110 mm bore

6322/HC5C3VA505

Applied item: 122575545

Outer diameter
240 mm
Width
50 mm
Dynamic load
186 kN
Static load
132 kN
Limiting speed
4300 rpm
View Product

Representative SKF CeraDrive images. Confirm dimensions and application requirements using the product specifications.

SKF CeraDrive hybrid ceramic bearing in use in an electric motor application
SKF Hybrid Ceramic Bearings

Backed by SKF's Testing, Modeling, and Vertically Integrated Manufacturing

The performance of hybrid ceramic bearings is well established and supported by extensive testing and SKF's advanced modelling capabilities, including the SKF Generalized Bearing Life Model (GBLM), which enables more accurate predictions of bearing rating life in real operating conditions. Producing high-quality ceramic rolling elements is a technically demanding process, so SKF manages every step, from sourcing raw materials to producing silicon nitride balls and assembling the bearing, to control the full value chain.

  • SKF Generalized Bearing Life Model (GBLM) for accurate rating-life predictions in real operating conditions
  • Backed by extensive testing of hybrid ceramic bearing performance
  • End-to-end control of the value chain, from raw materials to the finished bearing
  • Consistent quality, reliable lead times, and greater availability
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SKF CeraDrive FAQs

Quick answers to the questions maintenance and engineering teams ask most.

Yes. SKF CeraDrive uses standard external dimensions, so it can be implemented without redesign. It's built to enable straightforward integration into existing motor designs as a drop-in alternative to all-steel bearings.
Not anymore. That perception exists because producing high-quality ceramic rolling elements has historically been difficult and costly. Forward-thinking manufacturers now control the full value chain, from raw materials to the finished bearing, making hybrid ceramic performance accessible for a much wider range of electric motor applications.
Up to 8 times longer than standard all-steel bearings. Lower friction and lower operating temperatures slow lubricant aging, which extends grease life and reduces maintenance intervals.
The initial cost may be higher than standard steel bearings, but total cost of ownership is significantly lower. Longer service life, reduced maintenance, and protection against electrical erosion deliver greater value over time.

DISCLAIMER: The above content is provided by the supplier. Applied® does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the content.
The above content is provided “AS IS”, AND ANY AND ALL EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED.
All warranties, if any, are solely from the supplier.

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