Non magnetic bearings 

Non Magnetic Bearings – Custom Bearing Solutions for Specialized Applications

Non magnetic bearings are specialized bearing solutions developed for equipment and mechanical systems where conventional magnetic bearing materials may interfere with instruments, magnetic fields, sensors, imaging equipment, electronic devices, or other sensitive applications.

Standard bearings are commonly manufactured from bearing steel and other metallic materials that may exhibit magnetic properties. In applications where magnetism must be minimized, bearing material selection becomes an important engineering consideration.

Non magnetic bearing development may involve alternative metals, engineering plastics, ceramics, or combinations of specialized materials depending on the required load, speed, temperature, dimensional accuracy, chemical environment, and magnetic requirements.

HSIAN JI BEARING CO., LTD. is a Taiwan bearing manufacturer established in 1995. The company's published product range includes ball bearings, plastic bearings, thrust bearings, stamped bearings, slide bearings, special bearings, and non-standard bearings. HSIAN JI also supports customer-specific product development, prototyping, testing, material selection, trial production, and manufacturing.

For customers searching for non magnetic bearings, HSIAN JI can evaluate special and non-standard bearing projects according to customer drawings, samples, material specifications, dimensions, operating requirements, and production quantities.

What Are Non Magnetic Bearings?

Non magnetic bearings are bearings designed with materials selected to minimize magnetic behavior for a particular application.

Depending on the design, this can involve consideration of:

• Bearing rings

• Rolling elements

• Cage materials

• Shields

• Seals

• Housing components

• Lubricants

• Fasteners

It is important to evaluate the complete bearing rather than only one component.

A bearing with non-magnetic rolling elements, for example, may still contain magnetic metallic rings.

Why Are Non Magnetic Bearings Required?

Magnetic materials can create problems in certain specialized equipment.

Applications may involve:

• Magnetic measurement

• Sensitive electronic instruments

• Medical equipment

• Laboratory equipment

• Sensors

• Precision instruments

• Magnetic-field environments

• Specialized industrial machinery

The acceptable level of magnetism varies significantly between applications.

Customers should therefore define the actual magnetic requirement rather than simply requesting a "non magnetic bearing."

Non Magnetic vs. Low Magnetic Bearings

"Non magnetic" and "low magnetic" should not automatically be treated as identical.

Some materials described commercially as non-magnetic may still have a measurable magnetic response under certain conditions.

Manufacturing processes, material composition, cold working, and other factors can also influence magnetic characteristics.

For highly sensitive applications, customers should provide measurable magnetic-property requirements or an appropriate test specification.

Materials for Non Magnetic Bearings

Material selection depends on both magnetic and mechanical requirements.

Potential material categories can include:

• Engineering plastics

• Ceramic materials

• Selected non-magnetic alloys

• Application-specific materials

However, no material should be selected based only on magnetic characteristics.

The material must also satisfy requirements for:

• Load

• Speed

• Wear

• Temperature

• Corrosion resistance

• Dimensional stability

• Service life

Plastic Non Magnetic Bearing Solutions

Plastic bearings can be particularly interesting for applications requiring reduced dependence on conventional magnetic metals.

HSIAN JI currently manufactures plastic bearings as one of its published product categories. Its official information identifies advantages including lightweight construction, no conventional rust, low friction, corrosion resistance, and reduced noise.

Depending on the complete bearing construction, engineering plastics may therefore provide a useful starting point for certain low-magnetic or non-magnetic applications.

Material selection must still consider mechanical performance.

Ceramic Components for Non Magnetic Bearings

Ceramic materials may also be considered in specialized bearing applications where magnetic properties are important.

Depending on the bearing design, ceramic materials may potentially be used for rolling elements or other components.

However, using ceramic rolling elements does not automatically make the complete bearing non-magnetic.

Metal rings, cages, shields, or other components may still affect magnetic behavior.

The complete construction must therefore be evaluated.

Non Magnetic Ball Bearings

Ball bearings are widely used in rotating mechanical systems.

A custom non-magnetic ball-bearing project may require evaluation of:

• Ring material

• Ball material

• Cage material

• Seal material

• Dimensions

• Load

• Speed

• Precision

• Magnetic requirements

HSIAN JI currently lists ball bearings among its principal product categories.

Special material requirements can be submitted for technical evaluation.

Non Magnetic Plastic Bearings

Plastic-bearing structures can potentially reduce the amount of magnetic metal used in an assembly.

Potential applications can involve:

• Instrumentation

• Light-duty mechanisms

• Medical equipment

• Electronic equipment

• Laboratory systems

• Precision devices

The suitability of plastic depends on load, speed, temperature, wear, and required dimensional accuracy.

Non Magnetic Thrust Bearings

Thrust bearings are designed primarily to support axial loads.

A non-magnetic thrust-bearing application may require special materials for the bearing components.

Customers should provide:

• Inner diameter

• Outer diameter

• Thickness

• Axial load

• Speed

• Temperature

• Magnetic requirements

• Required quantity

Material selection should balance magnetic performance and mechanical strength.

Non Magnetic Slide Bearings

Slide bearings support and guide linear movement.

Potential non-magnetic applications may involve specialized:

• Instruments

• Guides

• Laboratory equipment

• Medical equipment

• Electronic equipment

• Precision machinery

Plastic materials may be particularly relevant to certain sliding applications where conventional magnetic metal should be minimized.

Special Non Magnetic Bearings

Some non-magnetic applications cannot use standard bearing dimensions or construction.

Special bearing development may involve:

• Custom dimensions

• Special materials

• Unique mounting

• Dedicated geometry

• Application-specific components

HSIAN JI currently maintains Special Bearings as a dedicated product category.

Projects involving magnetic restrictions can therefore be submitted for feasibility evaluation.

Non-Standard Non Magnetic Bearings

Non-standard bearings can be useful where both dimensions and material requirements differ from conventional products.

Possible requirements include:

• Custom inner diameter

• Custom outer diameter

• Special width

• Unique mounting features

• Non-magnetic material specifications

• Application-specific geometry

HSIAN JI maintains a dedicated Non-standard Bearings product category with numerous specialized configurations.

Non Magnetic Bearings for Medical Equipment

Medical equipment can include instruments and systems where material characteristics are important.

HSIAN JI already identifies medical equipment among applications for its bearing products.

For magnetically sensitive medical applications, customers should provide the complete technical requirements.

It is especially important not to assume that a bearing is suitable for MRI or other high-field medical systems simply because one component is described as non-magnetic.

Non Magnetic Bearings for Sensors

Sensors and measurement equipment can be sensitive to nearby magnetic materials.

Potential bearing applications may involve:

• Positioning mechanisms

• Rotating sensors

• Measurement equipment

• Precision movement systems

The acceptable magnetic response should be defined by the equipment designer.

Non Magnetic Bearings for Laboratory Equipment

Laboratory instruments may require bearings with controlled material properties.

Important considerations can include:

• Magnetism

• Corrosion resistance

• Chemical resistance

• Cleanliness

• Low friction

• Precision

• Noise

A custom bearing can be evaluated according to the complete combination of requirements.

Non Magnetic Bearings for Electronic Equipment

Electronic equipment may contain sensors, magnetic components, or measurement systems that can be affected by nearby materials.

A non-magnetic bearing solution can potentially be considered where conventional bearing steel creates unwanted interference.

Customers should provide the actual magnetic sensitivity of the equipment.

Non Magnetic Bearings for Precision Instruments

Precision instruments can require careful control of:

• Bearing dimensions

• Rotational accuracy

• Friction

• Noise

• Materials

• Magnetic properties

Non-magnetic material selection should therefore be considered together with precision requirements.

Non Magnetic Bearings for Magnetic Field Environments

Equipment operating near strong magnetic fields may require careful material selection.

The bearing should be evaluated as a complete assembly.

Potentially magnetic components can include:

• Rings

• Balls

• Cages

• Shields

• Retaining components

A complete bill of materials may therefore be important for demanding applications.

Non Magnetic Bearings for MRI-Related Equipment

MRI environments involve strong magnetic fields and strict equipment requirements.

A bearing should not be described as MRI-compatible merely because it uses a plastic, ceramic, or nominally non-magnetic component.

MRI-related projects require detailed evaluation of the complete assembly, material specifications, magnetic properties, and applicable customer safety requirements.

Customers should clearly identify any MRI-related application during the initial inquiry.

Non Magnetic and Corrosion Resistant Bearings

Some applications require both low magnetic response and corrosion resistance.

Potential environments can include:

• Laboratories

• Chemical equipment

• Medical devices

• Wet processing equipment

• Specialized instruments

Engineering plastics or other specialized materials may potentially help satisfy both requirements depending on mechanical conditions.

Non Magnetic and Chemical Resistant Bearings

Chemical environments can create additional material-selection challenges.

The bearing may need to satisfy:

• Magnetic requirements

• Chemical compatibility

• Load

• Speed

• Temperature

• Wear resistance

Customers should provide the chemical name, concentration, temperature, and exposure duration.

Non Magnetic Bearings for Wet Environments

Wet environments can require both magnetic-property control and corrosion resistance.

Plastic materials can be useful in certain applications because they do not rust like conventional steel.

HSIAN JI's published plastic-bearing information specifically highlights no rust and corrosion resistance as advantages.

Custom Non Magnetic Bearings

Standard catalogue bearings may not satisfy specialized magnetic requirements.

Custom development can potentially involve:

• Custom dimensions

• Alternative materials

• Special rolling elements

• Dedicated cage materials

• Unique geometry

• Application-specific mounting

HSIAN JI states that its R&D and manufacturing activities are based on customer uses and needs, and its design process includes material selection, prototyping, testing, production preparation, and trial production.

Non Magnetic Bearings from Engineering Drawings

Engineering drawings provide an effective basis for custom development.

Customers can provide:

• 2D technical drawings

• 3D CAD models

• Assembly drawings

• Material specifications

• Dimensions

• Tolerances

• Magnetic requirements

• Operating conditions

If a specific non-magnetic material has already been selected by the customer's engineer, the exact material specification should be included.

Non Magnetic Bearing Development from Samples

HSIAN JI states that it can develop and manufacture samples according to different customer requirements.

A physical bearing sample can provide information about:

• Dimensions

• Geometry

• Mounting

• Bearing construction

However, exact material composition and magnetic characteristics may not be identifiable from appearance alone.

Customers should provide original material specifications whenever possible.

Prototype Non Magnetic Bearings

Prototype development can be particularly useful for specialized non-magnetic applications.

A prototype can help verify:

• Dimensions

• Fit

• Installation

• Movement

• Assembly compatibility

Magnetic testing may also be necessary if the application has a defined maximum magnetic response.

HSIAN JI's published product-development process includes prototyping followed by testing and verification.

Testing Non Magnetic Bearings

For demanding applications, the term "non magnetic" should be supported by measurable requirements.

Testing may potentially involve:

• Material verification

• Magnetic response testing

• Dimensional inspection

• Rotational testing

• Application testing

The required test method and acceptance criteria should be agreed upon before production.

Low Volume Non Magnetic Bearings

Specialized equipment may initially require only limited quantities.

Typical projects can include:

• Prototype machinery

• Research equipment

• Medical equipment

• Laboratory instruments

• Specialized OEM products

Manufacturing feasibility depends on material, geometry, tooling, tolerances, testing requirements, and quantity.

Replacement Non Magnetic Bearings

Older specialized equipment may use a bearing that is discontinued or difficult to source.

Customers can provide:

• Original bearing

• Physical sample

• Drawing

• Dimensions

• Original material specification

• Magnetic requirement

• Load

• Speed

• Quantity

A special or non-standard replacement can then be evaluated.

OEM Non Magnetic Bearing Development

OEM manufacturers may require non-magnetic bearings designed specifically around their equipment.

An OEM project may involve:

• Special dimensions

• Dedicated materials

• Unique mounting

• Low magnetic response

• Corrosion resistance

• Chemical resistance

• Precision requirements

Customers should provide technical drawings, material specifications, initial quantities, and estimated annual demand.

Quality Control for Non Magnetic Bearing Projects

Custom non-magnetic bearing projects require clearly defined technical specifications.

Quality requirements may include:

• Material verification

• Dimensional inspection

• Process control

• Finished-product inspection

• Magnetic-property testing

• Customer-defined functional testing

HSIAN JI states that its production process, quality inspection, packaging, and shipment are strictly controlled.

How to Choose Non Magnetic Bearings

When selecting non magnetic bearings, customers should consider:

• Required magnetic properties

• Bearing dimensions

• Load

• Speed

• Temperature

• Material

• Corrosion resistance

• Chemical exposure

• Precision

• Service life

The most important step is to define what "non magnetic" means for the actual application.

For highly sensitive equipment, a measurable magnetic specification is more useful than a general non-magnetic description.

HSIAN JI – Non Magnetic Bearing Project Evaluation from Taiwan

HSIAN JI BEARING CO., LTD. was established in Taiwan in 1995 and currently publishes product categories including plastic bearings, thrust bearings, stamped bearings, slide bearings, ball bearings, special bearings, and non-standard bearings. The company also supports customer-specific development and manufacturing.

For customers searching for non magnetic bearings, HSIAN JI can evaluate special and non-standard projects according to technical feasibility.

Please provide:

• Bearing type

• 2D engineering drawing

• 3D CAD model

• Physical sample

• Inner diameter

• Outer diameter

• Width

• Required material

• Magnetic-property requirement

• Load

• Speed

• Temperature

• Chemical exposure

• Corrosion requirements

• Required quantity

• Estimated annual demand

Complete technical information allows HSIAN JI to evaluate an appropriate custom bearing solution for magnetically sensitive applications.

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Non Magnetic Bearings FAQ

What are non magnetic bearings?

Non magnetic bearings are bearing solutions designed using materials selected to minimize magnetic behavior according to application requirements.

The complete bearing construction should be evaluated because rings, balls, cages, shields, and other components may have different magnetic characteristics.

Does HSIAN JI manufacture non magnetic bearings?

HSIAN JI's current website does not list Non Magnetic Bearings as a separate standard product category. Its published categories include plastic, thrust, stamped, slide, ball, special, and non-standard bearings.

However, HSIAN JI supports customer-specific product development, material selection, prototyping, testing, and production, so non-magnetic requirements can be submitted for technical evaluation.

What materials are used for non magnetic bearings?

Depending on the application, possible material categories can include:

• Engineering plastics

• Ceramics

• Selected non-magnetic alloys

• Specialized material combinations

The correct material depends on magnetic, mechanical, environmental, and dimensional requirements.

Are plastic bearings non magnetic?

Many engineering plastics themselves do not exhibit the same ferromagnetic behavior as conventional bearing steel.

However, a plastic bearing assembly may contain metal components.

The complete product construction must therefore be reviewed.

Are ceramic bearings non magnetic?

Certain ceramic materials can provide useful non-magnetic characteristics.

However, hybrid ceramic bearings may still contain metallic rings or cages.

Ceramic rolling elements alone do not guarantee that the complete bearing is non-magnetic.

Are stainless steel bearings non magnetic?

Not necessarily.

The magnetic characteristics of stainless steel depend on alloy type, microstructure, manufacturing processes, and other factors.

A bearing should not be described as non-magnetic solely because it is made from stainless steel.

What is the difference between non magnetic and low magnetic bearings?

Non magnetic is often used commercially for materials with very low magnetic response.

Low magnetic more explicitly indicates that some measurable magnetic behavior may remain.

For sensitive applications, customers should specify an acceptable measurable limit.

Can non magnetic bearings be used in medical equipment?

Potentially.

HSIAN JI already identifies medical equipment among applications for its bearing products.

However, magnetic requirements should be evaluated according to the specific medical device.

Can non magnetic bearings be used in MRI equipment?

MRI applications require specialized safety and compatibility evaluation.

A bearing should not automatically be considered MRI-compatible simply because it uses plastic, ceramic, or nominally non-magnetic materials.

The complete assembly and application requirements must be reviewed.

Can non magnetic bearings be used around magnets?

Potentially.

The magnetic field strength, distance, bearing material, load, speed, and required performance should all be considered.

Can non magnetic bearings be used in sensors?

Potentially.

They may be relevant where conventional magnetic materials could influence sensitive sensors or measurement systems.

Can non magnetic bearings be used in laboratory instruments?

Potentially.

Laboratory equipment may require combinations of low magnetism, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, low friction, or precision.

Can non magnetic bearings be used in electronic equipment?

Yes, depending on the application.

Customers should define why magnetic material must be minimized and what level of magnetic response is acceptable.

Can non magnetic bearings be corrosion resistant?

Potentially.

Some materials selected for low magnetic behavior may also provide useful corrosion resistance.

However, the two characteristics should be evaluated separately.

Can non magnetic bearings be chemical resistant?

Potentially.

Chemical resistance depends on the exact bearing material and chemical environment.

Customers should provide the chemical name, concentration, temperature, and exposure duration.

Can non magnetic bearings be waterproof?

Not automatically.

Non-magnetic properties relate to material behavior in magnetic fields.

Water resistance depends primarily on bearing construction, seals, housing, and other design factors.

Can you manufacture non magnetic ball bearings?

Custom ball-bearing projects with non-magnetic material requirements can be submitted for technical evaluation.

HSIAN JI currently manufactures ball bearings as one of its published product categories.

Can you manufacture non magnetic plastic bearings?

Plastic-bearing projects may be particularly relevant to applications requiring reduced use of conventional magnetic metals.

HSIAN JI currently maintains Plastic Bearings as a dedicated product category.

Can you manufacture non magnetic thrust bearings?

Custom thrust-bearing projects can be evaluated according to dimensions, axial load, speed, temperature, materials, and magnetic requirements.

Can you manufacture special non magnetic bearings?

HSIAN JI maintains Special Bearings as a dedicated product category.

Special projects combining unique geometry and non-magnetic material requirements can be submitted for evaluation.

Can you manufacture non-standard non magnetic bearings?

HSIAN JI also maintains a Non-standard Bearings category.

Projects requiring both non-standard dimensions and specific magnetic properties can be evaluated according to technical feasibility.

Can non magnetic bearings have custom dimensions?

Yes, custom dimensional requirements can be submitted for evaluation.

Possible requirements include:

• Custom inner diameter

• Custom outer diameter

• Special width

• Flange dimensions

• Unique mounting features

Can you manufacture non magnetic bearings from my drawing?

Engineering drawings can provide the technical basis for evaluation.

Customers should include exact material and magnetic-property requirements whenever possible.

Can you work from a physical bearing sample?

HSIAN JI states that it can develop and manufacture samples according to customer requirements.

However, a physical sample may not reveal the exact material composition or magnetic specification.

Can you reproduce an obsolete non magnetic bearing?

Potentially.

Customers should provide the original bearing, drawing, dimensions, material specification, magnetic requirement, load, speed, and quantity.

Can I request a prototype non magnetic bearing?

Prototype requirements can be evaluated.

HSIAN JI's published product-development process specifically includes prototyping, testing and verification before production preparation.

How are non magnetic bearings tested?

Testing requirements depend on the application.

Potential tests can include:

• Material verification

• Magnetic-property testing

• Dimensional inspection

• Rotational testing

• Application testing

The customer should specify the required magnetic limit and test method where applicable.

Are non magnetic bearings suitable for high speeds?

Potentially, depending on the bearing design.

Speed capability depends on materials, bearing geometry, cage design, lubrication, precision, load, and temperature.

Non-magnetic properties alone do not determine maximum speed.

Are non magnetic bearings suitable for heavy loads?

It depends on the material and bearing design.

Some non-magnetic material options may have different load capabilities from conventional bearing steel.

Load requirements should be specified before material selection.

Can non magnetic bearings operate at high temperatures?

Potentially, depending on the materials and complete bearing construction.

Temperature capability must consider rings, rolling elements, cage, seals, lubrication, and dimensional stability.

Can non magnetic bearings operate in a vacuum?

Potentially, but vacuum operation introduces additional requirements such as lubrication, material outgassing, and cleanliness.

A non-magnetic bearing is not automatically vacuum rated.

Can non magnetic bearings be used in cleanrooms?

Potentially.

Cleanroom applications may require additional control of lubricant, particles, materials, and contamination.

Non-magnetic and cleanroom requirements should be specified separately.

Can non magnetic bearings be manufactured in small quantities?

Small-quantity and prototype requirements can be submitted for evaluation.

Feasibility depends on material availability, geometry, tooling, tolerances, testing, and required quantity.

What information should I provide for a quotation?

For a non magnetic bearings inquiry, provide:

• Bearing type

• 2D engineering drawing

• 3D CAD model

• Physical sample

• Inner diameter

• Outer diameter

• Width

• Material specification

• Required magnetic properties

• Test requirements

• Load

• Speed

• Temperature

• Corrosion requirements

• Chemical exposure

• Required quantity

• Estimated annual demand

The more clearly the magnetic requirement is defined, the more accurately the project can be evaluated.

Do I need to specify a magnetic limit?

For highly sensitive applications, yes.

A measurable magnetic requirement is preferable to simply stating "non magnetic."

This can help define material selection and testing requirements.

Can a bearing become magnetic after manufacturing?

Certain metallic materials can show changes in magnetic behavior depending on alloy composition, cold working, heat treatment, machining, or other manufacturing processes.

For critical applications, the finished component should be evaluated according to the customer's required test method.

What is the difference between non magnetic bearings and ceramic bearings?

Non magnetic describes a required magnetic characteristic.

Ceramic describes a material category.

Some ceramic materials can be useful for non-magnetic applications, but a ceramic or hybrid bearing may still contain metallic components.

What is the difference between non magnetic bearings and plastic bearings?

Plastic bearings describe bearings containing plastic components or structures.

Non magnetic bearings describe bearings selected specifically for magnetic-property requirements.

A plastic-bearing design may potentially form part of a non-magnetic solution.

What is the difference between non magnetic and corrosion resistant bearings?

Non magnetic bearings focus on magnetic properties.

Corrosion resistant bearings focus on resistance to rust, moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive conditions.

Some applications may require both.

Why choose HSIAN JI for non magnetic bearing projects?

HSIAN JI BEARING CO., LTD. was established in 1995 and currently provides plastic, thrust, stamped, slide, ball, special, and non-standard bearing categories. The company states that it can develop and manufacture samples according to customer requirements and maintains a product-development process covering material selection, prototyping, testing, production preparation, and trial production.

If you require non magnetic bearings for medical equipment, laboratory instruments, sensors, electronic equipment, precision machinery, or other magnetically sensitive applications, send HSIAN JI your drawings, material specifications, magnetic requirements, operating conditions, and production quantities for technical evaluation.