Certified Global Research Member
Isomar fd.webp Wcrc 57.webp
Key Questions Answered
  • Global Market Outlook
  • In-depth analysis of global and regional trends
  • Analyze and identify the major players in the market, their market share, key developments, etc.
  • To understand the capability of the major players based on products offered, financials, and strategies.
  • Identify disrupting products, companies, and trends.
  • To identify opportunities in the market.
  • Analyze the key challenges in the market.
  • Analyze the regional penetration of players, products, and services in the market.
  • Comparison of major players’ financial performance.
  • Evaluate strategies adopted by major players.
  • Recommendations
Why Choose Market Research Future?
  • Vigorous research methodologies for specific market.
  • Knowledge partners across the globe
  • Large network of partner consultants.
  • Ever-increasing/ Escalating data base with quarterly monitoring of various markets
  • Trusted by fortune 500 companies/startups/ universities/organizations
  • Large database of 5000+ markets reports.
  • Effective and prompt pre- and post-sales support.

Silicon Nitride Balls Market Share

ID: MRFR//9478-CR | 110 Pages | Author: Priya Nagrale| May 2023

The significance of silicon nitride has witnessed a substantial upswing across diverse industries, with particular prominence in the aerospace and aviation sectors. This surge in demand for silicon nitride within aerospace and aviation applications can be attributed to a constellation of key properties inherent to this material. The aerospace industry, characterized by constant evolution, necessitates materials and applications that can keep pace with its dynamic demands. Notably, the velocity requirements in aerospace have escalated from Mach 3 to Mach 5 and beyond, creating a heightened need for materials capable of meeting these exacting specifications. In this context, silicon nitride emerges as an exceptionally fitting, if not preferable, choice for deployment in the aerospace industry.

One of the defining characteristics that render silicon nitride indispensable in aerospace applications is its extraordinary strength-to-weight ratio. This ceramic material is exceptionally lightweight, making it particularly advantageous in industries where both weight and strength are of paramount importance, such as aerospace and automotive. The demand for materials capable of withstanding the rigors of high-speed travel has become increasingly pronounced, and silicon nitride, with its remarkable strength and lightness, stands out as a material of choice.

Moreover, silicon nitride balls exhibit resistance to creep, especially when compared to metals. This resistance to deformation at high temperatures enhances structural stability, making silicon nitride a valuable asset in aerospace applications subject to extreme thermal conditions. Beyond its lightweight and creep-resistant qualities, silicon nitride possesses a versatile set of properties including exceptional hardness, electromagnetic characteristics, and thermal resistance. These attributes are vital for applications that push the boundaries of extremes, such as radomes, missile fins, and engine components.

The applications of silicon nitride in the aviation and aerospace industries are diverse and pivotal. While traditional metals were utilized in the past, advancements in the aerospace field have rendered existing metals inadequate for withstanding the stresses associated with supersonic and hypersonic travel. Silicon nitride, on the other hand, proves to be better suited to endure the extreme temperatures encountered at high speeds. Silicon nitride balls, in particular, are replacing conventional materials in critical components like ball bearings, radomes, RF windows, and engine components, showcasing the material's versatility and adaptability.

The aerospace and defense industries are undergoing substantial expansion, marked by significant investments in high-speed air travel, missile defense systems, and hypersonic technologies. Silicon nitride ball manufacturers are actively engaging in direct collaborations with aerospace engineers to conceptualize and fabricate customized advanced component assemblies tailored to specific applications. Through these collaborations with customers, silicon nitride producers are not only enhancing the efficiency, functionality, and durability of their products but are also delivering substantial customer value. This value manifests in increased reliability, reduced lifetime costs, and enhanced operational performance, underscoring the mutually beneficial relationships forged between manufacturers and end-users.

In light of these developments, the escalating demand for silicon nitride balls in the aerospace and defense industry is poised to be a major driver propelling the growth of the global market during the review period. The versatile and advantageous properties of silicon nitride position it as a key player in the ongoing technological advancements and innovations within the aerospace and aviation sectors, shaping the trajectory of the market with sustained growth and relevance.

Covered Aspects:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Base Year For Estimation 2022
Historical Data 2018- 2022
Forecast Period 2023-2032
Growth Rate 5.54%(2023-2032)

Global Silicon Nitride Balls Market Overview


The Silicon Nitride Balls Market Size was valued at USD 0.35billion in 2022. The Silicon Nitride Balls market industry is projected to grow from USD0.36939 Billion in 2023 to USD 0.568619636 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.54% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032).Increasing demand for efficient grinding media for size reduction in end-use industries and rising demand for renewable energy production are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.


Silicon Nitride Balls Market Share


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Silicon Nitride Balls Market Trends



  • Increasing demand for efficient grinding media for size reduction drives the market growth.


Silicon nitride balls are used as grinding media in various industries. They offer benefits such as high grinding efficiency, high wear resistance, longer product cycle, and decreased product contamination over traditional grinding media such as cast iron, steel, and chrome steel. Shorter grinding cycles, increasing dressing interval, and economical grinding requirements are major factors when selecting suitable grinding media. They are used as grinding media for engine shafts, valve & piston drives, and injection systems, among other parts, having tight size tolerance requirements. The expanding automotive production will likely increase the demand for silicon nitride balls.


Moreover, in the chemical industry, grinding media is used for media milling. It is used in three major areas of solid chemical processing, including particle size reduction in chemicals, mixing and milling chemicals to form new compounds, and activation or liberation of chemical raw materials. It is often used to fabricate milling media for industrial mixing or powder preparation. Further, silicon nitride balls sustain silicon nitride balls of up to 14% compared to alternative technical materials under the same impacting and wearing conditions, reducing sample contamination and extending the service lives of both milling media and the ball mill itself. The growing chemical industry is expected to drive the market CAGR demand for ceramic grinding media during the forecast period.


Additionally, silicon nitride balls have found Applications in wind turbine generators in the renewable energy industry. For this purpose, large silicon nitride balls are required. Further, long blades in these turbines produce high stresses that require advanced materials. Silicon nitride ball bearings provide the endurance and load-carrying capacity to provide a cost-effective solution. The long life of silicon nitride balls also reduces the risk of unscheduled maintenance, which can be expensive given the height and position of wind turbines. Therefore, turbine generators have an increasing demand for silicon nitride balls.


Furthermore, increased investment in solar and hydropower plants in developing nations will likely hamper global and regional market growth. Besides, hydropower sources are increasing to meet the rising demand for green energy sources in developing and developed countries. Thus, with the growth in the wind energy sector year on year across the globe, the demand for carbon fibers is increasing largely in the industry, which is expected to fuel the demand for silicon nitride balls and drive the growth of the Silicon Nitride Balls market revenue during the forecast period.


Silicon Nitride Balls MarketSegment Insights


Silicon Nitride Balls Type Insights


The Silicon Nitride Balls Market segmentation, based on type, includes <0.5" Ball, 0.5"- <1.0" Ball, 1.0"-1.5" Ball, <1.5"Ball. The 1.0"-1.5" ball dominated the market; this Ball is about 58% lighter than steel alloys, 121% harder, 68% stiffer, 76% lower thermal expansion, and so on. The growing demand for silicon nitride balls across various applications increases the market's growth.


Silicon Nitride Balls Application Insights


Based on Application, the Silicon Nitride Balls Market segmentation includes aerospace & defense, automotive, machine tools, energy, and others. The automotive dominated the market. A substantial proportion of this segment can be ascribed to an increase in automotive manufacturing on a global scale. Additionally, the demand for automobiles with technically sophisticated solutions is increasing, increasing vehicle manufacturing, which needs engineered products. The increase in demand for extremely modern automobiles and the subsequent rise in vehicle performance has increased the need for Silicon Nitride bearings in the automotive sector.


Figure1: GlobalSilicon Nitride Balls Market, by Application, 2022&2032(USD billion)


Silicon Nitride Balls Market, by Application, 2022&2032(USD billion


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Silicon Nitride Balls Regional Insights


By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The Asia-Pacific Silicon Nitride Balls Market will dominate, owing to the Region's expanding end-use industries such as automotive, aerospace & defense, and power generation throughout the forecast period. Moreover, China’s Silicon Nitride Balls market held the largest market share, and the Indian Silicon Nitride Balls market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure2: SILICON NITRIDE BALLS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)


SILICON NITRIDE BALLS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Europe's Silicon Nitride Balls market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the end-user industries like automotive, chemicals, and others contributing to Europe's expanding market. Further, the German Silicon Nitride Balls market held the largest market share, and the UK Silicon Nitride Balls market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.


North America is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. This is due tothe substantial increase in the aerospace industry and the rising need for lightweight, fuel-efficient military aircraft and counterterrorism applications.


Silicon Nitride Balls Key Market Players& Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the silicon nitride balls market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. The silicon nitride balls industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate.


Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the global Silicon Nitride Balls industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The Silicon Nitride Balls industry has offered some of the most significant medical advantages in recent years. Major players in the Silicon Nitride Balls market, including CoorsTek Inc. (US), Enduro Bearings (US), Kyocera Corporation (Japan), Ortech Advanced Ceramics (US), Salem Specialty Ball, Inc. (US), Sinoma (China), SKF (Sweden), Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd (Japan), Tsubaki Nakashima Co. Ltd (Japan), ZYS International Co., Ltd (China), Fineway Inc. (Canada), and Metalball (France)., and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.


CoorsTek, Inc. is a privately owned manufacturer of technical ceramics for aerospace, automotive, chemical, electronics, medical, metallurgical, oil and gas, semiconductor, and many other industries. CoorsTek headquarters and primary factories are located in Golden, Colorado, US.Coors Tek Inc. showcased it's silicon nitride bearing balls, ceramic substrates, semiconductors, renewable energy technology, sensor components for power supply, industrial electronics, automotive, renewable energy, and household use at the PCIM 2020 digital event in Nuremberg.


Denka Company Limited, formerly Denki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, is a Japanese chemical company established in 1915, and headquartered in Tokyo, manufacturing organic and inorganic chemicals, cement, special cement additives, electronic component transfer materials, and food packaging materials.Denka announced an expansion to triple the size of its silicon nitride ceramic substrate factory. As silicon nitride is in high demand for automobile usage, the expansion will allow the company to keep up with supply.


Key Companies in the silicon nitride balls market include



  • CoorsTek Inc.(US)

  • Enduro Bearings (US)

  • Kyocera Corporation (Japan)

  • Ortech Advanced Ceramics (US)

  • Salem Specialty Ball Inc. (US)

  • Sinoma (China)

  • SKF (Sweden)

  • Toshiba Materials Co.Ltd (Japan)

  • Tsubaki Nakashima Co. Ltd (Japan)

  • ZYS International Co.Ltd (China)


Silicon Nitride Balls Industry Developments


January 2019 Denka announced an expansion to triple the size of its silicon nitride ceramic substrate factory. As silicon nitride is in high demand for automobile usage, the expansion will allow the company to keep up with supply. The anticipated building year was 2020-2021.


February of 2019 Kyocera made public its plans to buy HC Starck, a manufacturer of silicon nitride powder. In addition to expanding the company's position in the silicon nitride market, the acquisition allows it to more fully integrate its operations from start to finish.


April 2018 Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd announced the opening of a second production facility for silicon nitride substrates in Oita, Oita Prefecture. The company will majorly invest in an existing facility through a 10 billion yen (approx. USD 91 thousand) program until March 2023.


Silicon Nitride Balls Market Segmentation


Silicon Nitride Balls Type Outlook



  • <0.5" Ball

  • 5"- <1.0" Ball

  • 0"-1.5" Ball

  • <1.5"Ball


Silicon Nitride Balls Outlook



  • Aerospace & Defense

  • Automotive

  • Machine Tools

  • Energy

  • Others


Silicon Nitride Balls Regional Outlook




  • North America

    • US

    • Canada




  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe




  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific




  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



Leading companies partner with us for data-driven Insights
client_1 client_2 client_3 client_4 client_5 client_6 client_7 client_8 client_9 client_10
Kindly complete the form below to receive a free sample of this Report
Please fill in Business Email for Quick Response

We do not share your information with anyone. However, we may send you emails based on your report interest from time to time. You may contact us at any time to opt-out.

Purchase Option
Single User $ 4,950
Multiuser License $ 5,950
Enterprise User $ 7,250
Compare Licenses
Tailored for You
  • Dedicated Research on any specifics segment or region.
  • Focused Research on specific players in the market.
  • Custom Report based only on your requirements.
  • Flexibility to add or subtract any chapter in the study.
  • Historic data from 2014 and forecasts outlook till 2040.
  • Flexibility of providing data/insights in formats (PDF, PPT, Excel).
  • Provide cross segmentation in applicable scenario/markets.