The chain is fine...but I ordered the wrong size. Nine links of the chain I ordered equals six of the size I wanted. My error...
How can I straighten out the springs? I can't use them coil uo as is.
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Get fitment advice & recommendations
When a loose or undersized ball causes valve leakage, bearing chatter, or a failed calibration fixture, the root problem is almost always dimensional inconsistency. Engineers, machinists, and serious DIYers who need repeatable, measurable results rely on aluminium precision balls that hold their stated diameter across every piece in the batch.
Each ball is machined from solid aluminium stock and finished to a smooth, uniform spherical surface. The range spans Ø0.5 mm (≈ 0.020 in) through Ø60 mm (≈ 2.362 in), covering both metric and inch-equivalent sizes such as Ø1.588 mm (1/16 in), Ø3.175 mm (1/8 in), Ø6.35 mm (1/4 in), Ø9.525 mm (3/8 in), Ø12.7 mm (1/2 in), and Ø15.875 mm (5/8 in). Quantities are available from single pieces up to 10,000 pcs per order.
Typical applications include aluminium precision balls for check valves and flow-control assemblies, lightweight rolling elements in low-load bearing housings, gauge and calibration reference spheres, decorative or kinetic art installations, and prototype mechanical linkages where aluminium's low density reduces inertia in oscillating or rotating systems.
| Material | Aluminium (solid) |
|---|---|
| Diameter Range | Ø0.5 mm – Ø60 mm (see variant options) |
| Inch Equivalents Available | 1/16 in (Ø1.588 mm), 1/8 in (Ø3.175 mm), 3/32 in (Ø2.38 mm), 7/32 in (Ø5.556 mm approx.), 1/4 in (Ø6.35 mm), 3/8 in (Ø9.525 mm), 1/2 in (Ø12.7 mm), 5/8 in (Ø15.875 mm) |
| Surface Finish | Smooth spherical |
| Quantity Options | 1 / 10 / 50 / 100 / 500 / 1,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 pcs (see variant options) |
| Hardness | See variant options / Contact us to confirm |
| Tolerance Grade | See variant options / Contact us to confirm |
| Density (approx.) | ~2.7 g/cm³ |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Moderate (aluminium oxide layer); not recommended for prolonged exposure to salt water or strong acids |
| Packaging | See variant options |
Measure the seat, housing bore, or channel your ball needs to fit using a calliper. For valve seats, the ball diameter should be slightly larger than the seat orifice so it seals under pressure. For bearing housings, match the ball diameter to the race specification. If you are between two sizes, select the larger diameter and verify fit before ordering in bulk.
Aluminium is softer than steel (typically 60–80 HB vs. 700+ HV for chrome steel bearing balls), so these balls are not recommended for high-radial-load or high-speed precision bearings. They are well-suited for low-load guides, decorative mechanisms, calibration fixtures, and prototype assemblies where weight reduction matters more than hardness.
Aluminium naturally forms a thin oxide layer that provides moderate corrosion resistance in dry or mildly humid environments. However, prolonged exposure to salt water, strong acids, or alkaline solutions can cause pitting. For wet or chemically aggressive environments, stainless steel balls are a more durable choice.
Standard aluminium alloy balls are not certified for food-contact or medical use without additional documentation. If your application requires FDA compliance or specific alloy certification (e.g. 6061-T6 with material test report), please contact us before ordering so we can confirm suitability and provide the necessary documentation.
Tolerance grade varies by diameter and batch. For confirmed tolerance specifications (e.g. G10, G16, G25 per ISO 3290), please contact us with your diameter and quantity requirements. We will provide the applicable grade and measurement report on request for larger orders.
Each variant in this listing covers one specific diameter and quantity combination. To order multiple diameters, add each required variant to your cart separately. For diameters outside the Ø0.5 mm–Ø60 mm range listed here, or for non-standard sizes, please contact us to discuss availability and lead time.
Balls are packaged in sealed bags or rigid containers appropriate to the quantity ordered, to prevent surface damage during transit. Larger quantities (1,000 pcs and above) are typically packed in labelled bulk bags. If you require special packaging (e.g. individual trays for calibration use), please note this in your order comments or contact us in advance.