Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
When your project demands a rolling element that combines low mass with reliable dimensional accuracy, standard steel balls often add unnecessary weight or introduce galvanic corrosion risk. Engineers, hobbyists, and production buyers working with aluminum frames, plastic housings, or corrosion-sensitive assemblies need a ball that matches the material environment — that's exactly where these 1060 aluminum solid balls deliver.
Each ball is machined from 1060-series aluminum alloy, offering a density of approximately 2.7 g/cm³ — roughly one-third the weight of steel. Available in 20 diameter options spanning 0.5 mm (≈ 0.020 in) to 12 mm (≈ 0.472 in), with quantity packs ranging from 50 to 10,000 pieces per order. The spherical surface is finished to a consistent roundness tolerance suitable for light-load bearing, valve, and metering applications.
Typical use cases include: lightweight linear guide systems and drawer slides where reduced rolling resistance matters; fluid control valves and check valves in pneumatic or low-pressure hydraulic circuits; precision jigs, fixtures, and gauging tools where non-magnetic, non-sparking contact points are required.
| Material | 1060 Aluminum Alloy |
|---|---|
| Density | Approx. 2.70 g/cm³ |
| Diameter Range | 0.5 mm – 12 mm (≈ 0.020 in – 0.472 in) |
| Available Diameters | 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.76, 5, 5.7, 6, 6.35, 8, 9.5, 10, 12 mm |
| Surface Finish | Machined spherical, natural aluminum oxide |
| Hardness | Approx. 25–35 HB (typical for 1060 Al) |
| Magnetic Properties | Non-magnetic |
| Corrosion Resistance | Self-passivating oxide layer; suitable for dry and mildly humid environments |
| Load Rating | Light-to-moderate static loads; see variant options for specific sizing |
| Pack Quantities | 50 / 100 / 200 / 250 / 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 pcs |
| Product Type | Solid Ball (not hollow; not a bearing assembly) |
| Compliance | Contact us to confirm |
Measure the bore or seat diameter in your housing with calipers, then select the ball diameter that matches your specified fit tolerance (typically a light interference or clearance fit). For valve seats, the ball diameter is usually 10–20% larger than the orifice to ensure positive sealing. If you are replacing an existing ball, measure the worn ball's diameter and round up to the nearest available size.
1060 aluminum has a Brinell hardness of approximately 25–35 HB, which is significantly softer than steel (typically 60–65 HRC for bearing-grade steel). These balls are suited for light static loads, low-speed rolling contact, and non-load-bearing positioning tasks. They are not recommended for high-speed bearing races, heavy radial loads, or impact applications where steel or ceramic balls would be the appropriate choice.
Aluminum 1060 forms a natural oxide layer that provides good resistance to atmospheric moisture and mild chemical exposure. However, prolonged immersion in saltwater, strong acids, or alkaline solutions can degrade the oxide layer. For marine or chemically aggressive environments, consider anodizing the balls after purchase or selecting a more corrosion-resistant alloy such as 316 stainless steel.
Dimensionally, yes — if you select the matching diameter. However, the softer hardness of aluminum means the balls will wear faster under radial or axial loads in a steel race. These balls are best used in custom housings, plastic races, or non-load-bearing guide channels where the material pairing is appropriate. Always verify the hardness compatibility between the ball and the race material before assembly.
Yes. 4.76 mm is the metric equivalent of 3/16 inch (4.7625 mm nominal), and 6.35 mm equals exactly 1/4 inch. These sizes are included to support applications originally designed to imperial specifications, such as older pneumatic valves, plumbing check valves, and North American industrial equipment. Similarly, 9.5 mm corresponds to 3/8 inch.
For prototyping or one-off repairs, the 50–100 piece packs provide the lowest upfront cost and let you validate fit before committing to larger quantities. If you are running a small production batch or need spares for ongoing maintenance, the 500-piece pack typically offers a better per-unit price. For volume production or resale, the 1,000–10,000 piece packs deliver the lowest cost per ball. Check the variant pricing table to compare the per-piece cost across pack sizes before selecting.
These are solid aluminum balls — not hollow or shell-type balls. The solid construction provides consistent mass distribution and structural integrity under compression. If you require hollow balls for buoyancy or weight-reduction applications, that would be a different product category.
1060 aluminum is a commercially pure aluminum alloy and is generally considered food-safe in many jurisdictions when properly finished. However, formal food-contact or medical-device compliance (such as FDA 21 CFR or EU 10/2011) depends on the specific surface treatment and application. Please contact us to confirm compliance documentation before using these balls in regulated food, pharmaceutical, or medical environments.
