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BIS Certification for Ceramic Balls for Rolling Bearings IS 2898 (Part 2):2019

In the evolving world of engineering and industrial design, ceramic balls have emerged as high-performance alternatives to traditional steel balls in rolling bearings. Known for their superior properties—such as low friction, high-speed capabilities, thermal stability, and resistance to corrosion and wear—ceramic balls are increasingly used in advanced applications ranging from aerospace and medical devices to electric vehicles and high-precision machinery.

To ensure these critical components meet stringent quality and safety benchmarks, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced a regulatory framework mandating compliance with IS 2898 (Part 2):2019, which is technically aligned with ISO 3290-2:2014. This certification is essential for maintaining product integrity, promoting industry standardization, and supporting India's broader Make in India and quality assurance initiatives.

What Makes Ceramic Balls Unique?

Unlike conventional steel balls, ceramic balls are manufactured from advanced ceramics such as:

● Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄) – Offers exceptional hardness, low density, and thermal resistance, ideal for high-speed and vacuum applications.

●Silicon Carbide (SiC) – Known for high thermal conductivity and strength, making it suitable for aggressive chemical environments.

● Zirconia (ZrO₂) – Provides high fracture toughness and is preferred in applications requiring resistance to crack propagation and impact.

These materials allow ceramic balls to outperform their steel counterparts in extreme conditions. They enable higher speeds, reduce lubrication needs, withstand chemical exposure, and remain dimensionally stable under thermal stress—qualities that are indispensable in modern high-performance bearing systems.

IS 2898 (Part 2):2019 / ISO 3290-2:2014 – The Governing Standard

IS 2898 (Part 2):2019 is the Indian Standard that governs ceramic balls used in rolling bearings, adapted from ISO 3290-2:2014. The standard sets forth detailed technical specifications for material composition, mechanical properties, surface characteristics, and dimensional tolerances.

The standard applies to ceramic balls intended for:

● Rolling bearings in precision applications

● High-temperature or corrosive environments

● Hybrid bearings combining ceramic balls with steel races

● High-speed spindles in machine tools

This comprehensive standard ensures that every ceramic ball meets a consistent quality benchmark regardless of its application or manufacturing source.

Mandatory BIS Certification Under the Draft Quality Control Order

To enforce quality compliance across the industry, the Bearing Components and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2025 (Draft) has been introduced. Once implemented, it will make BIS certification mandatory for ceramic balls used in rolling bearings, under the provisions of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016.

According to the draft order:

● Manufacturers and importers must obtain a BIS license.

● Products must bear the ISI Standard Mark, confirming conformity with IS 2898 (Part 2):2019.

● The certified products must undergo routine quality checks and periodic surveillance by BIS.

This regulation aims to prevent the sale of substandard or counterfeit products, protect consumers, and support industries that rely on high-precision bearing components.

Technical Requirements and Testing Procedures

The certification process involves thorough evaluation of the ceramic balls against critical quality and performance parameters. The testing process includes:

● Dimensional Accuracy: Measurement of ball diameter, roundness, and sphericity to ensure precision performance in bearing assemblies.

● Surface Finish: Assessment of surface roughness and appearance, which directly affects rolling efficiency and wear resistance.

● Hardness and Strength: Verification of microhardness and compressive strength, ensuring the ball can withstand mechanical loads without cracking or deformation.

● Density and Porosity: Evaluation of material density and internal structure to detect any voids, inclusions, or inconsistencies.

● Chemical Composition: Confirmation of the ceramic material type (e.g., Si₃N₄, SiC, or ZrO₂) using spectroscopic analysis.

● Thermal and Chemical Stability: Testing the ball’s performance under elevated temperatures and exposure to corrosive environments.

These tests are typically conducted in BIS-approved laboratories, and manufacturers must establish robust in-house quality control systems to ensure batch-wise compliance.

Benefits of BIS Certification for Manufacturers and End Users

For manufacturers, obtaining BIS certification offers a competitive advantage in the domestic and global markets. It signifies adherence to international quality standards and instills confidence in OEMs, distributors, and end customers.

For end users, certified ceramic balls guarantee:

● Consistent performance under varying operational conditions

● Reduced maintenance costs and extended equipment life

● Higher reliability in mission-critical applications

● Compliance with safety and regulatory standards

With India becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing and engineering services, compliance with such standards is crucial for driving exports, encouraging domestic innovation, and promoting industrial growth.

BIS Certification Process

The certification process under IS 2898 (Part 2):2019 generally involves the following steps:

Application Submission: The manufacturer submits an application through the BIS online portal with technical details and factory information.

Product Sampling and Testing: BIS officials collect product samples for testing in accredited labs.

Factory Audit: A comprehensive audit is conducted to assess manufacturing processes, quality assurance systems, and testing facilities.

License Granting: If the samples meet the standard and the factory passes the audit, BIS issues the license to use the ISI mark.

Surveillance: Periodic audits and random product sampling ensure ongoing compliance.

To Know The Process in Detail, Please Visit:

BIS ISI Mark Certification for Domestic Manufactures
BIS ISI Mark Certification for Foreign Manufactures

Under BIS Registration Products ISI and CRS

BIS CRS Registration For IT Products List
BIS ISI Mark Certification For ISI Products List

Documents Required for BIS Certification

To apply for BIS certification, manufacturers need to submit the following documents:
●  Application form
●  Manufacturing process details
●  Quality control plan
●  Test reports from BIS-approved laboratories
●  Factory layout and equipment details
●  Proof of business registration
●  Product specifications and technical details
●  Declaration of conformity to Indian standards
Additionally, manufacturers may be required to provide proof of compliance with environmental and safety regulations, depending on the specific type of product being certified.

BIS ISI Mark Certification Costing And Timeline

Conclusion

Ceramic balls are not just precision components—they are vital to the efficiency, reliability, and longevity of modern machinery. With the implementation of IS 2898 (Part 2):2019 / ISO 3290-2:2014 and the upcoming Quality Control Order, 2025, India is setting a strong foundation for quality assurance in high-performance bearing components.

By obtaining BIS certification, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to excellence, enhance their market credibility, and contribute to India's vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. For industries dependent on advanced motion technologies, BIS-certified ceramic balls offer the assurance of performance, safety, and durability.