--- title: Precision Balls as a Critical Component for High Precision Applications description: In high precision applications such as electrical contact, guidance systems, automotive bearings, and more, tolerances for balls are extraordinarily tight. image: https://resources.hartfordtechnologies.com/hubfs/Precision-Balls-as-a-Critical-Component-for-High-Precision-Applications-2.png --- Tel: 860-571-3602  |  [info@hartfordtechnologies.com](mailto:info@hartfordtechnologies.com) - [Contact Us](https://hartfordtechnologies.com/contact-us/) - [Blog](https://resources.hartfordtechnologies.com/blog) - [Resources](https://hartfordtechnologies.com/resources/) - [Application Profiles](https://hartfordtechnologies.com/application-profiles/) - [Hartford Global Consulting Services](https://hartfordtechnologies.com/hartford-global-consulting-services/) - [Case Studies](https://hartfordtechnologies.com/case-studies/) - [Ebooks](https://hartfordtechnologies.com/resources/ebooks/) - [Glossary](https://hartfordtechnologies.com/resources/glossary/) - 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In high precision applications such as electrical contact, guidance systems, automotive bearings, and more, tolerances for balls are extraordinarily tight, and even minor imperfections can lead to failure. With this in mind, we at Hartford Technologies are proud to offer a wide variety of precision balls manufactured within the tightest tolerances you will find on the market today. Grading Standards for Precision Balls There are a few different metrics by which the precision of a ball is graded, and all of them are exceedingly important. These standards are: #### **Grade** Grade is an overall measure of a ball's precision in regard to its key functional characteristics. The lower the grade of a ball, the more precise that it is. At Hartford Technologies, we offer a number of precision balls with a grade as low as 5. #### **Diameter** The diameter of a ball is an important consideration, and it's essential that the diameter of precision balls exactly match their listed diameter. At Hartford Technologies, the diameter of the precision balls that we offer ranges from .5mm to 65mm. #### **Sphericity** Also known as roundness, the sphericity of a ball is a measure of how close it is to being a perfect sphere. For precision balls, it's important that they be as close to a perfect sphere as possible. #### **Surface Roughness** The surface roughness is a measure of the quality of a ball's surface. The less surface roughness that a ball has, the less "noise" there will be due to vibrations. For precision balls used in valves, a low surface roughness is also essential for achieving a tight seal. ## Hartford Technologies Precision Ball Standards The precision balls we produce at Hartford Technologies are made to comply with a number of precision ball standards. These standards include ABMA Standard 10, ISO 3290, and DIN 540. Conforming to these standards allows us to ensure that the precision balls we manufacture are industry-leading in regards to their sphericity, surface roughness, and tolerances. ## Why it's Important to Choose Precision Balls One common use of precision balls is as electrical contacts in a variety of devices. If these balls are not made to precise standards, though, consistent contact is not guaranteed and failure could ensue. This is especially true for small precision balls used within miniature electrical circuits. Other electrical applications where precision balls are a necessity include bearings inside precision electric motors such as those found in robotics and other precision instruments. Likewise, for high-pressure valves, precision balls are essential in order to ensure that the seal is maintained and no fluid is allowed to leak through. These are just two of many examples where precision balls are essential. In short, precision balls are always preferable to balls which are not manufactured to exacting standards, especially if the application they are to be used in requires high degrees of precision. ## Conclusion For a wide range of applications - specifically within the electronics industry - precision balls are a necessity. When you need to ensure that the balls you use are made to conform to the highest possible precision standards, you can count on Hartford Technologies. Our commitment to going above and beyond industry standards in regards to ball precision is unparalleled, allowing us to deliver balls with near perfect dimensions, surface quality, and sphericity. To learn more about the wide range of precision balls we offer at Hartford Technologies and their many advantages, we invite you to [contact us today.](http://www.hartfordtechnologies.com/contact-us/)   Topics: [Precision Ball](https://resources.hartfordtechnologies.com/blog/topic/precision-ball) [![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2564859/96cf33e1-75d1-4fd7-a7d3-8ce3ffd6b3b1.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2564859/96cf33e1-75d1-4fd7-a7d3-8ce3ffd6b3b1) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Posts by Topic [View All Posts](https://hartfordtechnologies-2564859.hs-sites.com/blog) - [Precision Ball (31)](https://resources.hartfordtechnologies.com/blog/topic/precision-ball) - [Engineering Trends (26)](https://resources.hartfordtechnologies.com/blog/topic/engineering-trends) - [Medical Manufacturing (24)](https://resources.hartfordtechnologies.com/blog/topic/medical-manufacturing) - [Custom Bearings (22)](https://resources.hartfordtechnologies.com/blog/topic/custom-bearings) - 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