In Ball Bearings
Grade 20, hardened chrome steel balls are applicable.
Manufactured in high carbon high chrome steel, also called bearing steel (AISI-52100 / EN-31)
Ball Diameter Tolerance: 0.000020 inch or 0.0005 mm or 0.50 microns.
Basic Diameter Tolerance: ± 0.0001" or ± 0.0025 mm or ± 2.50 microns.

In Bicycles
Grade 200 or 500 are suitable.
Manufactured in hardened high carbon high chrome steel (AISI-52100 / EN-31 / EN-9 / M.S.)
Generally used diameter (in inches) are 1/8", 1/4", 3/16", 5/32".

In Automotive Sub-assemblies
Generally stainless steel balls, AISI 304 or 316; Grade 100 are used.

In Valves
Material AISI 304 and AISI 316 is used.
Grade 200, Basic Diameter Tolerance ± 25 microns.
Sizes 6 mm to 12.7 mm and 1/4" to 1/2" diameters.

As Agitators
In the plating bath for plating zinc and lead
In the plating baths, chrome steel balls of 1, 1.5 and 2 mm diameters are used. High tolerance is not required and hence, grade 1000 polished ball is generally suitable. At times, stainless balls of 304 steel are also used.

In paint spray cans
Here balls of 3/8" or 10 mm diameters, G-1000 are used. The steel balls stir up the paint and mix it thoroughly.

In personal care products like nail polish Because of non-usage, the fluid coagulates and the bottle is shaken to homogenize the fluid and make it free flowing. The bottle contains a steel ball which is used as an agitator ball to help in achieving the above when the bottle is shaken. Because of the fluid, the steel balls can be prone to corrosion, hence AISI 316 stainless balls are preferred. 3 and 5 mm sizes (1/8" and 3/16" diameters) are generally used. Grade -1000 is suitable for this application.

As valve for spray pumps and dispensers Stainless steel AISI-316 balls are used in spray pumps as a one way valve. SS-316 (Chromium 16-18%, Nickel 10-12%) has good corrosion resistance which is essential for personal care products and cosmetics. At times, in detergent pumps, AISI-304 stainless steel ball is used. Tolerance of the steel ball ranges from G-100 to G-500 depending upon the quality and performance specifications of the overall product. 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm or 3/32", 1/8", 5/32" and 3/16 inch diameter balls are generally used. Micro spray pumps in which these stainless steel balls are used include deodorant spray pumps, eau-de-cologne spray pumps, viscous liquid spray pumps (for liquid soap and detergents), gel pumps, toothpaste pumps, pocket spray pumps, spray pumps for metal container (without gas pressure) and insecticide spray pumps.

In Decorative Use
Designer Furniture and Interiors
Artificial & Body Jewellery
Spectacle Frames
Handicrafts
Watches