Things You Should Know about Ball Chains

25th Jun 2020

Things You Should Know about Ball Chains.

Over the years, the jewellery industry has experienced continuous growth. Since customers can purchase jewellery online, the industry has become one of the fastest-growing business sectors. Because of the ever-continuing demand for jewellery, manufacturers and suppliers had to step up their game.

They have introduced  ball chains to the market, and numerous customers have started making various pieces of jewellery from the said material. Today, many suppliers followed suit with ball chain and ball spacer designs. Essentially, purchasing ball chain is within reach. But what are these materials? How do they work? What are the advantages of using them?

In this article, we have put together all the important things you need to know about ball chains. Read on to feed your curiosity.

What are ball chains?

Like other jewellery chains, ball chains are made of wire. Usually, they are referred to as bead chains or pelline chains because they don’t have links. A ball chain is made of 2 parts: wire rods and hollow beads. Each wire is inserted into the hollow bead.Then, it is bent to make sure that the end of the wire won’t slide out of the bead hole.

Often, a ball chain is associated with non-high-end jewellery that is made from steel, such as key chains and dog tags. Sometimes, there is a ball chain in sterling silver and silver plate, giving most pieces of jewellery a distinct look and finish. If you are creative and playful about your jewellery, a ball chain is the most ideal material to use.

What are the benefits of balls chains?

Technically, ball chains eliminate the contact between balls in the bearing block. If a bearing block does not have a separating element, such as chains or cages, the balls make point contact with each other. Even with extremely small contact area, it may lead to significant pressure between the balls, which further results in heat generation and wear.

When you use a ball chain, the contact area between the balls and the chain is big, minimising the surface pressure on the balls and reducing wear. Since the contact is now metal (ball) to polymer or resin (chain), you will significantly reduce noise.

In addition, ball chains provide pockets for lubrication around balls, ensuring a constant and sufficient supply of grease or oil,extending the required lubrication intervals, and reducing maintenance. The lack of friction between balls also lessens heat, extending the life of the lubrication and further increases the maintenance benefit. When there’slow heat generation,high speeds can be achieved without damaging the internal components of the bearing.

Ball chains are important. Without them, the balls in a linear guide will be unevenly spaced as they recirculate through the load zone, causing variations in friction force that negatively affect accuracy. With ball chains, you can make sure that there’s an even distance between the balls and proper control of their movement within the block. Ball chains help minimise variations in rolling resistance and increase running smoothness.

What are the things to consider when choosing ball chains?

So, you’ve probably read about ball chains and you want to take advantage of its benefits. It is advisable to take note of some things that are important and relevant in choosing the right ball chains.From its function to its quality, here are the top things that you need to consider when choosing ball chains:

1. Check the outside surface of the ball chain.

The balls should be round and do not have open edges. Surfaces of some poor-quality ball chains have very visible lines. This is often due to ball chain machine issues. A reliable service provider will check their ball chain mould to see if there are any damages, and repair or replace the broken ones to make sure that they create good-quality ball chains.

2. Look for glitches in the surface of the ball chain.

Typically, high-quality ball chains are shining, smooth, and do not have raised dots. Before taking them to the next step (plating), the surface of the ball chains must be cleaned and polished. When this step is approved by the QC and everything else is running smoothly, the ball chains are good for plating.

3. Try fitting the ball chains to connectors.

If the ball chains fit with the connectors, and they can easily be opened and closed, they are approved for good quality ball chain necklace. In case you are having a hard time opening and closing the connector, it may be because the connector is too narrow,or the ball chains have quality problems. So, try fitting the ball chains to connectors before making any wholesale purchases.

4. Avoid defect products by checking pack or reading online reviews.

No manufacturer or supplier can make sure that each piece of ball chain does not have any defect, even after QC checking.However, a responsible service provider should prepare extra pieces for replacement.

You may also listen or read reviews from their previous customers. If you see no complaints, you can make sure that the products are of the highest standard.

5. Test the flexibility of the ball chain.

Today, there are plenty of unqualified factories that make poor-quality ball chains, especially coloured ones. They make coloured ball chains very stiff. Some of the products are not soft due to their technique.

What you can do to determine if the ball chains have minimal issues is to adjust them. You can check if the quality of the ball chains depends on that.

When you consider these things, you will be able to judge a good quality ball chain.

Looking to purchase ball chains? Buy now at Aussie Chains Direct!

Ball chains are great media for making necklaces, bracelets, key chains, and even ceiling fan pulls. If you are looking for a manufacturer where you can make wholesale purchases, choose Aussie Chains Direct. We offer a wide range of ball chains for our clients in the Asia Pacific. Get in touch with us to learn more about our products and services!