With over fifty years of experience, RGPBALLS transforms Italian manufacturing excellence into components destined for strategic sectors such as automotive, mechanics, food, oil & gas and many others. A quality which does not come about by chance, but from a precise and rigorous industrial path.
In this article we retrace that exact path:
1. Materials for precision balls: selecting between steels and special alloys
The production of precision balls starts with choosing the most suitable material. Each application imposes specific requirements: hardness, mechanical strength, dimensional stability, ability to work in aggressive environments and at high temperatures.
The selection is always made in close collaboration with the customer, through the analysis of parameters such as load, rotational speed, operating conditions and required tolerances. This approach ensures that each RGPBALLS ball is perfectly calibrated for the context in which it will be used.
2. From the machining of the blank to the perfection of the finished ball
The production of a precision steel ball is a structured industrial process that combines machining, heat processing and rigorous controls. Before getting to the finished product, each step contributes to components with micrometric sphericity and precise surface finishes.
Here are the individual steps in the process:
Wire cutting and slug preparation
The ball’s journey begins with a certified steel wire, supplied in spools and selected according to the required alloy. The wire is cut into calibrated segments, called slugs, each with a precise size depending on the final diameter to be obtained. At this stage, checks are already carried out on the composition and uniformity of the material to ensure that each piece starts with the same basic characteristics.
Spherical preform moulding
The slugs are then transformed into a blank, i.e. a spherical preform, through high-pressure presses that can be operated either cold or hot, depending on the alloy and the required performance. This processing gives the part an initial ball-like shape, and increases its density and internal strength, laying the foundations for the subsequent precision steps.
Precision Grinding (Grinding)
From the rough geometry we move on to the actual ball: high-tech grinding machines process the surface to eliminate residual irregularities. In subsequent steps, the ball reaches extremely tight dimensional tolerances and a roundness pushed down to the micron range. This is the moment when the ball begins to assume its identity as a precision component.
Lapping and Polishing
Once the ideal shape has been achieved, the surface is refined with abrasive pastes of increasingly fine grain size. This lapping process eliminates any minor imperfections and prepares the ball for final polishing, which gives it its typical mirror finish. A smooth and compact surface means less friction, less wear and optimal performance for dynamic operations.
3. Post-machining processing and functional coatings
In addition to machining, when necessary, the performance of RGPBALLS is optimised by heat and chemical processing and surface coatings, chosen according to customer requirements:
- Advanced heat processing to increase hardness, durability and stability.
- Chemical processing (e.g. passivation or carbonitriding) to improve corrosion and wear resistance.
- Surface coatings to reduce friction and increase smoothness or impart specific properties (conductivity, food or medical compatibility).
Thanks to this approach, each precision ball is customised according to the conditions of use, with the aim of maximising efficiency and reducing operating costs.
4. Accuracy and quality certified and guaranteed by the RGPBALLS laboratories
At RGPBALLS, quality is a continuous process, guaranteed by the in-house metrology and metallography laboratories, which are capable of analysing more than 100 million balls a week.
Metrology lab: micron accuracy
In the metrology lab, fundamental dimensional and geometric parameters are checked: micron measurements of diameter, roundness, roughness, hardness, weight and density, using state-of-the-art systems and visual checks.
Metallographic laboratory: material analysis
In the metallographic laboratory, microstructural analysis and tests are performed on samples to evaluate processing, inclusions, decarbonisation layer and corrosion resistance.
5. Logistics and shipping of RGPBALLS’s balls for efficient warehouse flow
The last step in the production process is delivery to the customer. RGPBALLS logistics is organised to ensure quick turnaround, flexibility and maximum product security thanks to:
- customised and protective packaging
- complete documentation: each lot is accompanied by a delivery note, packing list, quality certificates and identification labels for complete traceability
- possibility of choosing between standard, express or just-in-time transport, in Italy and abroad, with selected logistics partners
6. RGPBALLS: certified excellence and recognised quality
All precision balls produced by RGPBALLS are the result of technology, precision and constant quality control. Choosing our company means relying on a partner capable of supplying reliable and customised components, suitable for even the most regulated and complex sectors.
From raw material to finished product, every RGPBALLS precision ball embodies excellence and innovation.
Contact us for a consultation and discover how we can make your world move with precision.
20092 Cinisello Balsamo (MI) - Italy
P.I. / C.F. / Reg. Impr. 08678490965
N. REA: MI-2042305
Cap. soc. € 1.000.000 int. vers.
Please note that any particular and specific technical requirements must always be requested in advance during the quotation phase.