Besides steel, what is another material that can be used for making bearings?

Ceramic is a widely recognized material for making bearings due to its unique properties that enhance performance in specific applications. Ceramic bearings typically have a lower weight compared to steel bearings and exhibit exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. This material also has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, allowing the bearings to maintain dimensional stability even under temperature fluctuations.

Ceramics demonstrate excellent hardness and allow for greater speeds and efficiencies in rotational applications. They are particularly beneficial in environments where lubricants are ineffective or where contamination could be an issue, such as in vacuum or corrosive settings.

In contrast, the other materials mentioned tend not to provide the same combination of durability, strength, and performance that ceramics offer. Rubber, while flexible and useful for dampening vibrations, cannot handle high loads or temperatures effectively. Wood, although historically used in some bearing applications, lacks the necessary durability and strength of modern bearing materials. Glass, while it can have uses in certain specialized applications, does not possess the mechanical strength required for most bearing functions.