DC type cooling fans are essential for many different types of cooling applications, but they do have a relatively short life expectancy when used on products that are designed to operate continuously in hot or hostile environments. One of their major limitations comes from the bearing system within the fan mechanism. 
 
Generally, there are two options of bearings that you can consider. Either sleeve type bearings, with an average life expectancy of 30,000 Hr or a double ball bearing type with an average life expectancy of 50,000 Hr In both cases these figures will drop if the fan is exposed to high ambient temperatures, corrosive or hostile environments. Noise levels on these metal type bearing fans can also be a downfall, as it will increase in loudness as operational time gets longer. 
 
Since 1975, considerable research, development and marketing efforts have been expended on zirconia or ceramic steel which offers the traditional ceramic benefits of hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, without the characteristic ceramic property of absolute brittleness. New production developments have allowed Ceramica to develop a process of injection molding of ceramic sleeves using zirconia powder together with an adhesive to produce a very strong, flexible and durable ceramic sleeve that replaces the common metal bearing. 
 
These new, low cost ceramic bearings are claimed to be far superior to the conventional ball bearing and economical sleeve bearing types of fans. While the average life span of a ball bearing fan is 50,000 Hr a ceramic equivalent model has a 300,000 Hr life expectancy, and at a lower cost! So you can save money with confidence of a reliable product from WES. 
 
Ceramic bearings run more smoothly, are quieter than their steel equivalents and their life expectancy is increased by a factor of six! 
 
Now there is a full range of DC fans using ceramic bearings. We also stock the popular alternatives for your consideration.

IP54 = Dust and Splashing Water Resistant. IP55 = Dust and Water Jet Resistant.

High strength  
High fracture toughness  
High hardness  
Wear resistance  
Good frictional behaviour  
Non-magnetic  
Electrical insulation  
Low thermal conductivity  
Corrosion resistance to acids and alkalis  
Modulus of elasticity similar to steel  
Coefficient of thermal expansion similar to iron

BEARING TYPES  
Each fan in stock is listed with its bearing type: 
Ceramic Ball Bearing Metal Sleeve CU-Sintered 
High-Reliability High-Reliability Line contact sleeve 
Low-Noise Double Ball type Low-Noise 
Cost-Effective Cost-Effective Cost-Effective