CERAMICS
Advanced Ceramics for High Temp, Wear-Resistant Usage
PRODUCTS > CERAMICS
WHAT IS CERAMIC?
Ceramic is a non-metallic, inorganic material that hardens when fired at high temperatures.
Axim Mica manufactures many diverse product lines utilizing different ceramics, materials, and processes. As a qualified supplier to many world-class companies, Axim Mica products are used in a wide variety of high-temperature applications.
Being used in electrical applications, a major benefit of this material class is that it allows for high resistivity, which can be applied in a wide array of electrical projects. Unlike metals, the conductivity of these materials increases as temperature rises. One can also use metalizing/brazing techniques to join them with metals or other ceramics.
CHARACTERISTICS & APPLICATION
|
Material
|
Characteristics
|
Application
|
|---|---|---|
|
Alumina
|
Excellent strength and stiffness Excellent hardness and wear resistance Excellent corrosion resistance Excellent thermal stability Excellent dielectric properties (from DC to GHz frequencies) Low dielectric constant Low loss tangent |
Seal rings, medical prostheses, laser tubes, electronic substrates, ballistic armor, thermocouple tubes, electrical insulators, grinding media, thread guides, wear components |
|
Cordierite
|
Low thermal expansion coefficient High resistance to thermal shock Volume resistivity Low dielectric loss factor Moderate strength Low density |
Electrical insulators, feed-thru insulators, high performance resistors, special furnace shapes, heating element supports, exhaust catalyst supports, burner tubes |
|
Mullite
|
Excellent thermal shock and stress resistance Low thermal conductivity Excellent strength Wear resistant Usable to high temperatures |
Protection tubes, furnace liners, electrical insulators
|
|
Steatite
|
Excellent electrical properties High resistivity Very low dielectric loss factor Moderate strength Low density |
Regulator bases, switches and plug parts, sockets bases for halogen lamps, heating element holders, stand-off insulators, washers and bushings |
|
Zirconia (TZP)
|
High temperature capability up to 2400ºC High density High strength and fracture toughness High hardness and wear resistance Low thermal conductivity (20% that of Alumina) Excellent chemical resistance Ionic conductivity |
Precision ball valve (balls and seats), pump seals, valves and impellors, high density grinding media, Oxygen sensors, thread guides, fuel cell membranes, cutting blades, radio frequency heating susceptors, medical prostheses, metrology components |
|
Zirconia Toughened Aluminum (ZTA)
|
Excellent strength Excellent toughness Excellent wear resistance High temperature stability Corrosion resistance |
Pump components, bearings, joint implants, bushings, cutting tool inserts, valve seats, wear components, biocompatible devices |
TYPES OF CERAMICS
All of our ceramic materials can withstand high temperatures between 1,000°C–2700°C:
- Alumina (Aluminum Oxide Al2O3): Can be produced in a range of purities with additives designed to enhance properties. It can be readily joined to metals or other ceramics using metallising and brazing techniques.
- Cordierite: A magnesium iron aluminum cyclosilicate that has been an engineering staple, recognized for its remarkable thermal properties.
- Mullite (3Al2O3 * 2SiO2): good, low cost refractory material.
- Steatite: Magnesium silicate material that is lower in cost than alumina but with reduced mechanical properties. Relatively low cost material.
- Zirconia (TZP): often used in wear applications requiring improved fracture toughness and stiffness over alumina. Its high material cost usually warrants its usage only where alumina fails.
- Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA): offers increased fracture toughness over alumina with its zirconia content between 10-20%. More expensive than alumina but offers increased component life and performance.
ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE WITH AXIM MICA
From the production of metal castings weighing over 100 tons to precision parts requiring ceramic tolerances of 0.001″, customers can depend on Axim to supply quality ceramic products that meet or exceed their expectations.
Contact us today and leverage our full potential of various Axim ceramic products.
FAQs
Mica is a mineral that belongs to a group of silicate minerals known as phyllosilicates. It is characterized by its highly perfect basal cleavage, which allows it to be split into thin sheets that are flexible, elastic, and transparent. Mica is valued for its resistance to heat, electricity, and acids.
Mica is best for applications requiring thermal insulation, electrical insulation, and resistance to chemical corrosion. It is extensively used in the electronics industry for components like capacitors and insulators, and in industries requiring high-temperature insulation materials, such as furnaces and microwave ovens.
In a microwave, a mica sheet is used as a waveguide cover. It covers the aperture through which microwaves are admitted into the main cavity of the oven. The mica sheet helps prevent food particles and moisture from entering the waveguide, which can cause damage and efficiency loss.
Mica sheets are valued for their clear visibility and effective protection from outdoor conditions, effectively blocking dust, dirt, and harsh weather. Their durability against scratches ensures they maintain quality over time, making them a reliable choice for see-through enclosures.