Introduction
Machinable ceramics are advanced glass-ceramics recognized for their excellent insulation, ease of machining, and thermal shock resistance. These properties make them a valuable material for industries requiring precision and reliability, such as electronics, aerospace, and the medical sectors. Customizable options include materials like alumina, zirconia, toughened zirconia, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and titanium dioxide, meeting diverse industrial requirements. This article provides an overview of the performance characteristics of machinable ceramics, supported by a detailed table.
Performance Characteristics of Machinable Ceramics
Machinable ceramics, such as MACOR, are designed for applications requiring high insulation and thermal stability. Their key performance characteristics include:
- Machinability: Easily shaped with conventional tools, ideal for complex designs.
- Electrical Insulation: High volume resistivity and dielectric strength for reliable performance in electronics.
- Thermal Stability: Low thermal conductivity and good thermal shock resistance for temperature-sensitive applications.
- Mechanical Integrity: Moderate strength with good elasticity, suitable for precision components.
- Dimensional Stability: Low coefficient of thermal expansion ensures stability across temperature changes.
Performance Characteristics Table
The table below provides a detailed overview of machinable ceramics’ properties, focusing on mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics.
Property | Value |
Main Characteristics | |
Color | White |
Main Characteristics | Easy to machine, excellent insulation, good thermal shock resistance |
Main Applications | Precision parts, insulating parts |
Mechanical Properties | |
Bulk Density (g/cm³) | 2.52 |
Water Absorption (%) | 0 |
Vickers Hardness (GPa, Load 500g) | — |
Flexural Strength (MPa) | 94 |
Compressive Strength (MPa) | 345 |
Young’s Modulus (GPa) | 25.5 |
Poisson’s Ratio | 0.29 |
Fracture Toughness (MPa m¹/²) | — |
Thermal Properties | |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (×10⁻⁶/°C, 40–400°C) | 9.0 |
Thermal Conductivity (W/mK, 20°C) | 1.46 |
Specific Heat Capacity (J/(kg·K) × 10³) | 0.79 |
Thermal Shock Resistance (ΔT°C) | — |
Electrical Properties | |
Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm, 20°C) | >10¹⁷ |
Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) | 45 |
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz) | 6.01 |
Dielectric Loss Tangent (×10⁻⁴) | 4 |
Chemical Properties | |
Nitric Acid (60%) Weight Loss (mg/cm²/day) | — |
Sulfuric Acid (95%) Weight Loss (mg/cm²/day) | — |
Caustic Soda (30%) Weight Loss (mg/cm²/day) | — |
Table Notes:
- Mechanical Properties: Flexural strength (94 MPa) and compressive strength (345 MPa) ensure suitability for precision components.
- Thermal Characteristics: Low thermal conductivity (1.46 W/mK) makes them effective for thermal insulation.
- Electrical Insulation: High volume resistivity (>10¹⁷ ohm-cm) and dielectric strength (45 kV/mm) ensure reliability in insulating applications.
Conclusion
Machinable ceramics offer excellent insulation, ease of machining, and thermal shock resistance, making them suitable for precision parts and insulating components in industries like electronics, aerospace, and manufacturing. Customizable materials such as alumina, zirconia, toughened zirconia, aluminum nitride, silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and titanium dioxide provide tailored solutions for specific needs.
Heeger Materials is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality machinable ceramic products in forms of plates, sheets, rods, tubes, crucibles, substrates, and customized parts, offering customized solutions for various industrial and research applications.