The successful materials selection process requires a full understanding of the intended application of the OEM ceramic part. Ceramco has numerous ceramic materials and formulations, each exhibiting very unique and even unusual performance characteristics, including resistance to:

High Purity Metal Oxide Refractories

Ceramco categorizes its ceramic materials into two general groups based upon their main chemical constituents: alumina (Al₂O₃) and zirconia (ZrO₂).

1. ALUMINA (Al₂ O₃) – Alumina is derived primarily from Bauxite, through the Bayer process. Approximately 10% of the 45 million metric tons produced annually is used to produce a diverse range of products, including refractories… the product of interest to Ceramco and its customers. Due to its predictable nature, alumina is considered the ceramic of choice for many applications.

Ceramco also offers Mullite (Al₆Si₂O₁₃) another alumina-based refractory. Mullite’s high resistance to thermal shock makes it a possible candidate in high temperature cycling applications. Learn more…

2. ZIRCONIA (ZrO₂) – An interesting material, zirconia remains the subject of extensive research since the 1970's. Zirconia undergoes several phase changes, remaining a solid, as its temperature rises. Each phase of zirconia has a different density, causing a large expansion and contraction of zirconia-based materials as they heat and cool.

The density of pure zirconia varies to such an extreme during phase change (and the resultant cracks and fractures) making it impractical for use as a sintered body. Adding small amounts of a stabilizing agent (usually Y₂O₃, MgO, or Ce₂O₃) to pure zirconia transforms one of its higher temperature phases, making it metastable at room temperature. This process is known as transformation toughening. The amount of the zirconia made metastable depends upon which stabilizing agent is added and in what quantity.

Ceramco Offers Two Zirconia-based Materials Solutions

Both zirconia formulations offer significant advantages in strength over alumina. Each has a similar coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to steel. This similarity makes it an ideal choice in systems and applications containing many metallic items, overcoming potential CTE mismatch. Zirconia formulations are well suited in applications subject to extreme wear and/or impact. Learn more…

High Purity Non-Oxide Ceramics

1. SILICON NITRIDE (Si₃N₄) – Ceramco’s sintered silicon nitride shares many of the same desirable characteristics of their zirconia but at approximately 50% less weight.

Applications Suited for Silicon Nitride Include:

Our silicon nitride stands alone in its ability to withstand mechanical impact and exhibits high mechanical strength when exposed to sudden stresses. Learn more…

People Making it Happen

A highly-trained and skilled group of people formulate Ceramco refractory materials (and do so much more) for our customers. Ceramco engineers understand the materials selection process and welcome questions or inquiries regarding Ceramco materials solutions, or specifics on Ceramco alumina and/or Ceramco zirconia formulations.

Ready to Make it Happen for You

Do you need a quotation on your print for an OEM ceramic part? Submit an RFQ now, or contact Ceramco. You'll be greeted by a courteous customer service specialist ready to provide immediate, personal assistance. Ceramco specializes in manufacturing OEM ceramic parts with complex geometries, matching the appropriate forming process to your order's specifications and quantity: