Advanced ceramic materials
In a time of steadily increasing technological requirements and development, traditional materials like metal or plastic are approaching it´s limits. As a result, there is an incremental focus on advanced ceramics and it´s extraordinary properties, whenever there are cutting edge applications with high demands on materials.
Properties, like chemical or temperature resistance as well as many other characteristics of advanced ceramics enable higher system lifetimes or even make other applications feasible in the first place. In such cases, the probably higher asset costs are mostly more than amortized by reduced downtimes in production (Total Cost of Ownership).
Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) Oxide ceramics
Based on it´s tribological properties, Zirconim oxide suits excellent to rolling movements, like linear bearings or ball bearings. The high fracture toughness, the thermal expansion coefficient similar to the one of steel, very high bending strength and high wear- and corriosion resistance, in combination with a low thermal conduction are good reasons for this material. It is also suitable to sliding movements, such as bushings.
Silicon nitride (Si3N4 oder SN ) Non oxide ceramics
Our preferred use for silicon nitrides are the rolling elements, like balls and rollers. The ball bearing industry is using this material since decades, for it´s proven properties. The extremly high mechanical toughness as well as the excellent thermal, corrosive and abrasive resistivity are the reason for being used in various high loaded applications.
Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) Oxide ceramics
Aluminium oxide is the most common and widely used ceramic material. It has a good stability, high hardness, is temperature and corrosion resistant, as well as a good wear resistance at sliding applications. We do not recommend this material for rolling applications due to it´s tribological behaviour