Technical ceramics: High-performance. Precise. Durable

Technical ceramics play an indispensable role in modern industry and technology . This term encompasses a group of ceramic materials specifically developed for demanding technical applications . These high-performance ceramics are characterized by a unique combination of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties.

They prove their value in precision components for extreme applications wherever conventional metals or plastics reach their limits — for example, under extreme heat, heavy wear, or exposure to aggressive chemicals.

As one of Switzerland’s leading suppliers of precision parts, Graf Hartmetall combines specialist expertise with a well-established partner network. We support you from the selection of the right material to the precise implementation of your ceramic components and precision solutions – reliably, efficiently, and with technical expertise.

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COMPELLING QUALITIES ON MULTIPLE LEVELS

High hardness and strength:
Technical ceramics are among the hardest known materials. They withstand severe abrasion and retain their shape and strength even under continuous mechanical stress.

Temperature resistance:
Ceramic components can withstand extreme heat. Many high-performance ceramics remain dimensionally stable up to temperatures exceeding 1000 °C and retain their properties even under sudden temperature changes.

Chemical resistance:
Unlike some metals, technical ceramics are corrosion and oxidation resistant. They exhibit pronounced resistance to acids, alkalis, and other chemical influences.

Low density:
Certain materials, such as silicon nitride or silicon carbide, are significantly lighter than steel or tungsten carbide. Components made from these materials enable weight-saving solutions while maintaining high performance.

Electrical conductivity:
Most ceramics are electrically insulating, making them ideal as insulators. However, conductive versions are also possible through material selection, doping, or processing.

Adaptability:
By using carefully selected raw materials and suitable manufacturing processes, the ceramic properties can be precisely tailored to the desired application.

OVERVIEW OF CERAMIC MATERIALS

Technical ceramics can be divided into two material groups, each characterized by different properties and application profiles.

OXIDE CERAMICS

Thanks to their excellent electrical insulation, high temperature resistance, and strong chemical resistance, oxide materials offer reliable solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. They are based on metal oxides such as aluminum or zirconium and are relatively easy to process – making them economically attractive for the production of standard and series components .

Kristallstruktur der technischen Oxidkeramik Zirkonoxid

Zirconium oxide (ZrO₂): Extremely hard and tough with high fracture strength. Zirconium oxide is frequently used for structural and wear parts (e.g., pump components, sensors). Since its coefficient of thermal expansion is close to that of steel, it is also particularly suitable for bonding ceramics and steel.

Kristallstruktur der technischen Oxidkeramik Aluminiumoxid

Aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃): The classic among technical ceramics – extremely hard, wear-resistant, and cost-effective. Aluminum oxide is ideal for use in high-temperature environments and for mechanical components (e.g., sliding rings, grinding tools).

Aluminum nitride (AlN): A high-quality material with excellent thermal conductivity. Aluminum nitride is primarily used in the semiconductor industry (e.g., as a thermally conductive substrate), where both heat dissipation and electrical insulation are required.

NON-OXIDE CERAMICS

Due to their exceptional hardness, high strength, and thermal robustness, non-oxide ceramics meet the most demanding technical requirements. Their production requires special sintering processes and the use of reactive raw materials such as silicon or nitrogen.

Kristallstruktur der Nichtoxidkeramik Siliziumkarbid

Silicon carbide (SiC): The lightest and hardest ceramic material, offering excellent temperature and corrosion resistance. SiC conducts heat very well and has minimal thermal expansion – ideal for applications involving extreme heat and abrasion (e.g., nozzles, valves).

Silicon nitride (Si₃N₄): A versatile ceramic material with exceptional strength and fracture toughness. Silicon nitride tolerates excessive temperature fluctuations and high mechanical loads and is therefore used, for example, in rolling bearings, turbines, and high-performance tools.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES – WITH THE RIGHT HIGH-PERFORMANCE CERAMICS

Which ceramic material is right for your project depends on various criteria. This overview can serve as a decision-making aid:

Criterion	Question	Classification
Temperature range	What are the maximum operating temperatures?	For temperatures above 1000 °C, materials such as SiC or Si₃N₄ are suitable, while Al₂O₃ is suitable up to ~1200 °C.
Mechanical stress	Is fracture toughness or impact resistance required?	Zirconium oxide and Si₃N₄ offer the highest toughness, SiC the greatest hardness but with a more brittle structure.
Electrical & thermal requirements	Is electrical insulation required, or high thermal conductivity?	Aluminum nitride combines insulation with excellent thermal conductivity; other oxide ceramics are insulating, SiC is semiconducting.
Chemical environment	Will the components come into contact with acids, alkalis, or corrosive media?	Ceramics are generally very chemically resistant; SiC and Al₂O₃ show particular resistance in aggressive media.
Budget & Quantity	Do you need a custom-designed part, a prototype, or series production?	Depending on the budget and required quantity, a cost-effective material (e.g. Al₂O₃) may be suitable, while for top performance, more expensive special ceramics are used.

We would be happy to advise you on these selection criteria so that you receive the ideal ceramic solution for your application.
Would you like to learn more about technical ceramics or realize a specific project? Contact us – together we will find the right solution for your requirements!

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TECHNICAL CERAMICS OR TUNGSTEN CARBIDE?

Both material groups are proven high-performance materials for industrial precision parts . Which material is more suitable depends on the specific application and the required properties.

Tungsten carbide scores points with its extreme hardness combined with high toughness (fracture strength) and is therefore often used for structural components that must withstand impact loads. These include, for example, rollers , valves, and precision balls .

Technical ceramics, on the other hand, offer advantages at excessive temperatures, with aggressive chemicals, or where electrical insulation is required, such as in bearings, seals, insulators, or pump components.

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FROM POWDER TO COMPONENT: PRODUCTION IN SIX STEPS

Raw material preparation and powder mixing: Finely ground ceramic powders are carefully selected and homogenized according to the desired material to create the basis for the desired properties.
Shaping:The mixed powders are brought into the desired basic shape, e.g. by injection molding, dry pressing or cold isostatic pressing.
Sintering / High-temperature treatment: In high-temperature, vacuum or gas pressure furnaces, the ceramic develops its final density, dimensional stability and strength.
Mechanical processing / finishing: CNC milling, optical grinding or EDM wire cutting enable the precise implementation of complex geometries.
Quality assurance:Surface and roundness measurements, 3D measurements and material analyses ensure compliance with all technical requirements.
Additive manufacturing (optional): For prototypes and small series, high-performance ceramics can also be manufactured using 3D printing to produce demanding shapes quickly and flexibly.

GRAF HARTMETALL: YOUR SPARRING PARTNER IN TECHNICAL CERAMICS

We see ourselves as your materials consultant and reliable supplier of technical ceramics . Through our proven partner network, we coordinate both series production and custom-designed engineering components according to your drawings. You benefit from comprehensive technical advice and our expertise along the entire process chain. Working together, we select the appropriate ceramic material and oversee the manufacturing process – from prototypes to large-scale production . This way, you receive all services from a single source, with the highest quality and on-time delivery.