ADVANCED CERAMICS TECHNOLOGIES
dry pressing
isostatic presses
extrude
ceramic injection molding
Micro ceramic injection molding
film casting
3D ceramic printing
CERAMIC PROPERTIES AND SHAPING TECHNICAL CERAMICS
Here, the powder particles are compressed and brought into a coherent shape that has sufficient strength for subsequent handling. Depending on the need, this shaped, unfired powder heap (green compact or green body) can be processed inexpensively before firing, since the corresponding work steps after firing are much more complex. In the various methods of shaping, care must be taken to ensure that there are no noticeable density gradients and textures in the green compact, because they can be caused by fire. U. can reinforce it, lead to deformation and cause internal mechanical stresses. The selection of the suitable shaping process is usually based on economic considerations (efficient production).
The ceramic shaping processes can be divided into the following basic types:
Pressing (0 - 15% moisture)
Plastic shaping (15 - 25% moisture)
Pouring (> 25% moisture)
We are happy to support you in realizing your parts with this process.
DRY PRESSING
Dry pressing is used for the production of dimensionally accurate mass-produced items. Free-flowing granules are compacted in steel matrices that are profiled according to the part to be manufactured. The high costs for the tool (partly made of hard metal) are usually only justified for large series.
Dry pressing is the most economical process for large quantities and is suitable for simple to complicated geometries. Pressed indentations and bores should normally only be provided in the pressing direction.
Depending on the design of the dry press machine, components from tile to match head size can be produced. Small discs or plates can be pressed up to a thickness of approx. 0.8 to 1 mm. The tape casting process is more suitable for even thinner, flat components. Fine webs or similar in the component can still be produced if the pressed granulate used can properly fill the cavities in the pressing tool or if the tool design is possible.
We would be happy to support you in realizing your parts with this process.
ISOSTATIC PRESSING
The 3D printers, designed for industrial production and based on lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) technology, enable the reliable series production of additively manufactured ceramics. Our 3D printers meet the highest requirements for high-performance ceramics. The mechanical performance, dimensional accuracy and reproducibility of ceramic components meet or even exceed those of conventionally produced components.
Starting from a CAD model, the first step in the process is work preparation and optimization. The information for the order is transmitted digitally directly from your computer.
The ceramic-loaded liquid (slip) is automatically dosed and applied to a transparent pan. The moveable build platform is immersed in the slurry, which is then selectively exposed to visible light from below the tub. The slice image is generated via a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) in conjunction with a state-of-the-art projection system. By repeating this process, a three-dimensional green part can be created layer by layer.
LCM technology uses decades of experience in processing ceramic powders. By using the same powders and furnaces as in injection molding, ceramic components with excellent mechanical properties and surface qualities are produced. After thermal post-processing, the binder is removed and the parts are sintered, resulting in fully dense ceramic parts.
We would be happy to support you in realizing your parts with this process.
EXTRUDE
Extrusion is carried out using ram extruders or vacuum screw extruders. The homogenized mass is pressed through a mouthpiece and thus formed into endless strands. Optimal compression of the mass is important.
Rotationally symmetrical parts such as axles or tubes can be produced particularly well with extrusion. Complicated profiles are also possible with the appropriate mouthpiece design. The lengths of the strands to be produced essentially depend on the tendency of the working mass to warp.
We would be happy to support you in realizing your parts with this process.
INJECTION MOLDING
Injection molding is basically suitable for the mass production of complicated parts.
The tool costs are absolutely justified, since the serial parts are manufactured in a very high quality.
The delivery rate ("shot weight") is typically up to 70 g for the large spraying machines. In principle, the wall thicknesses should be as even as possible and limited to approx. 12 mm.
Typical injection molded products:
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Textile components such as ceramic thread eyelets
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Machine components such as ceramic coffee grinding discs
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watch industry such as ceramic watch cases or bezels
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Medical technology such as ceramic dental implants and abutments
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and much more...
We would be happy to support you in realizing your parts with this process.
MICRO INJECTION MOLDING
Micro-injection molding is becoming more and more popular, since the smallest parts, smaller than 4mm, can now be realized in technical ceramics.
Typical micro injection molded products:
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Dental technology such as ceramic bracket
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Bonding industry like smallest wire guides
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watch industry such as ceramic gears
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and much more...
We would be happy to support you in realizing your parts with this process.
3D PRINTING IN CERAMIC
The 3D printers, designed for industrial production and based on lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) technology, enable the reliable series production of additively manufactured ceramics. Our 3D printers meet the highest requirements for high-performance ceramics. The mechanical performance, dimensional accuracy and reproducibility of ceramic components meet or even exceed those of conventionally produced components.
Starting from a CAD model, the first step in the process is work preparation and optimization. The information for the order is transmitted digitally directly from your computer.
The ceramic-loaded liquid (slip) is automatically dosed and applied to a transparent pan. The moveable build platform is immersed in the slurry, which is then selectively exposed to visible light from below the tub. The slice image is generated via a digital micromirror device (DMD) in conjunction with a state-of-the-art projection system. By repeating this process, a three-dimensional green part can be created layer by layer.
LCM technology uses decades of experience in processing ceramic powders. By using the same powders and furnaces as in injection molding, ceramic components with excellent mechanical properties and surface qualities are produced. After thermal post-processing, the binder is removed and the components are sintered, resulting in fully dense ceramic components.
We would be happy to support you in realizing your parts with this process.
