Ceramic Machining
Products made out of ceramics can be found in a variety of places—from dishes, to pottery, to even industrial grade equipment. Ceramic machining involves the design and manufacturing process of ceramic precision components. There are many machining operations to create a durable ceramic product.
Quick links to Ceramic Machining Information
Applications of Ceramics
Industrial ceramics are used in a wide range of applications because of their high resistance to temperatures and insulation properties. Large ceramics can be exposed to chemicals and electricity and the properties found in ceramics can reduce corrosions and harmful side effects. Ceramics can eliminate issues such as expansion seen with metal in high temperature situations. The ceramic industry has become increasingly popular producing rods, tubes, tank armor, and much more.
Ceramic Machining Process
The ceramic machining process includes forming, firing, and finishing. To form a ceramic piece, a few processes can be used to set the ceramics desired shape. Slip casting requires a liquid mixture to then use the injection molding process. Another option is to use isostatic pressing which is used to form a dry powder.
To create a durable and usable piece, the firing process is then administered. This can be performed before or after the finishing process, depending on the use. It is important to keep in mind that shrinking will happen during the firing process. The typical machining processes are then conducted such as cutting, grinding, and etching.