Alumina (Al2O3), otherwise known as aluminum oxide, is an advanced refractory belonging to the oxide group of technical ceramics. It is an extremely versatile material that can be bonded and formed using a broad range of consolidation and sintering techniques, yielding precise near-net shapes in a range of purities.Continue reading
Technical ceramics are unique among structural materials for their extraordinary performance in challenging conditions. While each specific beneficial thermal or mechanical property depends on both the underlying material and the application, technical ceramics are typically renowned for their:
While there is no single ceramic that satisfies each of these requirements to the highest degree, there is now a plethora of fine ceramic materials available to suit the unique demands of various applications characterised by high temperatures, severe mechanical loads, and persistent corrosives. However, the very properties that make technical ceramics superior to conventional materials can also inhibit their machinability.
Take sialon ceramics, for example: Sialons are semi-crystalline derivatives of silicon nitride (Si3N4), comprising a high-strength lattice of silicon (Si), aluminium (Al), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N). Sialon ceramics are extremely hard ( ̴1650 kg/mm2), strong (945 MPa at 20°C, and 700 MPa at 1000°C) and tough (fracture toughness 5.7-7.7 MPa m½). This poses significant machining challenges, resulting in excessive cutting forces and unusually high tool consumption. Diamond grinding is a suitable method of finishing near-net sialon ceramics, but this can cause residual damage that degrades the material’s desired characteristics.
One avenue for resolving this issue is to invest in non-contact finishing techniques, such as electro discharge machining (EDM). Yet – once again – the inherent properties of typical sialon ceramics can render this method unsuitable.
EDM machining is a tightly-controlled process that involves the gradual removal of surface material via electric spark erosion. This process replaces a hard-wearing (i.e. diamond) cutting tools with an electrode that applies a pulsed, high-frequency electrical charge onto a ceramic workpiece to gradually burn through the material. One drawback to this method is that it requires workpieces to conduct electricity. Consequently, it has largely been limited to machining metals and conductive ceramics like tungsten carbide (WC).
Sialon ceramics typically boast high electrical resistance (~1012 Ω cm) which exceeds the benchmark for compatibility with EDM machining. While research into EDM of electrically-resistant materials is ongoing, International Syalons has a well-established novel answer to this issue, providing a unique material solution to a niche in the technical ceramics market.
EDM Process
Syalon 501 was engineered to moderate the inherent electrical resistance of sialon ceramics and allow for electrical conductivity – and subsequently EDM machining. This beta-phase sialon retains outstanding material properties, albeit reduced thermal resistance and hardness compared to leading sialon ceramics like Syalon 101.
A composite beta-phase sialon ceramic bonded with titanium nitride (TiN), Syalon 501 components are routinely formed using conventional wire-cut EDM machining. This eliminates concerns associated with mechanical degradation due to grinding and significantly reduces the cost and complexity of component forming.
Examples of electro discharge machined Syalon 501
International Syalons is the UK’s leading supplier of sialon ceramics for industrial applications. Our solutions are utilised in a range of markets, providing the performance levels needed to meet new business challenges. If you would like to learn more about EDM machining of sialon ceramics, take a look at our previous blog post:
Otherwise, contact a member of the International Syalons team today. We are happy to answer any questions about technical ceramics, from alumina (Al2O3) to zirconia (ZrO).
There are a myriad of different welding methods available today, such as metal inert or metal active gas (MIG/MAG) welding, high-frequency electric resistance welding (HF-ERW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), and many more. Technical ceramics can be used in tandem with practically any welding type, but they are typically restricted to high-value industrial processes due to their relatively high costs.Continue reading
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Silicon nitride (Si3N4) ceramics offer some of the best-in-class tribological properties, with outstanding nominal fracture toughness (Syalon 101 = 7.7 MPa m1/2) and exceptional strength characteristics (compressive, flexural, etc.). This combination makes silicon nitride ideal for precise wear applications where components are subjected to significant ongoing stress throughout service: dies, weld rolls, and cutting tools for example.Continue reading
Humanity’s technical achievements have been founded on the ability to reinvent and revolutionise existing innovations. At one point in history, the use of draft animals was the height of labour efficiency. This was surpassed by the genesis of steam power which liberated manufacturers and ushered in a new age of mechanization. Gas, oil, and electricity eventually surpassed steam, and nuclear power ultimately overtook those. Each of these innovations was so profound that they have come to define three distinct eras based on their industrial capacities; also known as the first three industrial revolutions.Continue reading
Technical ceramics like sialons and zirconia are among the most advanced materials ever engineered by mankind, enabling new application areas that were practically impossible before their commercial realisation. With many technical ceramics, there is a substantial overlap between their thermomechanical and chemical properties, which can complicate ideal material selection for distinct applications. In the case of sialons and zirconia however, the materials can be easily and respectively distinguished as a non-oxide and an oxide ceramic.Continue reading
Last week two long-serving employees of International Syalons (Newcastle) Ltd. celebrated their 25 Years of Service Anniversary.
Technical ceramics represent the cutting-edge of industrial materials. Engineered to withstand some of the harshest operating conditions ever conceived, technical ceramics are increasingly pushing the frontiers of market segments around the world.Continue reading
It is with great sadness that the Board of Directors announces the death of our ex-colleague Ian Denton after a long illness bravely fought.Continue reading