RO14 2.3.3 Engineering ceramics

Definition:

Engineering ceramics are inorganic, non-metallic materials made by heating and cooling, with a process like powder metallurgy. They are incredibly hard and have very high melting points, so they can be used as abrasive particles in grinding wheels or as solid tools made when carbide powder is fused together

Forms of supply(2):

• Powder

• Granules

Ceramics(3):

• Silicon carbide

• Tungsten carbide

• Silicate glass

Silicon carbide, Properties(6):

• Exceptional hardness

• Moderate tensile strength

• Very high compressive strength

• Low density

• Extremely high melting point

• Chemically inert

Silicon carbide, Applications(5)

• Abrasive papers

• Grinding wheels

• Cutting discs

• Ceramic brake disks

• Shot blasting media

Tungsten carbide, Properties(6):

• Exceptional hardness

• Moderate tensile strength

• Exceptional compressive strength

• High density

• Extremely high melting point

• Chemically inert

Tungsten carbide, Applications(5):

• Industrial cutting tools that can machine a wide range of materials and they have high material removal rates and long tool life

• Carbide lathe insert tooling

• Milling cutters

• Drill bits

• Abrasives

Silicate glass, Properties(6):

• Hard

• Brittle

• High melting point

• Chemically resistant

• Electrical insulator

• Transparent

Silicate glass, Applications(4):

• Windows/glazing

• Laboratory glassware, like beakers and test tubes

• Light bulbs

• Screens like phones and TVs