There are many advantages to using alumina ceramics in manufacturing processes. Here are a few: Low cost, High refractoriness, Resistant to thermal shocks, and Machinability. These benefits make alumina an ideal material for a wide range of applications.

Low cost

Alumina ceramics are considered one of the most versatile advanced ceramic parts and are used in a number of applications. They have excellent corrosion and wear resistance. High purity alumina is used in semiconductor manufacturing, photolithography, and as an insulator.

Alumina ceramics are manufactured through a process called dry pressing. It is suitable for producing thin walled products with a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 4:1. The materials are processed using polyvinyl alcohol as a binder in the process. Alumina ceramics have excellent mechanical and electrical properties and are used in many electrical components.

High refractoriness

High refractoriness of a ceramic material is the result of its high ceramic parts content. Refractory materials with higher alumina content exhibit lower thermal conductivity and greater heat capacity. They are used in many industrial applications that require high heat-shielding performance.

High refractoriness of a ceramic material is important in furnaces that heat corrosive substances. Porous ceramic materials are not desirable for these applications. Instead, they can be made with higher density and lower porosity.

Resistant to thermal shocks

Thermal shock resistance is one of the most important performance parameters for solids in high-temperature environments. Thermal shocks can result from random expansions and contractions of materials, which put stress and strain on the structure. Thermal shock damage can result from energy conversion systems, electronic devices, and cutting tools. Thermal shock resistance is commonly measured using a maximum jump in surface temperature. The most important thermal shock resistant materials are those with low thermal conductivity and high coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE).

A non-Fourier heat conduction model can be used to estimate thermal shock resistance for solids. However, it is important to note that classical Fourier heat conduction overestimates thermal shock resistance. The non-Fourier heat conduction model is more accurate and allows the calculation of thermal shock resistance for smaller plate thicknesses.

Machinability

Although ceramic parts exhibit excellent mechanical properties and a low thermal expansion coefficient, they are difficult to machine because they exhibit low material removal rates and high tool wear. The use of a laser-assisted machining process can significantly improve the machinability of alumina ceramics. It can also significantly reduce tool wear and cutting forces. The use of a multiscale model to simulate the machining process is also useful. Since alumina ceramics have a glass interface, their machinability is particularly sensitive to the high temperature glass interface.

Another important feature of alumina ceramics is their high hardness. They have an extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means that even under high loads, they will keep their original dimensions. This characteristic makes aluminas an ideal material for air bearings, precision valves, wire-drawn components, and mechanical seal rings.