Ceramic machining
MicroMécanique has advanced capabilities for machining technical ceramics: silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), alumina (aluminium oxide, Al₂O₃), zirconia (zirconium oxide, ZrO₂) and ceramics that can be machined by electrical discharge machining (EDM). These materials are chosen for their exceptional properties: low density, high hardness, resistance to high temperatures and corrosion. They are particularly suited to precision applications in harsh environments, especially when metals or alloys reach their limits.
Examples of products and applications
Here is what MicroMécanique could or can already achieve with these ceramics:
- Insulators or supporting elements for motors or turbines exposed to high temperatures.
- Bearing parts, balls, rods, pins requiring hardness, wear resistance and inertia.
- Components for the chemical or biochemical industry: nozzles, rings, membranes, parts in contact with corrosive environments or abrasive materials.
- Optical or precision components: substrates, guides, components for measuring or optoelectronic instruments.
- Inserts or plates in moulds and dies for heavy-duty use (wear/abrasion).
- Components for power electronics, sensors and probes, where electrical insulation and thermal resistance are required.
- Prototypes or small series for watchmaking, luxury goods and medical devices requiring a high-quality finish.
Properties of technical ceramics (Si₃N₄, Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂)
| Property | Description/Values |
| Density | Relatively low compared to hard metals; typically ~3.9-4.1 g/cm³ for alumina, higher for zirconia depending on the formulation, around 3.2-3.4 g/cm³ for Si₃N₄. |
| Hardness | Very high: Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ are particularly hard ceramics. Si₃N₄ is very hard but also tougher. |
| Heat and thermal shock resistance | Si₃N₄ is distinguished by its extreme thermal shock resistance, which it retains even at high temperatures, as does ZrO₂, depending on its stabiliser (yttria, etc.). |
| Low coefficient of thermal expansion | Particularly Si₃N₄, which results in good dimensional stability during heating and cooling. |
| Corrosion and wear resistance | Ceramics are chemically inert in many environments and very resistant to abrasion. |
| High rigidity and tensile strength | Good stiffness, high Young’s modulus, but low ductility (brittle if poorly designed or treated). |
| Electrical insulation | Alumina, zirconia and Si₃N₄ are good electrical insulators in most configurations. |
Machining techniques used at MicroMécanique
The following relevant machining processes are used for ceramics and adapted to MicroMécanique’s capabilities:
- High-speed machining, CNC and conventional mechanical machining: turning, milling, drilling (with diamond tools, or extremely hardwearing tools), for pre-hardened and densified parts.
- Grinding and abrasive machining: to obtain highly polished surfaces with tight tolerances. Use of diamond grinding wheels with very fine grits.
- Microdrilling and micromachining: for very small holes and intricate geometries.
- Ultrasound: machining with abrasives and ultrasonic vibration for brittle ceramics, to avoid cracking and minimise mechanical stress.
- Electrical discharge machining (EDM) for conductive or modified ceramics, or for materials for which EDM is possible. Enables complex shapes and intricate geometries without direct mechanical contact. XXX
- Polishing, tribofinishing, very fine finishes, possibly post-machining treatments to improve strength or appearance.
Would you like to work with ceramics?
Discover their applications
MicroMécanique has the capabilities to use technical ceramics to serve the following sectors in particular:
- Aeronautics and space: components subjected to high temperatures, engine parts, insulators and lightweight, hardwearing parts.
- Medical and biomedical industry: implants, surgical instruments and parts requiring biocompatibility, sterility and chemical resistance.
- Electronics and optics: substrates, insulators, precision parts for optoelectronics or sensors.
- Chemical and pharmaceutical industries: parts in direct contact with corrosive environments; pumps, nozzles and membranes.
- Nuclear power: insulation, parts that must withstand extreme temperatures, radiation and corrosion.
- Watchmaking and luxury goods: decorative pieces, items requiring a high-quality finish and dimensional stability.
- Research & development: prototypes, small series to test new ceramic geometries, combined materials or innovative finishes.