Alumina is a versatile and highly sought after material in the world of precision and technical ceramics. It boasts excellent properties such as high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, making it a preferred choice for high-tech industries. However, one of the challenges faced by engineers and manufacturers is the ability to join alumina to other materials, especially metals and other ceramics.
At Advanced Ceramic Engineering, located in Northern Ireland, we have over 40 years of experience in the production and design of alumina components. Our company specializes in alumina bodies and offers a wide range of custom-manufactured products to cater to the specific needs of various industries.
Alumina has a unique property in that it is an electrically insulating material, while most metals are conductive. This poses a challenge when trying to create a joint between the two materials. Traditional welding methods are not feasible, as the intense heat would cause the alumina to crack. The thermal mismatch between alumina and metals is another hurdle, as the different coefficients of thermal expansion can lead to stress buildup and eventual failure of the joint.
To bridge this gap between alumina and metals, our team at Advanced Ceramic Engineering has adopted innovative techniques such as brazing. Brazing is a process where a filler metal is used to create a bond between two materials. Unlike welding, brazing operates at a lower temperature, minimizing the risk of thermal shock to the alumina. It also allows for joining of dissimilar materials, making it a suitable method for alumina to metal assembly.
Our advanced brazing techniques involve the use of an active brazing filler material, which contains titanium or titanium-based alloys. This method results in a metallurgical bond between the alumina and metal, ensuring a strong and durable joint. The filler material also acts as a buffer between the two materials, reducing the thermal mismatch and preventing stress buildup.
In addition to joining alumina to metals, we also have the capability to bond alumina to other ceramics. This is achieved through a process called ceramic-ceramic brazing, where a specialized filler material is used to create a bond between the two ceramic materials. This has proven to be a game-changer for industries such as aerospace, where ceramic matrix composites are used in high-temperature applications.
Advanced Ceramic Engineering takes pride in our team of highly trained and experienced personnel, most of whom come from the former Wade/Seagoe Ceramics plant in Craigavon. With their decades of expertise and our continuous
