Ceramic materials have been used in various industries for centuries, but over the past few decades, advancements in technology and materials have led to the development of precision and technical ceramics. These highly specialized ceramics, also known as engineered ceramics, offer superior performance and durability in demanding applications such as electronics, aerospace, and medical fields. And at the forefront of producing and designing these ceramics is Advanced Ceramic Engineering Ltd, based in Northern Ireland.
With over 40 years of experience, Advanced Ceramic Engineering Ltd is a trusted and renowned company that offers a wide range of alumina components with the ability to custom manufacture to specific requirements. Their expertise lies in alumina bodies, which are known for high-grade and purity in advanced ceramics. The company is often referred to as ACE for short and has a team of highly experienced employees, most of whom come from the former Wade / Seagoe Ceramics plant in Craigavon, Northern Ireland.
The formation of ACE in 2002 came after the closure of the renowned Seagoe / Wade plant, which had been producing precision and technical ceramics for decades. As a result, ACE inherited the decades of tried and trusted production methods, making them a formidable force in the field of advanced ceramics. The production process at ACE is quite similar to Seagoe / Wade, starting from raw milled alumina to isostatic pressing, “green” machining, sintering, and diamond grinding. This combination of traditional methods and the latest innovations has made ACE an industry leader in the production of precision and technical ceramics.
One of the most critical aspects of producing high-grade alumina components is the processing methods used. At ACE, they employ various techniques to ensure the desired quality, strength, and precision of their ceramics. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ceramic processing methods utilized by the company.
1. Machining:
Machining is the process of shaping, cutting, or drilling a material to create the desired shape or size. At ACE, they use advanced machining techniques to create high-tolerance and intricate designs in their alumina components. This process allows for the production of custom-made ceramics that meet specific client requirements.
2. Isostatic Pressing:
Isostatic pressing is a method of forming ceramic components by applying equal pressure from all directions. At ACE, they use this technique to produce dense and uniformly shaped ceramics, which are essential for applications with high mechanical and thermal stress.
3. Net Shape Forming:
Net shape forming is
