The use of technical ceramics in thermal applications where high temperature materials are required, was first established many thousands of years ago with the development of clay pots for cooking and later for the melting of the first metals.
As technology developed the number of uses has increased as has the number of different ceramics in order to meet the requirements.
Typical industries using ceramic products in high temperature applications include :-
- Temperature measurement
- Molten metal
- Heat treatment
- Ceramic Manufacture
- Power Generation
- Glass
Today there are a vast range of materials suitable for high temperature insulation applications. Material selection together with the way the part is formed are critical to the success of the part in the application.
It is important that the following are taken into consideration when designing for high temperature applications:-
- Maximum/minimum Temperatures
- Rate of temperature change (Thermal shock)
- Materials in contact with the ceramic
- Mechanical, insulation or electrical requirements at temperature
Advantages of ceramics
- Dimensional stability at temperature
- Retention of mechanical and electrical properties at temperature in comparison to other materials.
It is important to consider that products are often subjected to other considerations than just thermal. For example in the temperature measurement industry the product needs to withstand high temperature but must also provide electrical insulation.
We supply many parts for thermal applications. Some are standard products used by many customers and others are bespoke products to meet specific requirements.
Typical ceramic products for thermal applications
- Thermocouple protection tubes
- Furnace tubes
- Element support tubes
- Insulators
- Fish spine beads
- Crucibles
- Metal transfer components
- Kiln furniture
- Batts
- Support beams
- Setters
- Furnace fittings
- Nozzles
- Filters
- Lead through tubes