High-Performance Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) Ceramics
Engineered for the impossible. Combining extreme fracture toughness, ultra-lightweight density, and unparalleled thermal shock survival up to 800°C in a fraction of a second. We deliver precision-machined Si₃N₄ components for high-speed bearings, projection welding, and molten metal handling.
Optimized Sintering Technologies for Your Specific Load
The mechanical superiority of Silicon Nitride is heavily dictated by its sintering method. We match your component's geometric complexity and stress requirements with the optimal manufacturing process to balance performance and cost.
- Gas Pressure Sintered (GPSN): The Versatile Standard. Sintered under high nitrogen gas pressure, this method suppresses decomposition at high temperatures, allowing for complex geometries and excellent near-net shaping. Ideal for molten metal handling, welding pins, and custom structural parts with a flexural strength of 700 - 850 MPa.
- Hot Pressed (HPSN): Maximum Mechanical Strength. Uniaxial pressing combined with extreme heat yields near-zero porosity. While restricted to simpler geometries (plates, blocks, and simple cylinders), it delivers the absolute highest flexural strength (up to 1100 MPa) and fracture toughness. The ultimate choice for extreme wear blocks and cutting tools.
Properties of Silicon Nitride Ceramic
| Property (Unit) | Testing Standard | GPSN (Gas Pressure Sintered) | HPSN (Hot Pressed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | DIN EN 623-2 | 3.20 - 3.26 | 3.25 - 3.30 |
| Vickers Hardness (HV₁₀) | DIN EN 843-4 | 1500 - 1600 | 1600 - 1700 |
| Flexural Strength (MPa) | DIN EN 843-1 | 800 - 950 | 800 - 1100 |
| Compressive Strength (MPa) | DIN EN 843-1 | 2500 - 3000 | 3000 - 3500 |
| Fracture Toughness (MPa·m¹/²) | / | 6.5 - 7.5 | 7.0 - 8.0 |
| Young's Modulus (GPa) | DIN EN 843-2 | 300 - 320 | 310 - 330 |
| Poisson's Ratio | / | 0.26 - 0.28 | 0.28 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/(m·K)) | DIN EN 821-2 | 15 - 25 | 20- 30 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (10⁻⁶/K) | DIN EN 821-1 | 3.0 - 3.2 | 3.1 - 3.2 |
| Thermal Shock Resistance ΔT (°C) | Quench Test | 600 °C - 800 °C | 800 °C |
| Max. Operating Temp. (In Air) (°C) | / | 1200 °C | 1300 °C |
| Dielectric Strength (kV/mm) | DIN EN 60672-2 | 15 | 18 |
| Volume Resistivity (Ω·cm, 20 °C) | / | > 10¹⁴ | > 10¹⁴ |
Conquering the Most Hostile Industrial Environments
The Challenge: Molten aluminum and zinc violently corrode and wet standard metal components, leading to rapid degradation and metal contamination.
Solution: Thermocouple Protection Tubes, Riser Tubes & Heater Tubes. Silicon Nitride is naturally non-wetting to molten non-ferrous metals. Combined with its extreme thermal shock resistance, it can be repeatedly immersed into 1000°C molten baths without pre-heating and without cracking.
Tight Tolerance Machining for the Hardest Material
Machining Silicon Nitride requires specialized diamond tooling and rigid CNC setups. Our network is fully equipped to deliver complex, ready-to-use structural parts.
Grinding & Honing: Precise outer/inner diameter control up to ±0.002 mm.
Mirror Polishing: Surface finishes down to Ra 0.02 μm for low-friction sealing and bearing applications.
Complex Geometries: Custom threading, counterbores, and multi-axis slots based strictly on your 3D CAD files.
Secure Your Supply of Advanced Si₃N₄ Components
Upload your 2D/3D drawings and our engineers will evaluate the mechanical stresses, recommend the best sintering method (GPSN vs HPSN), and provide a competitive, transparent quote within 24 hours.