Ceramic CNC Machining
Precision inline ceramic CNC machining services offer high accuracy, complex design capabilities, and superior surface finish. These services enable rapid prototyping, reduced lead times, cost-effective production, and the ability to accurately process complex, difficult-to-machine ceramic materials. Contact us now for a free instant quote.
Ceramic Machining Manufacturers
Elimold is an industry-leading ceramic machining company that provides ceramic machining services and ceramic component manufacturing for demanding applications that require very tight tolerances and cleanliness. We serve a variety of industries around the world that need to manufacture precision machined products and components where critical dimensions and cleanliness are key factors for success and we have extensive experience with ultra-hard materials. Elimold can take on projects that other companies won’t take on! In addition, Elimold is an ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100 certified company and 13485 compliant company that can provide Class 100 cleanroom and turnkey solutions to simplify your supply chain. We provide one-stop ceramic machining services, ultra-high purity welding, CNC tube bending, and more. We also provide finishing processes and a variety of post-processing services, including electropolishing, anodizing and passivation, heat treatment, cleaning, leak and vacuum testing, etc., as well as Class 100 cleanroom assembly and packaging. In addition to ceramic materials, Elimold excels in processing stainless steel, titanium, Inconel®, quartz, and other difficult-to-machine materials.
Common Types of Ceramic Materials
Different types of ceramics have unique properties that make them suitable for specific applications in industries such as aerospace, medical, electronics, and manufacturing. Understanding the properties and uses of each type can help you choose the right ceramic material for your specific engineering and manufacturing needs. Here are the properties and applications of common ceramic materials.
Properties:
- High hardness and wear resistance.
- Excellent electrical insulator.
- Good chemical stability and corrosion resistance.
- High melting point (around 2050°C or 3722°F).
Applications:
- Used in cutting tools, wear-resistant parts, and insulators.
- Common in medical devices (e.g., dental implants, prosthetics).
- Employed in electrical components and substrates.
Properties:
- Exceptional toughness and strength.
- Good thermal insulation properties.
- Can be partially stabilized to improve performance.
- High resistance to wear and corrosion.
Applications:
- Widely used in dental applications for crowns and bridges.
- Employed in fuel cell components and thermal barrier coatings.
- Used in cutting tools and industrial applications.
Properties:
- Extremely hard and wear-resistant.
- High thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion.
- Excellent chemical stability.
- Capable of withstanding high temperatures.
Applications:
- Used in abrasive materials, grinding wheels, and cutting tools.
- Employed in high-performance ceramics for aerospace and automotive applications.
- Common in electronic devices, such as semiconductor substrates.
Properties:
- Excellent thermal conductor, effective for heat dissipation.
- High electrical resistivity, making it an effective insulator while maintaining thermal conductivity.
- Resistant to oxidation and stable across a wide range of temperatures.
- Comparable to diamond, making it suitable for cutting and grinding applications.
Applications:
- Used as an insulating substrate in electronic devices and components.
- Employed as a material for cutting tools and abrasives due to its hardness.
- Used as a solid lubricant in high-temperature applications.
- Applied as a protective coating to enhance wear resistance and reduce friction in mechanical parts.
Properties:
- Excellent ability to conduct heat, making it effective for thermal management applications.
- High electrical resistivity allows it to serve as an effective insulator while conducting heat.
- Resistant to oxidation and stable in harsh chemical environments, enhancing durability.
- Exhibits low friction properties, making it suitable for use as a lubricant in various applications.
Applications:
- Used as insulating substrates and components in electronic devices due to its electrical insulation properties.
- Employed in high-performance cutting tools and abrasives, leveraging its hardness and thermal stability.
- Used in heat sinks and thermal interface materials to improve heat dissipation in electronic systems.
- Applied as protective coatings in mechanical systems to reduce wear and friction.
Properties:
- Can withstand temperatures up to 1,000°C (1,832°F) without losing its mechanical integrity.
- Can be easily machined using conventional tools, allowing for precise shaping and finishing.
- Provides excellent electrical insulation properties, making it suitable for electrical applications.
- Resistant to many chemicals and solvents, which enhances its durability in various environments.
Applications:
- Commonly used in high-voltage electrical applications and as insulators in electronic devices.
- Used in components that require high-temperature stability and insulation, such as thermal barriers.
- Employed in the fabrication of parts that need to withstand harsh chemical environments.
- Utilized for custom fixtures and tooling due to its machinability and stability.
Characteristics of Ceramic Materials
Ceramic materials have excellent hardness, thermal stability and corrosion resistance, making them indispensable materials for high-performance applications in industries that require reliability and precision.
Superior Hardness and Wear Resistance
Ceramic materials surpass metals and plastics in hardness, providing unmatched durability in high-friction and wear-intensive environments.
Outstanding Thermal Stability
With excellent performance under extreme temperatures, ceramics retain their strength and shape, making them ideal for high-heat applications.
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance
Ceramics resist chemical corrosion and oxidation, ensuring long-term performance in harsh or reactive environments.
Versatile Electrical Properties
Depending on the material, ceramics can act as excellent insulators or provide specific conductive properties, catering to diverse electronic requirements.
Lightweight yet Strong
Compared to metals, many ceramics offer significant weight reduction while maintaining strength and stability, perfect for aerospace and other lightweight-critical industries.
Biocompatibility
Certain ceramics are highly biocompatible, making them suitable for implants, surgical tools, and other medical applications.
Industrial Ceramic Materials CNC Machining Supplier
Elimold has always focused on precision manufacturing and machining of advanced ceramic materials and composites. We provide ceramic machining services to engineers, product developers, designers, etc. through the capabilities of our in-house CNC machining shop. Our highly qualified machine shop with ISO9001:2015 certification can handle any custom design, whether simple or complex. We provide rapid prototyping, low-volume machining and high-volume production, and Elimold services all orders from start to finish. We accept technical drawings and have a support team to ensure that you receive quality ceramic parts on time.
As a trusted supplier of ceramic CNC parts, we have many years of experience in the field of ceramic machining and are able to develop ceramic material CNC solutions that meet or even exceed your requirements. When you work with us, Elimold’s team will thoroughly analyze your specific needs at the beginning of each project to help you choose the right material. This meticulous approach ensures the success of your project from the beginning. In addition, our machining and inspection processes are constantly improved to ensure the best quality results. We adhere to strict machining standards to provide our customers with quality ceramic parts. Whether it is a prototype or full-scale production, we are always ready to assist in developing an effective solution. Start your ceramic CNC machining project today and get an instant quote!
Tightest CNC Machining Tolerances for Ceramic
At Elimold, we can meet the highest demands for the required tolerances. In addition, we continuously measure and collect data during the manufacturing process (Q in process), rather than measuring and monitoring quality only at the end of production. All of this is to ensure that world-class manufacturing processes can run 24/7.
Tolerances
- Flatness – 0,003mm
- Cylindercity – 0,002mm
- Perpendicularity – 0,003mm
- Parallelisme – 0,003mm
- Angularity – 0,2°
- Position – 0,002mm
- Circular runout – 0,002mm
- Concentricity – 0,002m
- Symetry – 0,003mm
Ceramic surface roughness ranging from
- 32u”Ra – 64u”Ra – CNC Machined Finish
- 25u” Ra – CNC Fine Machined Finish
- 10-20u”Ra – Standard Lapped Finish
- 4 – 8u”Ra – Diamond Lapped Finish
- 2-4u”Ra – Slightly Reflective Finish
- .5-1u”Ra – Highly Reflective Finish
- Ultra-thin thickness to 10-15um thick
- Ultra flat to 1/10 wave
- Concave / Convex surface profiles
Our Manufacturing Services
Elimold offers best-in-class manufacturing capabilities, ideal for rapid prototyping and custom production orders. With our own facilities and extensive manufacturing network, we are able to efficiently deliver complex and high-quality ceramic CNC parts.
CNC Milling
CNC Turning
3 Axis CNC Machining
4 Axis CNC Machining
5 Axis CNC Machining
CNC Prototypes
Wire EDM Machining
CNC Threading and Tapping
CNC High-Speed Drilling
Swiss Machining Service
CNC Routing Service
CNC Grinding Service
Exceptional Ceramic Machining Services
At Elimold, we specialize in high-precision ceramic machining services for industries that demand the highest quality components. With state-of-the-art CNC machines and an experienced team of professionals, we are able to handle the most challenging ceramic machining projects, ensuring precise and consistent results every time. Whether you need custom ceramic parts for aerospace, medical, industrial applications, or other industries, we have the expertise to provide you with the results you need. Our team will work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and provide a custom solution to your exact specifications. From custom prototypes and R&D to full production manufacturing, Elimold’s expertise in ceramic CNC machining is second to none. With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust Elimold to meet all of your ceramic machining needs. Contact us today to learn more about our capabilities and how we can help you achieve your project goals.
Full Range of Ceramic CNC Machining Capabilities
Looking for a reliable and fast CNC machining service provider and CNC machining product manufacturer? Precision CNC machining services for industrial ceramics. Capable of machining parts up to 4 inches thick with tolerances of +/- 0.003 inches. Capabilities include cutting, boring, drilling, knurling, milling, turning, tapping, and threading. Design, prototyping, and drafting services also available. From prototypes to low and high volume production runs. Expedited and rush services available. Bulk orders accepted. Lead time is 2 to 3 weeks for prototypes and 4 to 6 weeks for production runs. Rush and rush services available.
- CNC Milling: 3-axis and simultaneous 5-axis
- CNC Turning: CNC Lathes, 3-axis Lathes and 5-axis Simultaneous Lathes
- CNC Polishing and CNC Grinding
- CNC Laser Machining and Selective Laser Induced Etching
- Micro-sandblasting and tribo-polishing
- Statistical Data Analysis (SPC) of Measurement Results
- 24/7 Automated Production
- CAD/CAM Conversion of 3D CAD Models
General Tolerances for Ceramic Machining
Elimold is committed to ensuring that we only produce the highest quality parts that meet or exceed our customers’ specifications. To ensure that all of our products meet this goal, we use Axion high performance CMM and have full traceability on all parts.
- Grinding General tolerances of ±.02mm, can achieve ±.01mm with a surface finish of N2/N3
- Turning general tolerance of ±.03mm, can achieve ±.01mm with a surface finish of N4/N5
- Milling general tolerance of ±.03, can achieve ±.01 with a surface finish of N4/N5.
- CNC Milling bed capacity of 1000mm in X and 510mm in Y.
- CNC Milling spindle speed of 12,000 rpm
- CNC Milling and turning machines are all equipped with synchronized rigid tapping for perfect internal threads
- CNC Turning capabilities of 250mm diameter with power tooling
Get started on your custom CNC machined ceramic parts today
From concept to final product, we are committed to providing superior quality and fast turnaround on every order. Whether you need a small quantity of custom CNC ceramic parts, a prototype design, or a high-precision ceramic component for a critical application, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today for a free quote or to discuss your project.
CNC Ceramic Material Options
Ceramics vary in properties and quality. Manufacturers design different types of ceramics for specific applications, and choosing the right one is critical for precision machining. Here are some common ceramic materials used in CNC ceramic material machining:
- 96% – 99.8% Alumina (Al203)
- Aluminum Nitride (AlN)
- Silicon Carbide (SiC)
- Glass Ceramics
- Macor
- Porous Ceramics
- Ferrites
- Crystals Exotic
- Technical Ceramics
- ULE Glass Ceramic
- Steatite
- Silicon Nitride (SiN)
- Black Ceramic
- Many other hard materials
Surface Finishing
Surface finishing plays a vital role in ceramic machining as it directly affects the functionality, aesthetics, and overall quality of the final product. Achieving the desired surface finish is important for improving component performance, ensuring proper fit and assembly, and increasing the durability and reliability of ceramic parts. Elimold’s ceramic CNC machining services offer a variety of techniques to achieve the desired surface finish. These techniques include precision grinding, polishing, lapping, honing, and sandblasting. Each technique is selected based on the specific requirements of the ceramic material and the desired surface characteristics such as smoothness, flatness, and roughness.
Quality Control
Elimold implements quality control measures and inspection methods to ensure the quality and consistency of ceramic components. These measures and methods may include dimensional measurements using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), surface roughness measurements, visual inspections for defects, and non-destructive testing techniques such as ultrasonic or X-ray inspections. Good quality control helps identify any deviations or defects in the surface finish and ensures that the final product meets the required specifications and standards.
What is CNC machining of ceramics?
Ceramic CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process in which a machine controlled by computer commands uses a rotating cutting tool to shape a ceramic piece by removing material. It can be used to create precision ceramic parts with complex geometries. The process involves designing the part using CAD software, which is then converted into a machine-readable code.
The main benefit of using CNC machining in ceramic production is the ability to make complex shapes with amazing precision. The precision of the computer-controlled machines ensures consistent and accurate cuts as outlined in the design specifications. In addition, CNC machining is able to produce parts with a smooth surface finish, reducing or eliminating the need for additional polishing or finishing procedures.
Considerations for Designing Ceramics for CNC Machining
When working with ceramics, designers must consider certain factors before beginning the machining process. Prototyping is an essential step in the manufacturing process, especially for ceramic parts with complex designs. By creating a prototype, you can conduct extensive testing and evaluation before moving forward with large-scale production. This stage is essential for refining the design and making adjustments based on the prototype’s performance. Further recommendations for successful ceramic design include:
- Employ a modular approach in your design.
- Avoid clear sharp and elongated edges.
- Favor circular designs over oval shapes.
- Be mindful that sharp edges and corners can heighten the likelihood of breakage.
- Consider using corner pockets as a viable alternative to sharp corners, especially if avoiding rounded edges.
- In designs incorporating holes and slots, ensure they are adequately spaced to avoid crowding.
- Opt for simpler wall designs and shapes rather than complex ones.
- Avoid abrupt transitions in cross-sectional areas.
- Transform tensile stress into compressive stress, enhancing the ceramic material’s capacity to endure stress without cracking.
Advantage of CNC machining ceramics
- High precision: CNC machining ceramics can achieve high precision machining accuracy and repeatability, which can meet the requirements of complex parts machining and complex surface machining.
- High efficiency: with the help of CNC machining, the processing time of complex ceramic parts is greatly shortened, and the production efficiency is improved.
- Low cost: CNC machining ceramics can greatly reduce the cost of ceramic parts processing, and have good economic benefits.
- High reliability: CNC machining ceramics can guarantee the machining accuracy of ceramic parts and ensure the consistency of parts.
- Good surface quality: CNC machining can improve the surface finish of ceramic parts, and make the ceramic parts more smooth and beautiful.
Ceramic CNC Machining Industries and Applications
We CNC machine ceramic applications for rapid prototyping and low and high volume production orders for clients across multiple industries.
- Aerospace: Used for high-temperature components such as turbine blades, insulation parts, and rocket engine nozzles.
- Medical Devices: Ideal for surgical tools, dental implants, and biocompatible parts due to ceramics’ durability and biocompatibility.
- Electronics: Produces insulators, semiconductors, and substrates for high-voltage and heat-sensitive applications.
- Automotive: Utilized in components like engine parts, sensors, and brake systems due to wear resistance and heat tolerance.
- Industrial Machinery: Ceramics are used in cutting tools, wear-resistant parts, and chemical processing equipment.
- Energy: Components for power generation, such as in fuel cells and heat exchangers, benefit from ceramics’ thermal and chemical stability.
Request Your Free Ceramics CNC Machining Quote Today
After receiving your drawings, our engineers will analyze your custom Ceramics CNC machining parts right away. We actively work with you to clarify all details before providing a quote that is both economical and accurate.