Fine Ceramics (also known as "advanced ceramics") possess high rigidity, which is measured by inspecting the elasticity of a specimen after applying a load. Materials that display less elastic deformation under load possess higher levels of rigidity. The coefficient of extension with respect to a load is called Young's modulus.
Using Young's modulus to measure rigidity, alumina and silicon carbide display nearly double the values of stainless steel. Why is high rigidity advantageous? It allows ceramic components to be manufactured to much higher levels of precision with regard to size and shape. In some cases, large mechanical stresses are generated on a material while it is being ground to final specifications. The less deformation that occurs during this process, the more precisely the parts can be processed.
Applications: Mechanical and structural components.
Rigidity, also known as "stiffness," is generally measured using Young's modulus. It can be defined as the "force necessary to bend a material to a given degree."
As shown in the graph below, Fine Ceramics are highly rigid materials, according to Young's modulus. This makes their machining accuracy high enough to enable them to be used for high-precision parts.
For more information, please see Excerpt of Graph Values.
The term "Fine Ceramics" is interchangeable with "advanced ceramics," "technical ceramics" and "engineered ceramics." Use varies by region and industry.
Extreme Hardness Surpassing that of Metals
Extreme Hardness Surpassing that of Metals
Characteristics of Fine Ceramics
Toughness—Highly Resistant to Fracturing
Toughness—Highly Resistant to Fracturing
Characteristics of Fine Ceramics
Specific Gravity (Density) to Provide Strength and Lightweight Properties
Specific Gravity (Density) to Provide Strength and Lightweight Properties
Characteristics of Fine Ceramics
Wide Variety of Products to Support both Industry and Society
Wide Variety of Products to Support both Industry and Society
Introduction to Fine Ceramics
Playing an Important Role in Submarine Earthquake Observation
Playing an Important Role in Submarine Earthquake Observation
Learning about Fine Ceramics
Advancing Space Exploration with Fine Ceramic Technology.
Advancing Space Exploration with Fine Ceramic Technology.
Learning about Fine Ceramics