Zirconia Toughened Alumina (ZTA)
Alumina (Al2O3) is one of the most widely specified, general-purpose technical ceramics. All aluminas are very hard and wear resistant, with high compressive strength even against extreme temperatures and corrosive environments. Aluminas are also excellent electrical insulators and are gas tight.

Blends of zirconia with alumina such as ZTA have a performance combination that is tougher than alumina alone, but with improved hardness, strength and thermal properties compared to these other materials, especially at elevated temperature.

Alumina is produced by firing a tightly packed powder form of Al2O3 which includes some binder material. Commercially available grades range from 90% up to 99.95% with the higher purity generating somewhat higher hardness. It is possible to machine alumina using diamond grinding techniques. Polishing is also possible, with the degree attainable affected by alumina grain size and production technique, whether pressed or extruded. Alumina 90%-97% is best suited for metalizing (metal deposition which allows brazing) because of large grain structure. 98%-99.95% is the common range for isostatically pressed grades, with extruded shapes also available at low cost.

As-fired tolerances are generally only possible within a few percent of dimension. Extremely tight tolerances are attainable, but only by precision machining the fired part using diamond grinding techniques. This adds considerable cost, but tolerances to millionths of an inch are possible, and are often cost effective due to the extraordinary stability and durability of the finished piece.

Watch>>>Ceramic Manufacturing and Machining Process with Insaco, Inc.

Insaco
Insaco has been fabricating precision parts from all technical ceramics since 1947. Approximately a third of our machining involves sapphire, but our capabilities go way beyond that. Insaco engineers welcome inquiries from designers contemplating specifying technical ceramics for their applications, whether prototype or full production. We only ship parts that meet agreed-to requirements, but are often able to respond to challenges and achieve results others cannot.

Watch>>>Precision Fabrication by Design

High Precision Machining of Hard Materials
Since 1947 Insaco® has been a precision machining and polishing fabricator of parts from all technical ceramics, sapphire, glass and quartz. We machine these materials to very precise tolerances (many times measured in millionths of an inch) for dimension, flatness, wedge and roundness or cylindricity. Our customers typically have a critical application that requires extremely tight tolerances in ultra-hard materials. We also have the capability to grind and polish spherical radius parts in a variety of hard materials, both inside and outside diameters, to optical requirements.

features include:

• Extremely high accuracy and tight tolerance machining
• Lights-out manufacturing
• Machine automation including large capacity envelope
• Automated centerless grinding
• High efficiency/low cost volume production
• Low-volume prototype machining
• 5-axis machining capability
• ITAR compliant
• High-volume robotic machining
• Video inspection and a Class 100 Cleanroom
• Extensive Quality Control protocols
• Sapphire tubes and polishing

Insaco
Insaco has been fabricating precision parts from all technical ceramics since 1947. Approximately a third of our machining involves sapphire, but our capabilities go way beyond that. Insaco engineers welcome inquiries from designers contemplating specifying technical ceramics for their applications, whether prototype or full production. We only ship parts that meet agreed-to requirements, but are often able to respond to challenges and achieve results others cannot.

Insaco also has extensive inspection and documentation procedures so parts are always to print. With a seasoned team of engineers and machine operators we are available to discuss your application needs including alternative materials and cost drivers. please click here to send a request, or visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. Click here to find out more about our company and our people.

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