Technical SPECs
There are three main materials of ceramic spacers in actual use. The relevant technical specifications are as follows:
| Property | Alumina Spacers | Zirconia Spacers | Silicon Nitride Spacers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 3.8 g/cm³ | 6.05 g/cm³ | 3.2 g/cm³ |
| Flexural Strength | 300–400 MPa | 1,200 MPa | 600–800 MPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 24-31 W/m·K | 2–3 W/m·K | 20–50 W/m·K |
Ceramic Spacers: Precision Engineering for High-Performance Applications
Ceramic spacers are precision-engineered components made from advanced materials like alumina (Al₂O₃), zirconia (ZrO₂), and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), designed to provide thermal stability, electrical insulation, and mechanical strength in demanding environments. These spacers are critical in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and medical devices, where precise tolerances (±0.01 mm) and resistance to extreme conditions are essential.
Product By Features
Ceramic spacer products are customized according to customer needs. The corresponding products have different characteristics. The following are some representative products.
Flush-mount design for secure fastening in aerospace and automotive assemblies.
High dielectric strength (>15 kV/mm) for power electronics and HV transformers.
Non-reflective surface for optical equipment and laser alignment systems.
Brazable Ag/Ni coating for RF shielding and vacuum feedthrough applications.
Precision alignment (±0.01 mm) in semiconductor wafer handling robots.
Structural support in industrial kilns and heavy machinery (up to 500 mm).
Cable routing and component fixation in robotics and automation systems.
Matched tolerance (±0.005 mm) for optical lens assemblies and medical devices.
Key Features
Ceramic spacers have a wide range of applications, mainly based on several important features.
Operate continuously at 1,600°C (Al₂O₃) or 1,200°C (ZrO₂), ideal for high-temperature furnace components and aerospace engines.
Volume resistivity >10¹⁴ Ω·cm, preventing short circuits in high-voltage systems.
Resistant to acids, alkalis, and molten metals, ensuring longevity in corrosive environments.
Coefficient as low as 3.2×10⁻⁶/°C(silicon nitride), minimizing dimensional changes under thermal cycling.
Ceramic Spacer Applications
Ceramic spacers have a wide range of applications, mainly in the following representative fields:
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Semiconductor: Precision spacers for wafer-handling robots and plasma etching chambers, reducing contamination risks.
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Aerospace: Thermal barrier spacers in jet engines and satellite components.
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Energy: Insulating spacers in fuel cells and nuclear reactors.
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Medical: Biocompatible spacers for surgical tools and imaging devices.
Ceramic spacers outperform metals due to their non-conductive properties and chemical inertness. For example, alumina spacers (Al₂O₃) prevent electrical leakage in plasma etching chambers, while resisting corrosive gases like Cl₂ and SF₆. Their ultra-smooth surface (Ra ≤0.1 µm) minimizes particle generation, critical for maintaining wafer yield in 5nm node fabrication.
Surface treatments like Rocatec system + silane primer improve adhesion and thermal shock resistance. In jet engines, treated zirconia spacers withstand thermal cycling (1,200°C ↔ room temperature) without cracking, reducing maintenance intervals by 50% compared to untreated variants.
Yes. Advanced techniques like CNC machining and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) enable intricate designs, such as grooved or hollow spacers with cooling channels. For instance, Si₃N₄ spacers with micro-grooves improve heat dissipation in EV battery modules, extending lifespan by 30%.
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Energy: Si₃N₄ spacers in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) reduce interfacial resistance by 40%.
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Automotive: Lightweight spacers for high-temperature sensors in hybrid engines.
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Industrial: Wear-resistant spacers in chemical pumps handling H₂SO₄.
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Use torque-controlled installation (5–10 N·m) to avoid overloading.
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Pair with silicon nitride bearings to reduce friction (μ ≈ 0.2).
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Conduct ultrasonic inspections annually to detect micro-cracks.