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Boron Nitride
A machinable ceramic for thermal shock, high-temperature insulation and non-wetting contact with many molten metals.
Hexagonal boron nitride and machinable BN composites

Technical specifications
Typical reference data for first-round screening.
Values are typical engineering references. Final material selection should confirm grade, process route, geometry, tolerance and test method.
| Density | 1.9-2.2 g/cm3 typical, grade dependent |
|---|---|
| Hardness | Soft and machinable compared with oxide/nitride ceramics |
| Max service temperature | 800-900 C in air; higher in inert/vacuum by grade |
| Thermal conductivity | Grade and direction dependent |
| Flexural strength | 30-100 MPa typical, grade dependent |
| Fracture toughness | Low to moderate; design dependent |
| Electrical behavior | Excellent electrical insulation |
Typical applications
- Molten aluminum handling parts, nozzles and break rings
- Furnace insulation, spacers and fixtures
- High-temperature release components
- Machinable ceramic prototypes and low-volume custom parts
Advantages
- Excellent machinability compared with most ceramics
- Non-wetting behavior against many molten metals
- Strong thermal shock resistance
- Good electrical insulation at elevated temperature
Comparison notes
- Choose BN when release behavior and thermal shock are more important than maximum mechanical strength.
- Compared with SiC, BN is easier to machine and cleaner for molten-metal release, but not as strong for heavy wear.
Application review
Not sure if h-BN is the right material?
Send the working temperature, medium, wear mode, load, drawing, current failure problem and quantity. We can compare Boron Nitride against other ceramic options.
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