1.Strength with toughness
Transformation-toughened grades offer greater crack resistance than conventional alumina, but remain brittle ceramics.
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Zirconia
Zirconia (ZrO₂) offers high strength, crack resistance and low heat conduction for demanding precision parts. Stabilizer, microstructure and service environment determine which grade is appropriate.
Y-TZP and stabilized zirconia precision ceramics
Core advantages
2.Wear-resistant contact
A candidate for sliding and repeated-contact parts where loading, lubrication and counterface are defined.
3.Fine working surfaces
Suitable grades can be finished for precision seating, guiding and cutting interfaces.
4.Low heat conduction
Restricts heat flow compared with alumina; this is thermal isolation, not a universal high-temperature rating.
5.Assembly design flexibility
Thermal expansion can be closer to some metals than alumina, but joint stress still needs design review.
Typical applications
Pump plungers and valve parts
Strength and wear resistance support loaded fluid-handling interfaces; qualify the fluid and duty cycle.
Bushings and guide components
Toughened grades support precision contact under repeated mechanical loading.
Industrial blades and dies
Fine-grained grades are candidates where edge finish and wear matter; avoid uncontrolled impact.
Thermal-isolation components
Low conductivity limits heat transfer, subject to grade-specific temperature and thermal-gradient limits.
Oxygen-sensing components
Purpose-designed stabilized grades enable oxygen-ion transport at elevated temperature; structural Y-TZP is not interchangeable.
Material comparison
| Material / route | Density (g/cm³) | Bending strength (MPa) | Conductivity (W/(m·K)) | Material distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sintered Y-TZP zirconia | 6.02 g/cm³ | 1240 MPa (4-point, 20°C) | 2.2 W/(m·K) | High-strength structural grade; hydrothermal ageing needs review. |
| Magnesia-stabilized zirconia | 5.72 g/cm³ | 620 MPa (4-point, 20°C) | 2.2 W/(m·K) | Different stabilizer and microstructure; do not transfer Y-TZP limits. |
| 96% alumina | 3.72 g/cm³ | 343 MPa (4-point, 20°C) | 24.7 W/(m·K), 20°C | Lighter, more heat-conductive insulating ceramic. |
| 99.5% alumina | 3.90 g/cm³ | 300 MPa (4-point, 20°C) | 30.0 W/(m·K), 20°C | Higher-purity oxide option for wear and chemical environments. |
Manufacturing processes and design options
Die or isostatic pressing
Produce shaped blanks with a route chosen for geometry and production volume.
Ceramic injection molding
Consider near-net forming for small, repeatable geometries after tooling review.
Sintering and optional HIP
Select the densification route with the stabilizer and target microstructure; HIP requires grade-specific qualification.
Precision grinding and polishing
Define critical fits, edges and contact finishes while controlling surface damage.
Process availability and acceptance criteria are confirmed for the selected component.
Request a ZrO2 component quote
Send the drawing, quantity, medium, temperature cycle, load and critical surfaces. Material route and process options are confirmed for the selected part.
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