Technical resources
Tools and documents for better ceramic material decisions.
Build confidence before an RFQ: screen materials, compare properties and download material references for preliminary engineering review.
Screen ceramic materials by operating conditions.
This is a first-round recommendation tool. Final selection should review drawings, geometry, tolerance, grade and the actual failure mode.
Material Selection Advisor
Score materials by operating condition.
Recommendation 1 - score 15
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
- - Temperature fit up to 1,600 °C in air, no-load screening reference
- - Silicon Carbide supports medium wear resistance requirements
- - Strong corrosion resistance for aggressive media
Recommendation 2 - score 13
Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)
- - Temperature fit up to 1,200 °C in air, grade dependent
- - Silicon Nitride supports medium wear resistance requirements
- - Moderate corrosion resistance; confirm medium and concentration
Recommendation 3 - score 11
Boron Nitride (h-BN)
- - Temperature fit up to 850 °C in air; up to 2,000 °C in inert gas
- - Moderate corrosion resistance; confirm medium and concentration
- - Good thermal shock behavior for rapid heating or cooling
Recommendation 4 - score 9
Alumina (Al2O3)
- - Temperature fit up to 1,600–1,650 °C in air, purity dependent
- - Alumina supports medium wear resistance requirements
- - Moderate corrosion resistance; confirm medium and concentration
Compare technical properties side by side.
Select up to four materials to compare first-pass technical properties. Use this table to narrow options before sending drawings.
| Property | Silicon Carbide | Alumina | Aluminum Nitride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formula | SiC | Al2O3 | AlN |
| Density | 3.10 g/cm³ typical | 3.70–3.90 g/cm³ typical, purity dependent | 3.30 g/cm³ typical |
| Hardness | ≈20.6 GPa (converted from HV1 2100) | 15.7–17.2 GPa (converted from HV1 1600–1750) | ≈11.0 GPa (converted from HV1 1122) |
| Max service temperature | 1,600 °C in air, no-load screening reference | 1,600–1,650 °C in air, purity dependent | 1,000 °C in air for the referenced grade |
| Thermal conductivity | 100 W/(m·K) at room temperature | 20–32 W/(m·K) at room temperature, purity dependent | 170 W/(m·K) at room temperature |
| Flexural strength | 400 MPa typical at room temperature | 300–380 MPa typical at room temperature | 470 MPa typical at room temperature |
| Fracture toughness | 4.0 MPa·m¹/² typical | 3.5–4.0 MPa·m¹/² typical | 2.6 MPa·m¹/² typical |
| Electrical behavior | Usually semiconductive; resistivity depends on grade | Excellent electrical insulation | High electrical insulation |
Downloadable material references.
Use these references for preliminary screening. Confirm grade-specific values, test methods and manufacturing requirements before ordering.
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
A high-hardness ceramic for severe wear, high temperature, thermal shock and chemically aggressive environments.
Download PDFSilicon Nitride (Si3N4)
A reliable structural ceramic for high load, impact, rolling contact and rapid temperature cycling.
Download PDFAlumina (Al2O3)
The most widely used technical ceramic for electrical insulation, wear resistance, chemical stability and cost-effective production.
Download PDFBoron Nitride (h-BN)
A machinable ceramic for thermal shock, high-temperature insulation and non-wetting contact with many molten metals.
Download PDFAluminum Nitride (AlN)
An electrically insulating ceramic for efficient heat dissipation in power electronics, LED and semiconductor applications.
Download PDFZirconia (ZrO2)
A high-toughness ceramic for close-tolerance wear parts, precision motion and contact-stress applications.
Download PDFTechnical guidance for stronger sourcing decisions.
Request focused guidance to prepare operating conditions, lifecycle considerations and drawings for engineering review.
Application guide
How to choose ceramics by operating conditions
A practical guide covering temperature, wear mode, chemical media, load, insulation and thermal shock.
Request this resourceEngineering worksheet
Lifecycle cost model for ceramic replacement parts
Estimate the impact of service life, downtime, cleaning time and scrap reduction on total operating cost.
Request this resourceRFQ checklist
Drawing checklist for custom ceramic components
Information engineers should provide for faster quotation, feasibility review and material recommendation.
Request this resourceQuestions to clarify before an engineering RFQ.
These answers support preliminary sourcing discussions. Final requirements should be confirmed against the actual application and component drawing.
What information is useful for an initial material review?
Provide the application, current material, failure mode, operating temperature, medium, dimensions, tolerances and expected quantity.
Are website datasheet values final product specifications?
No. Published values are preliminary engineering references. Grade, manufacturing route, geometry and test method must be confirmed for the final requirement.
Can custom ceramic components be reviewed?
Custom requirements can be reviewed from dimensions, drawings or reference samples. Feasibility depends on material, geometry, tolerance, quantity and manufacturing requirements.
Need a custom material review?
Use the RFQ page to send drawings, operating environment and current failure mode.