Limitations

All ceramic products undergo a firing process at temperatures of at least
1400° C, and since this heat treatment results in a shrinkage of at least 16%, any ceramic component will have some distortion after firing. However, by virtue of our unique process technology, the unfired (green) shape has a negligible density variation across any given cross section. The effect of this is a uniform shrinkage through the subsequent manufacturing steps and the result is a final ceramic product that is not distorted due to differential shrinkage.

Tolerances for As-Fired Product

• For dimensions over .500", the tolerances are +/- 1% or +/- .005 inch, whichever is greater
• For dimensions under .500" , the tolerances are +/- 1% or +/- .002 inch, whichever is greater
• Camber/flatness of tubes/plates is 0.006 in/in, or better
• Out of round condition for cylindrical features is max 1%
• Surface finishes are 20 micro inches or better

Process Limitations
Our ceramic manufacturing process provides unique shaping capabilities. It also has a few limitations. Incorporating the following ceramic fabrication process limits in your design prior to submitting a quote will greatly expedite the quoting process.

• The minimum wall thickness cannot be less than 0.020 inch.
• The maximum wall thickness cannot be more than 0.250 inch for full dense materials and 0.350 for non-dense materials.
• The maximum overall dimension should not exceed 4 inches for full dense materials, and 6 inches for non-dense materials.
• It is not possible to mold in features that make the mold core non-extractable, such as undercuts on an internal diameter.
• Hole diameters cannot be less than 0.010 inch