Types of commonly used materials for injection molding
Several types of ceramics are transformed into components or products to meet the required applications. Each type has some unique properties and is suitable for specific application areas. Therefore, ceramic injection molding materials can cover a range of applications. Here are some injection molding ceramics:
1.Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Silicon carbide is known for its excellent hardness, thermal conductivity, and wear and oxidation resistance. These properties make it suitable for high stress and high temperature applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, automotive brakes, and furnace components. In addition, you can also use PP, PEM or POM as binders, plasticizers and dispersants for SiC ceramics as additives.
2.Alumina (Aluminum Oxide – Al2O3)
Aluminum oxide has high hardness, electrical insulation, thermal stability and chemical resistance. Therefore, aluminum oxide injection molding parts are popular in the field of electrical insulators, implants, surgical tools, seals, valves and microelectronics. Next, some thermoplastic binders and plasticizers or waxes are suitable for mixing to prepare the raw materials.
3.Zirconium Oxide (Zirconium Dioxide – ZrO2)
This ceramic has higher strength and fracture toughness than most other ceramics. Zirconium oxide is biocompatible and highly wear-resistant. Applications for zirconia injection molding include dental and medical implants, industrial cutting tools, bearings, valves, jewelry, and decoration.
4.Silicon Nitride (Si3N4)
This ceramic type has excellent mechanical strength and toughness, especially under high temperature conditions. Secondly, it is a low-density ceramic that is wear-resistant and impact-resistant. Injection molded silicon nitride parts are the first choice for automotive and aerospace parts, industrial bearings, and some high-speed cutting tools.
5.Mullite (aluminum silicate)
Mullite stands out for its high thermal stability, resistance to chemical attack, and minimal thermal expansion. Therefore, these properties make molded mullite parts suitable for refractory parts and glassmaking furnaces. For mullite injection molding, PE and POM are binder choices, while lubricants, plasticizers, and dispersants are suitable additives.