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CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY
Zircotec uses its plasma-spray process to manufacture a range of free standing ceramic parts. Although this requires different spray parameters to those used for our surface coatings, the principles and required controls are much the same. Zircotec is trusted to manufacture a range of high value components for a range of applications.
Furnace Applications
Many ceramic components used in high temperature applications, such as tubes and crucibles, need to be of complex shape and have excellent thermal shock resistance. This is often difficult to achieve by traditional ceramic manufacturing routes.
To overcome this technical hurdle Zircotec has developed advanced thermal spraying techniques to manufacture repeatedly in volume free standing ceramic components of complex geometry. We use our own sol-gel derived powder process to provide precursor ceramic powders of the highest quality and purity.
An example of our ceramic components in action is the manufacture of high integrity susceptor tubes for fibre optic cable furnace linings. Stanelco is one of the world's leading optical fibre furnace makers uses Zircotec's susceptors in their furnaces to ensure long length production runs of high purity/quality fibre optic cable, with a greatly reduced risk of fibre breakage.
The inside diameter of the furnace consists of a twin wall "susceptor" manufactured using our plasma spraying technology. Our process gives the susceptor tubes exceptional strength, resistance to cracking and tolerance to thermal shock.
Operating under continuous cable manufacturing conditions, the Zircotec susceptor life is increased from the usual month to typically three months. This results in reduced furnace element costs and helps eliminate downtime.
For more information on our ceramic coating technologies please contact us here
