Dimensional Stability Minimal Thermal Expansion Ensures Tight Tolerances And Consistent Performance In Critical Applications

Product Introduction

Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramic fasteners are high-precision bolts, nuts, and washers engineered to perform in conditions where traditional metal fasteners fail. Manufactured from advanced technical ceramic, they offer exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, and chemical inertness, making them critical components for demanding industrial and scientific applications.

Primary Applications

These fasteners are essential in industries that require reliability under extreme stress, temperature, and corrosion:

• Aerospace & Defense: Engine components, sensor housings, and high-temperature structural assemblies.

• Energy Sector: Fuel cell stacks, battery manufacturing equipment, and fixtures for photovoltaic silicon ingot furnaces.

• Chemical Processing & Semiconductor: Reactors, pumps, valves, and wafer handling equipment in diffusion/CVD chambers exposed to corrosive acids, alkalis, and plasmas.

• High-Temperature Manufacturing: Fastening and insulation in kilns, furnaces, and glass processing equipment.

Key Advantages

1. Exceptional High-Temperature Performance: Can operate continuously at temperatures up to 1200°C (2192°F) without creep, oxidation, or significant loss of strength.

2. Outstanding Mechanical Properties: Features high hardness (Vickers >1500), compressive strength, and wear resistance, ensuring excellent clamp load retention.

3. Superior Corrosion Resistance: Inert to most inorganic acids, alkalis, and molten salts, offering far greater chemical stability than stainless steel or superalloys.

4. Lightweight & Electrical Insulation: With a density of only 40% of steel, it reduces weight. It is an excellent electrical insulator, preventing galvanic corrosion.

5. Non-Magnetic: Ideal for applications in strong magnetic fields, such as MRI machines and scientific research equipment.

Specifications Table

Manufacturing Process

1. Powder Preparation: High-purity silicon powder is uniformly mixed with sintering aids.

2. Forming: The mixture is shaped into green bodies via dry pressing, cold isostatic pressing (CIP), or injection molding.

3. Sintering: Parts are fired at high temperatures in a controlled atmosphere (pressureless sintering or hot isostatic pressing - HIP) to achieve near-theoretical density.

4. Precision Machining: Finished to tight tolerances with diamond grinding tools.

5. Quality Inspection: 100% dimensional inspection, non-destructive testing, and batch strength testing ensure performance reliability.

Usage Instructions

• Installation: Always use a torque wrench. Apply force evenly and adhere to the recommended torque values to prevent stress concentration and fracture. Avoid impact tools.

• Mating Components: For best performance, pair with nuts of the same material or use metal spring washers to compensate for differential thermal expansion.

• Handling: Ensure threads are clean and free of abrasive debris to prevent galling and wear.

After-Sales Service

We offer a 12-month warranty against material and manufacturing defects. Comprehensive technical support and product selection guidance are provided. Defective products will be replaced free of charge.

FAQ

• Q: Are silicon nitride fasteners brittle and prone to breaking?

  • A: While ceramics are inherently brittle compared to metals, Silicon Nitride is engineered for high fracture toughness. When installed correctly (avoiding sideload and overtightening), it is extremely reliable and offers superior tensile strength at high temperatures.

• Q: Can they be used in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environments?

  • A: Yes. Silicon Nitride has an extremely low outgassing rate, making it an ideal choice for UHV applications.

• Q: How do I select the right fastener for my application?

  • A: Please provide the operating temperature, load type (tensile/shear), chemical environment, and installation requirements. Our engineers will recommend the optimal grade and specification.