Frequently Asked Questions on Technical Ceramics

For the additive manufacturing of ceramic components we use alumina and zirconium oxide.

The available  effective construction volume is: 81.9 x 51.4 x 250 mm for alumina and 75.3 x 47.2 x 240 mm for zirconium oxide. These values apply less the thermal shrinkage.

Technical ceramics or equally high-quality ceramics / engineering ceramics are mainly applied in the industrial area. They are characterised by qualities like, for example: very high temperature, wear, chemical resistance and many more.

Due to the individual shape of every work piece there is no generalised price list for components in additive manufacturing. Please use our contact form for your query.

For a general feasibility check and an offer preparation in addition to your contact data we need the desired quantity and 3D CAD data, preferably in STEP format (alternatively .STL). Moreover, a technical drawing is an advantage for a detailed assessment.

The materials to be produced by us (alumina and zirconium oxide) are exclusively available in white colour.

Due to the necessary debinding proceeding a thermal decomposition and degassing of the polymer, the wall thickness depending on the material shall not exceed 3 mm (zirconium oxide) resp. 6 mm (alumina). Higher wall thicknesses significantly increase the probability of cracking. By design adaptations (intrusions and penetrations, depressions) thicker walls can be realised as well.

In the additive manufacturing thin vertically freestanding walls are particularly risky. Here the lack of stiffness plays a role both in printing and in thermal proceeding. For the construction we recommend the following minimum thicknesses: from approx. 0.15 mm a height of 2 mm is possible. For mutually supporting walls (e.g. cross profile) the height is largely not limited.

The accuracy in processing is mainly determined by the shrinkage in the thermal process. The following tolerances apply: ± 1 % of the linear measure but maximum ± 0.1 mm. Depending on the geometry higher accuracy can be achieved by iterative approximation.

In general it is possible to work technical ceramics by special tools. However, we do not offer a post-processing of components made in additive manufacturing.

Due to the subsequent processes the estimated delivery time is 4 weeks approx., depending on the order situation. The exact delivery date will be announced after receipt of order.