Zirconia Ceramic

It has extremely high hardness and strength, and good corrosion resistance

As one of the representative materials of advanced ceramics, zirconium oxide is divided into yttria stabilized zirconia and magnetium stabilized zirconia. Both grades have excellent performance.

Zirconia Advantages

Mohs hardness is 8.5
Possessing ultra-high fracture toughness
Excellent wear resistance
Resistant to chemicals
Able to withstand high temperature environments
With low thermal conductivity
Melting point up to 2715°C

Zirconia Applications

Bearings
Medical implants
seals
Electric vacuum device
Oxygen Sensor
Spacecraft structural parts
Engine Components
Water treatment valves and pump components
Optical Windows and Mirrors

Material Properties

Mechanical properties	Unit	Zirconia
Density	g/cm³	6.02
Vickers hardness	GPa	13
Bending strength	MPa	900
Compressive strength	MPa	2400
Toughness	MPa·m^1/2	7
Elastic modulus	GPa	210
Poisson’s ratio	——	0.31
Young’s modulus	GPa	200

Thermal performance	Unit	Zirconia
Thermal conductivity	W/（m・K）	3
Melting point	°C	2700
Maximum operating temperature	°C	1000
linear expansion coefficient	10^-6/K	10

Electrical Properties	Unit	Zirconia
Dielectric constant	1MHz	20-30
Breakdown voltage	kV/mm	10-30
Resistivity	Ω·cm	10^⁵

Note: This value is for reference only and may vary slightly depending on the batch conditions.

Zirconia Ceramic Machining

We have advanced 5-axis machining equipment and years of experience in machining zirconia ceramics. Our zirconia’s flatness can reach 0.003mm, roughness: Ra 0.01μm, and machining accuracy: 0.001mm. We can excellently meet your engineering requirements. If you’re looking to purchase zirconia plates, rods, tubes, or custom-machined parts, we are your best partner for Zirconia Ceramic Machining.

Need custom zirconia ceramics? Contact us today to speak with our materials experts to create a solution that exceeds expectations!

Zirconia Ceramic Prototypes Machining

Our latest video documents the process of CNC machining of zirconia ceramics

Frequently Asked Questions

zirconia vs aluminium oxide

Zirconia (ZrO₂) and Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) are both high-performance ceramic materials. In terms of mechanical properties, zirconia has higher fracture toughness and bending strength, and is not easy to crack under high pressure, while Aluminum Oxide has better hardness, especially with the increase of purity.

In terms of thermal performance
Zirconia has low thermal conductivity; Aluminum Oxide has moderate thermal conductivity and is suitable for applications such as semiconductor electronics.In terms of electrical properties, both materials have excellent electrical insulation

Applications:
Zirconia: pump components, medical implants, engine components, bearings, etc.
Aluminum Oxide: high-temperature support structures, electronic packaging substrates, valve seals, wafer clamping components, etc.
Cost comparison
Due to the abundant reserves of aluminum, aluminum oxide is usually cheaper. Although zirconia is more expensive, it performs better in specific applications.
Therefore, choosing the right material based on the uniqueness of the material and the actual engineering needs can play an excellent role.

What are the main properties of Zirconia ceramics and why are they important?

Zirconia ceramics are known for their high strength, toughness, and wear resistance. They also have excellent thermal stability and resistance to corrosion and oxidation. These properties make them ideal for applications in harsh environments, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. The material’s superior mechanical properties, particularly its ability to withstand high-stress conditions, make it highly sought after for both structural and precision components.

How is Zirconia ceramic processed and machined to achieve high precision?

Zirconia ceramics are processed through advanced techniques like CNC machining, laser cutting, and grinding. These methods allow manufacturers to achieve high levels of precision, with tolerances as tight as 0.001mm. Specialized equipment, such as 5-axis CNC machines, is often used to ensure the exact dimensions, surface finish, and quality needed for complex parts. Post-processing techniques like polishing are also employed to enhance surface roughness to sub-micron levels (Ra 0.01μm).

What are the common applications of Zirconia ceramics in various industries?

Zirconia ceramics are widely used in industries such as healthcare, electronics, automotive, and aerospace. Common applications include dental crowns, oxygen sensors, cutting tools, wear-resistant components, and high-performance seals. Its exceptional mechanical properties also make it suitable for parts that require resistance to wear, high temperatures, and corrosive environments, such as bearings and valves.

What makes Zirconia ceramics suitable for dental applications?

Zirconia is a preferred material in dentistry due to its biocompatibility, high strength, and aesthetic qualities. It closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth and is highly resistant to cracking or chipping, which makes it ideal for crowns, bridges, and dental implants. Additionally, zirconia can be easily customized and precisely machined to fit individual patient requirements, ensuring a perfect fit and long-lasting results.

What are the challenges in machining Zirconia ceramics and how can they be addressed?

Machining zirconia ceramics can be challenging due to their hardness and brittleness, which requires specialized tools and processes. To achieve high precision and smooth finishes, manufacturers use diamond-coated tools and advanced machining techniques like slow-feed grinding and diamond polishing. Additionally, controlling temperature during machining is critical to prevent material stress or cracking. By using modern equipment and techniques, these challenges can be effectively managed to produce high-quality zirconia components.