Wear-optimized Solutions and Tools for Wire Drawing, Tube Forming and Forming Systems
Forming tools are subject to extreme stress and high levels of wear. Technical ceramics are far superior to other materials in these conditions. CeramTec ceramic tools deliver enhanced performance and increased economy in every step of the metal forming process.
When forming metals – either in casting, rolling, tube drawing, bending or widening – the tools that are used are subject to tremendous forces and stress. Depending on the material used, these tools can suffer extreme wear. This is why the forming process is yet another field where advanced ceramics from CeramTec offer convincing proof of their strengths.
Zirconium Oxide, Alumina and Silicon Nitride are the advanced Ceramics used in the Forming Process
From the over 150 ceramic materials CeramTec has developed for specific applications, three types of advanced ceramics have proven themselves in the forming process in particular:
Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) produces extremely strong and rigid components. Alongside its excellent tribological properties with respect to friction and wear on objects that move in opposite directions, its wear resistance, corrosion resistance and electrical and thermal insulation properties make CeramTec ZN40 zirconium oxide ceramic the ideal material for equipment and mechanical engineering. Zirconium oxide is gaining ground as a structural material for components subject to high stress.
Zirconium Oxide ZN40 in the Forming Process
- ZrO2 ZN40 advanced ceramics
- Extraordinary fracture toughness
- High wear resistance
- High corrosion resistance
- Low thermal conductivity
- A coefficient of expansion similar to steel
- Ideally suited for copper and aluminum wire drawing
Aluminum Oxide B601 in the Forming Process
- Al2O3 B601 advanced ceramics
- High to extremely high mechanical strength
- Good thermal conductivity
- High corrosion and wear resistance
- Very good sliding properties
- Very good electrical insulation
Silicon nitride materials (Si3N4) are perfectly suited for manufacturing mechanically stressed components, even and especially at high temperatures. CeramTec SL200BG silicon nitride ceramics possess excellent characteristics for use in forming and are also employed in welding process applications.
Silicon Nitride SL200BG in the Forming Process
- Gas-pressure sintered Si3N4 SL200BG advanced ceramics
- High mechanical strength
- High fracture toughness and impact resistance
- Excellent wear resistance
- Good thermal conductivity
- Very low thermal expansion
- Thermal shock resistance
Ceramic Tools for Wire Drawing
CeramTec is the leading manufacturer of ceramic wire drawing tools for wire drawing machines. Ceramic drawing cones, rollers and rings made of solid ceramic or ceramic metal composite constructions for wire drawing are the international standard for all leading machine manufacturers. Wire guide rolls, wire guides and additional guide elements complete the range of ceramic tools for wire drawing.
Ceramic Tools for Forming, Bending and Widening
Forming, bending and widening tools made of technical ceramics from CeramTec feature remarkable wear resistance and surface quality characteristics and are used in tube drawing, bending or widening applications, among others. The performance of these tools has made CeramTec the foremost supplier in this segment, The line of tools is complemented with rollers made from zirconium oxide and silicon nitride for use in forming and casting equipment.
