Ceramic substitutes extruted parts
In many applications, the ceramic injection molding process offers an economical alternative to extrusion, and it opens up entirely new design options.
In the extrusion process (from the Latin extrudere = to squeeze or drive out), molten viscous ceramic compounds are pressed continuously through a so-called ‘mouthpiece’. This creates two-dimensional bodies with the profile of the nozzle (mouthpiece) to virtually any desired length. Typically, this process is used for the production of tubes or profile sections. In many instances, it is necessary to trim the extruded lengths, once in sintered condition, to the desired shape, and to using machining operations to produce the final contour.
In the same way as it does with pressed components, the injection molding process competes in some sub-sectors with the extrusion process.
In particular, with smaller, thin-walled components measuring up to 50 cm in length, the injection molding process can constitute a cost-effective alternative. The components are manufactured in a molding operation, and this dispenses with what have now become costly rework operations (separating, deburring, drilling).
Furthermore, the geometric latitude afforded by the injection molding process enables 3D components to be produced (e.g. internal or external chamfers or bevels at the ends of components, transverse bores at any desired location …) and this opens up entirely new design options.
Ceramic injection moldings versus extrusion
- Greater geometric latitude for molds
- More cost-effective production
- Identical material characteristics