Technical ceramics are increasingly being used in forming technology to increase productivity and efficiency. The requirements placed on components in this industry, such as wear resistance and resistance to mechanical stress, make ceramic materials the ideal choice. Ceramics offer considerable advantages, particularly in the manufacture of tools for forming metals and other materials.
The advantages of ceramic materials in forming technology
Ceramic materials offer outstanding mechanical, tribological and thermal properties in forming technology. They are particularly resistant to abrasion and corrosion, which leads to a significantly longer service life compared to conventional tool steels and carbides. The high wear resistance and low tendency to adhesion ensure that ceramic tools wear out less quickly and therefore reduce production costs.
Ceramic forming tools for higher productivity
Ceramic materials are used in various types of tools in forming technology. These tools are characterised by their high precision and durability:
- Forming and feed rollers: For rolling metals that optimally absorb pressure and remain stable over long periods of time.
- Dies for solid forming (impact extrusion): Offer a long service life and resistance.
- Drawing dies and drawing cones: For wire drawing that work with high strength and precision.
- Straightening units and straightening jaws: Enable high surface quality during wire straightening.
- Dishing tools: For expanding or tapering tube ends.
- Flaring rollers: Enable a longer service life when sealing cans and bottles.
- Expanding mandrel: Used to expand or widen the end of pipes or metal parts.
- Welding rollers: Used in coil tube production lines to join the seam flanks during longitudinal seam welding.
- Guide bars: Provide low-wear guidance for the seam flanks during welding and ensure that the material remains in the correct position.
The use of silicon nitride and zirconium oxide in forming technology
Ceramic materials such as silicon nitride and zirconium oxide offer particularly good properties for forming technology. Silicon nitride is particularly resistant to thermal shock and also offers electrical insulation. These properties make it an ideal choice for demanding applications such as cold and hot massive forming as well as for rollers and welding rollers in production. Zirconium oxide is also an excellent choice for forming technology due to its high strength and compressive strength.
Applications in sheet metal processing and tube processing
Sheet metal forming and tube processing benefit enormously from the advantages of ceramic materials. In sheet metal forming, ceramic tools reduce the required forming forces and produce a better surface finish on many sheet materials. In pipe processing, ceramic tools are used for expanding or tapering pipe ends. These tools are characterised by a long service life and a low tendency towards adhesion.
Conclusion: Ceramic materials for sustainable forming technology
By using ceramic materials in forming technology, companies can make their production processes more efficient and cost-effective. The high wear resistance, temperature resistance and low friction of ceramic materials enable a longer tool life, which leads to increased productivity and less downtime. The use of technical ceramics is therefore a future-proof solution for forming technology that not only reduces production costs but also protects the environment.