Machinable Ceramic Materials
Machinable Ceramic Materials
(OP)
I am designing a heat staking fixture (inserts brass
inserts into thermoplastic parts with the aid of heat) for
the injection molding industry. The staking procedure
requires temperatures of around 300 degrees F and the
machine can handle a max of around 1000 degrees F as long
as insulation is present between the heated probe tips and
upper carriage. This insulation is generally 1" thick,
but the identity of the material is kept proprietary by
many manufacturers. The insulation must be MACHINABLE and
able to withstand approx. 100psi. Does Macor sound like a
probable alternative? Does anyone know of a cheap material
that should be able to perform well in these conditions.
I've attached a photo of a similar fixture for reference.
The insulation is the layer sandwiched between the two
aluminum plates.
Thanks!
http: //files.en gineering. com/getfil e.aspx?fol der=12589a f1-a640-4a 64-8575-18
inserts into thermoplastic parts with the aid of heat) for
the injection molding industry. The staking procedure
requires temperatures of around 300 degrees F and the
machine can handle a max of around 1000 degrees F as long
as insulation is present between the heated probe tips and
upper carriage. This insulation is generally 1" thick,
but the identity of the material is kept proprietary by
many manufacturers. The insulation must be MACHINABLE and
able to withstand approx. 100psi. Does Macor sound like a
probable alternative? Does anyone know of a cheap material
that should be able to perform well in these conditions.
I've attached a photo of a similar fixture for reference.
The insulation is the layer sandwiched between the two
aluminum plates.
Thanks!
http:





RE: Machinable Ceramic Materials
Here is Superfiretemp that we use by the truck load for insulation on polymer process at 600°F. Readily available in 1" thick material.
http://www.monoco.com/Super_Firetemp.asp
Here is a material that I've used from Cotronics.
http://www.cotronics.com/vo/cotr/cm_machinable.htm
Another material you may want to checkout is MICA
RE: Machinable Ceramic Materials
Crystex is located in Clifton, NJ. The telephone # is 973-779-8866. Resellers include Aremco Products, Cotronics, and McMaster Carr to name a few.
This is a fairly massive insulator. There may be a tendency for thermal stress failure over time. If this is a problem, you could substitute Grade A Lava. It will perform as an electrical and thermal insulator and have the stiffness necessary for your staking operation. It is also known as pyrophyllite. It is a naturally occuring aluminum silicate mined in large quantities worldwide. Any of the resellers listed above also supply this material.
If it were my project, I would start with the glass bonded mica. It is readily available, produced domestically, a good thermal and electrical insulator and the easier of the two materials to machine.
Bruce
www.accuratus.com