Industrial kilns for advanced ceramics - Modern applications

Advanced ceramics are preferred over other material systems primarily becau se of their high chemical stability, high hardness and the resulting high w ear resistance. Their high corrosion and temperature resistance along with their minimal thermal expansion and density permit a broad range of applica tions. The transformation of loose ceramic powders into useful, solid funct ional components is made possible by appropriate heat treatment, such as de binding and sintering. These processes present a decisive step in the produ ction of advanced ceramics. Defined atmospheres and temperature fields for the definition of uniform microstructures as well as the appropriate corres ponding kiln construction are essential for the production of qualitative h igh-value components. This paper presents new kiln and plant concepts that will primarily be exhibited at the ceramitec 2000 in Munich.