Contamination problems solvedwith precision ceramic gearingContamination problems solvedwith precision ceramic gearing

P roblemA semiconductor processor was having contamination problems frommetal and plastic gears due to intense chemical, thermal and highvacuum conditions. They were considering technical ceramics forchemical resistance, however precision pinion gear teeth must be notonly uniform, but strong enough to survive load.

S olutionBased on fine features and point stresses in application of a precision ceramic gear Insaco recommended YTZPzirconia ceramic material for toughness and resistance to chipping. The fine grain and unique crystal orientationactually absorb energy to fight fissure or crack propagation.

R esultBecause of many years experience machining sapphire as well as YTZP, Insaco was able to provideboth materials. The precision machining required to generate useful gear profiles in sapphire waschallenging, but the result allowed our customer to proceed confidently with technical trials. YTZPzirconia, being more robust, may still be the ultimate choice for production, but having the choiceto fabricate with either material was the key to successful early trials.

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