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Ceramic CNC Machining
Are you looking for high-precision parts that can withstand extreme heat, harsh chemicals, and heavy wear? At Istar Machining, we’ve mastered the art and science of ceramic CNC machining. Our team turns tough ceramic materials into parts with amazing accuracy and smooth finishes.
- Heat resistance up to 1600°C - perfect for jet engines and industrial furnaces
- Super-hard surfaces that resist scratching and wear
- Won't rust or corrode even in harsh chemicals
- Electrical insulation for sensitive electronics
- Biocompatibility for medical implants
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20+ Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
856 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
2000+ skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
Precision You Can Count On
When you choose Istar Machining for your ceramic components, you get:
- Tolerances down to ±0.005 mm (that’s thinner than a human hair!)
- Surface finishes from Ra 0.1–1.6 μm (mirror-like to controlled texture)
- Complex shapes including slots, pockets, and curved surfaces
- Parts up to 450 mm in size for large components
Our precision CNC machining shop uses 5-axis CNC milling, ultrasonic drilling, and diamond grinding to create parts that meet the most demanding specs.
Types of Ceramics We Work With
Our 5-axis machining capabilities allow us to transform these tough ceramics into precisely engineered parts:
Alumina (Al₂O₃)
Zirconia (ZrO₂)
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)
Machinable Glass Ceramics (Macor)
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)
Alumina (Al₂O₃)
Alumina is a top pick. It is:
- Very hard (1,500 HV)
- Stops electricity
- Less money than other ceramics
- Can be hot up to 1,600°C
Alumina is used for:
- Things that stop electricity
- Parts that must not wear down
- Tools for doctors
When you cut alumina, you need:
- Diamond tools
- Go slow
- Keep it cool
One big win was when alumina was used in computer part holders. It cut bad things by 30%!
Zirconia (ZrO₂)
Zirconia is very good for:
- Not breaking when hit (10 MPa√m)
- Safe to put in your body
- Looks nice and white
Zirconia is used for:
- Teeth parts
- Ball parts that spin
- Cutting tools
When you cut zirconia:
- Run the tool at 500 rpm
- Make it very smooth (≤0.8µm)
- Watch out for phase change
A dental shop made zirconia teeth with a 5-axis CNC milling machine and cut waste by 45%!
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Silicon Carbide is best for:
- Moving heat (120 W/mK)
- Being very hard (2,500 HV)
- Not burning in air
Silicon Carbide is used for:
- Computer parts
- Armor for tanks
To cut Silicon Carbide:
- Use EDM or laser cutting
- It takes 2-4 times longer than metal
- Costs 300−300-800 per kg
The army used Silicon Carbide for armor and it was 20% lighter than steel but just as strong!
Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄)
Silicon Nitride is good for:
- High strength (1,000 MPa)
- Not growing when hot
- Stays strong when hot
Silicon Nitride is used for:
- Jet engine blades
- Car engine parts
To cut Silicon Nitride:
- Takes 8-12 hours for turbine blades
- One tool can make 40-60 parts
Jet engines with Silicon Nitride blades last 15% longer than old ones!
Machinable Glass Ceramics (Macor)
Macor is special because:
- It cuts like metal
- Can be hot up to 800°C
- Makes clean, sharp edges
Macor is used for:
- Test parts
- Light parts
When cutting Macor:
- Drill at 1,000-2,000 rpm
- Costs 400−400-1,000 per kg
A light parts maker used Macor and made parts 50% faster!
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)
CMCs are:
- Light
- Have fibers in them
- Very good when hot
CMCs are used in:
- Airplanes
- Car brakes
Ceramic CNC Products Produced by Istar Machining
Industry Applications
Our ceramic CNC machining solutions serve these key industries:
Technical Specifications Table
Parameter | Capability | Applications |
Tolerance | ±0.005 mm | Precision bearings, semiconductor fixtures |
Surface Finish | Ra 0.1–1.6 µm | Optical components, sealing surfaces |
Min. Feature Size | 0.2 mm | Microfluidic channels, small holes |
Max. Part Size | 450 mm | Large insulators, structural components |
Thermal Resistance | Up to 1600°C | Furnace parts, engine components |
Typical Lead Time | 5–14 days (prototypes) | R&D projects, proof-of-concept models |
Design Tips for Ceramic CNC Machining
To get the best results and keep costs down:
- Add radii to inside corners – Sharp corners can cause cracks
- Keep wall thickness uniform – This prevents warping during firing
- Design for tooling access – Deep pockets may need special consideration
- Consider assembly needs – Mating surfaces may need extra finishing
Why Choose Istar Machining?
Expert Engineering Support
We help optimize your designs for ceramic machining
Advanced Equipment
Our 5-axis machines and diamond tooling ensure perfect results
Material Knowledge
We understand the unique properties of every ceramic type
Quality Assurance
Rigorous testing ensures your parts meet specifications
Competitive Pricing
Get quotes within 24 hours for your projects
The Ceramic CNC Machining Process
Material Selection
We help you pick the best ceramic for your needs
Design Optimization
Our engineers will work with you to make sure your design is ready for ceramic machining
Machining Approaches
Istar Machining uses specialized techniques for ceramic parts
Quality Control
Every ceramic part undergoes rigorous inspection
Get Started With Ceramic CNC Machining
Ready to explore how ceramic CNC machining can improve your products? The team at Istar Machining is here to help with expert advice and fast quotes.
- Send us your CAD files or drawings
- Our engineers will review for manufacturability
- We’ll provide a detailed quote within 24 hours
- Your ceramic parts will be machined to precise specifications
- Rigorous quality testing ensures perfection
Contact us today to discuss your ceramic component needs and discover why leading companies trust Istar Machining for their most demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Question
Green-state machining works with unfired ceramic that’s softer and easier to cut. After machining, parts are fired to reach full hardness. This is often cheaper but has more size change during firing.
Fired-state machining works with already-hardened ceramic using diamond tools. This is more expensive but gives tighter tolerances.
Ceramics excel where metals fail:
- Higher temperature resistance (1600°C vs. 1000°C for most metals)
- Better corrosion resistance against acids and chemicals
- Lower weight (40-60% lighter than steel)
- Electrical insulation properties
Standard tolerances are ±0.005 mm, but we can achieve ±0.002 mm for critical features using our precision grinding services.
Yes! Our rapid CNC machining services can deliver ceramic prototypes in as little as 5-7 days.
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