CERAMICS

Mixing quality directly correlates to the performance, strength, and durability of ceramic materials.  Using a SpeedMixer for rapid development and prototyping of ceramic materials and ceramic composites has allowed for industry experts to ideate new and improved formulations and final products. This development and improvement on technology is pushing capabilities of ceramic materials in applications ranging from MEMS in electronic devices to aerospace, medical, and defense systems.

Problem: Homogenization and deagglomeration of powders.

Solution: Homogenizing ceramic and/or metallic powders into solution (slurry, or slip) directly creates end performance of the desired ceramic. Whether creating resin, wax, or aqueous solutions, adequate dispersion and deagglomeration is fundamental to the drying and heat curing of the green body. Consistent, repetitive, and precise material processing leads to consistent viscosity results, an additional factor in preparation of ceramic materials.

Problem: Porosity and particle size control (grinding, dispersion).

Solution: The SpeedMixer can adjust particle size through rapid grinding in both dry and wet phases. SpeedMixing allows users to rapidly produce production quality samples in seconds, increasing material development rate. The technology also assists in screening raw incoming materials for QC testing, eliminating the variable of mixing.

Problem: Dispersing liquifiers, dispersing agents, binding and pressing agents.

Solutions:  Whether preparing slurries and slips for tape casting, cementation, preparation of press granulate for powder pressing, slip casting, or hydroplastic forming, thorough dispersion is critical for final production. The precise and repeatable nature of the SpeedMixer technology will guarantee that slurry preparation is consistent time and time again.

Problem: Air entrainment in slurry production.

Solution: SpeedMixing and degassing in a vacuum SpeedMixer can increase consistency of final products and green body production. Mixing under vacuum can remove extensive time and labor steps in removing these materials prior to final production steps.

Advantages and other information

• Rapid Prototyping and development
• Press granulate production
• Slip homogenization
• Dispersant efficacy
• Reduced entrained air
• 3D printing ceramics