Alumina Ceramic Screw Rods (also called Ceramic Threaded Rods or Alumina Screw Shafts) are precision-engineered components made from high-purity aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃). Designed with helical threading, these rods combine exceptional hardness, electrical insulation, and chemical resistance. They serve as critical alternatives to metal screws in demanding environments where corrosion, wear, electrical conductivity, or contamination are concerns.

Key Advantages

• Extreme Hardness & Wear Resistance: Superior to steel (Mohs 9, Vickers Hardness 1500-1700 HV), minimizing thread deformation.

• High-Temperature Stability: Operates continuously up to 1,600°C (2,912°F) in air.

• Electrical Insulation: Excellent dielectric properties, ideal for high-voltage/electronic applications.

• Chemical Inertness: Resists acids, alkalis, solvents, and corrosive gases (except HF and strong caustics).

• Non-Magnetic & Non-Sparking: Essential in MRI, semiconductor, or explosive environments.

• Low Friction & Anti-Galling: Smooth operation without seizing or cold welding.

• Ultra-High Purity: Minimal ionic contamination (<99% Al₂O₃ purity) for sensitive processes.

• Lightweight: ~60% lighter than comparable steel components.

Performance Characteristics

• Max. Operating Temp: 1,450°C - 1,600°C (2,642°F - 2,912°F).

• Mechanical Strength: High compressive strength (2,000-4,000 MPa), moderate flexural strength (300-400 MPa).

• Thermal Shock Resistance: Moderate (ΔT ~200°C); performance improves with lower alumina grades (e.g., 95%).

• Electrical Resistivity: >10¹⁴ Ω·cm at room temperature.

• Dielectric Strength: 15-25 kV/mm.

• Thermal Conductivity: Moderate (~30 W/m·K).

• Surface Finish: Precision-ground for smooth threads (Ra < 0.4 μm typical).

• Grades: Available in 95%, 99%, and 99.7% purity levels.

Primary Applications

• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Wafer handling, furnace fixtures, plasma etch tools (replaces metal to prevent contamination).

• High-Temperature Furnaces: Support rods, thermocouple sheaths, kiln furniture assembly.

• Chemical Processing: Valves, pumps, mixers in corrosive fluid handling.

• Medical & Analytical Equipment: MRI components, lab instrument shafts, sterile environments.

• Food & Pharmaceutical: Non-contaminating conveyor systems, processing screws.

• Electronics: Insulating spacers, high-frequency components.

• Glass & Optical Fiber Production: Handling molten glass preforms.

• Textile Machinery: Wear-resistant guides and tensioners.

• Research & Vacuum Systems: UHV-compatible, non-outgassing components.