What are hard materials?
Hard materials are characterised by exceptional hardness and wear resistance. Ruby and sapphire, two forms of aluminium oxide, are particularly well known for their hardness, which is only surpassed by a few substances. Hard materials also include composite materials such as metal carbides (tungsten, titanium, chromium) and ceramic substrates.
Areas of Application
Hard materials, often used as composite materials, offer excellent abrasion resistance and are wear-resistant, making them ideal candidates for applications where durability under harsh conditions is required. Their chemical resistance makes them insensitive to many aggressive substances, which expands their areas of application in the chemical industry. Thanks to their thermal resistance, these hard-wearing materials can also be used in environments exposed to extreme temperatures without losing their performance. These properties make hard materials an indispensable ingredient in the manufacture of components that require both high durability and reliability.
Use of sapphire in the industry
Sapphire or ruby nozzles are just one example of the innovative use of hard materials. In applications that require high wear resistance, such as high-pressure waterjet cutting systems, sapphire or ruby nozzles are ideally suited. The thermal stability of sapphire enables consistent performance even at high temperatures and pressures, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of equipment in demanding industrial and technological applications.
Advantages at a Glance
Our hard materials are indispensable for highly complex industrial applications.
These resilient materials are characterized by:
High wear resistance
Chemical resistance
Thermal resistance
Capability to produce bore diameters as small as 0.04 mm
RoHS compliance
Applications of hard materials for hole diameters down to the nanometre range
Hard materials are ideal for the production of precision nozzles with extremely small hole diameters, down to the nanometre range. These microscopically small openings are crucial for applications in medical technology where precision is essential.
One example of the use of this technology is components with hole diameters through which fluids such as blood can flow very slowly and in a controlled manner. This capability is particularly important in devices designed for analysing blood cells, such as counting individual blood cells.
Key element for self-loading mechanisms: Tungsten in mechanical watches
Tungsten alloys add that certain something to mechanical watches: This metal is often used as a weight in the so-called rotors in wristwatches. The rotor is a central component of the watch’s self-charging mechanism. The rotor is set in motion by the natural movements of the wrist, for example when walking or gesticulating.
The integration of tungsten gives the watches a pleasantly heavy feel on the wrist, which is appreciated by many watch enthusiasts as a sign of quality and robustness. The use of tungsten in watches is an example of how innovative materials can significantly improve functionality and aesthetics in the luxury segment.
Ruby and sapphire bearing jewels
In addition to tungsten, synthetic rubies or sapphires also contribute significantly to the longevity and precision of a mechanical watch. These hard materials, known as ‘bearing jewels’, minimise friction on the pivots and axles of the movement. As a result, they minimise wear and ensure that the movement remains highly precise in the long term. In particular, the constant movement of the rotor in an automatic watch requires resilient bearing points – ruby or sapphire jewels ensure low-friction and long-lasting function.
Texpart: Your specialist for hard materials
We are your partner in the field of hard material components: specialising in the development and distribution of high-quality components made of hard materials such as sapphire, ruby, metal carbides and ceramic substrates. Our hard material components are widely used in industries that require extreme conditions, in medical technology and precision mechanics.
We offer customised solutions to meet specific customer requirements. By combining state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques with a deep understanding of the properties and benefits of hard materials, we ensure our customers receive products of the highest quality and durability.
Our Service for You
Do you have questions about our product catalog? Or specific product requirements?
Get in touch with us! We offer detailed consultations by our technical specialists and will provide you with a customized offer tailored to your needs. We look forward to hearing from you.
Also discover our product range in the area of Turned and Milled Parts and PCBs.
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Insight into our hard materials
