Metallized Ceramic Components
Custom Metallized Ceramic Components for Vacuum Electronics
Metallized ceramic components for vacuum electronics, Custom metallized alumina ceramic tubes, rings, insulators and complex components for vacuum electronics and ceramic-to-metal joining.
Description
TecCera supplies custom metallized ceramic components for vacuum electronics, electrical feedthroughs and ceramic-to-metal assemblies. Products are manufactured according to customer drawings and are available as tubes, rings, discs, plates, insulators, substrates and complex custom geometries.
For alumina components, molybdenum–manganese (Mo–Mn) metallization provides a bondable interface for subsequent brazing or soldering. Optional nickel, copper, silver or gold plating can be applied according to the joining process and operating environment.
Product Advantages
Custom Materials and Geometries
Standard material options include 95% and 99% alumina. Other technical ceramics, including zirconia and aluminum nitride, can be evaluated according to the component design, metallization system and application requirements.
Components can be manufactured with internal, external, patterned or selective metallization according to customer drawings.
Reliable Metallized Interface
The Mo–Mn layer is fired onto the alumina ceramic to create a stable metallized surface suitable for subsequent plating and ceramic-to-metal joining.
Metallization thickness, coverage and surface finish can be specified according to the brazing alloy, mating metal and thermal conditions.
Configurable Plating Options
Optional nickel, copper, silver or gold plating can be applied over the base metallization. The appropriate finish depends on the brazing or soldering process, operating temperature, corrosion requirements and mating materials.
Prototype and Production Support
Prototype and production quantities can be evaluated according to component geometry, tooling requirements, tolerances, metallization pattern and inspection criteria.
Component Types
- Metallized ceramic tubes
- Metallized ceramic rings
- Metallized ceramic discs and plates
- Ceramic feedthrough insulators
- Multi-hole ceramic insulators
- Ceramic relay and electrical housings
- Metallized ceramic substrates
- X-ray tube ceramic components
- Vacuum interrupter ceramic components
- Custom ceramic-to-metal joining components
Typical Alumina and Metallization Specifications
|
No. |
Parameter |
Typical Value / Specification |
Unit |
|
1 |
Alumina Purity |
95% or 99% |
% |
|
2 |
Bulk Density |
≥ 3.63 |
g/cm³ |
|
3 |
Thermal Conductivity at 25°C |
22.45 |
W/m·K |
|
4 |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 20–1000°C |
8.26 |
×10⁻⁶/K |
|
5 |
Flexural Strength |
≥ 340 |
MPa |
|
6 |
Dielectric Strength |
≥ 8.3 |
kV/mm |
|
7 |
Dielectric Constant at 1 MHz |
9.1 |
— |
|
8 |
Dielectric Loss at 1 MHz |
≤ 0.0004 |
— |
|
9 |
Mo–Mn Metallization Thickness |
15–25 |
μm |
|
10 |
Optional Plating Thickness |
8–10 |
μm |
These are typical values for selected alumina grades and metallization configurations. Final specifications must be confirmed according to the material grade, component geometry, drawing and test requirements.
Metallization and Plating Options
- Alumina ceramic with Mo–Mn metallization
- Mo–Mn metallization with nickel plating
- Mo–Mn metallization with copper plating
- Mo–Mn metallization with silver plating
- Mo–Mn metallization with gold plating
- Printed silver metallization
- Selective or patterned metallization
- Internal and external metallized surfaces
Available configurations include:
Mo–Mn is the base metallization layer. Nickel, copper, silver and gold are normally applied as subsequent plating or finishing layers rather than replacing the ceramic-to-metal bonding layer.
Detailed Product Information
Reliable ceramic-to-metal joining depends on the compatibility of the ceramic, metallization, plating, brazing alloy and mating metal. Differences in coefficients of thermal expansion can generate stress during brazing, cooling and operation.
TecCera evaluates the component geometry, material system and metallization pattern according to the customer’s drawing. The objective is to provide a ready-to-braze ceramic component with suitable electrical insulation, metallized surface coverage and dimensional control.
Hermeticity is determined by the design and processing of the completed ceramic-to-metal assembly. When leak-rate testing is required, the test method, assembly condition and acceptance criterion should be specified separately.
Typical Applications
- Vacuum electrical feedthroughs
- Vacuum interrupters
- X-ray tube components
- Traveling-wave tubes
- RF and microwave devices
- High-voltage insulating assemblies
- Sensor and instrumentation housings
- Power electronic packages
- Electrical headers and connectors
- Hermetic ceramic-to-metal assemblies
Customization Information
Please provide the following information for evaluation:
- 2D drawing or STEP/IGES file
- Ceramic material and purity
- Critical dimensions and tolerances
- Metallization areas and thickness
- Plating material and thickness
- Mating metal material
- Brazing or soldering alloy
- Operating temperature
- Voltage and insulation requirements
- Vacuum or leak-rate requirements
- Prototype and production quantities
- Inspection and documentation requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plating finish should I select for my brazing process?
The correct finish depends on the brazing alloy, mating metal, brazing atmosphere, temperature and corrosion requirements. Nickel plating is commonly used over Mo–Mn metallization for many ceramic-to-metal brazing processes. Other finishes should be selected after reviewing the complete joining system.
How is adhesion of the metallization layer controlled?
The Mo–Mn metallization is fired onto the alumina ceramic under controlled processing conditions. Inspection requirements—including visual inspection, adhesion testing or cross-sectional analysis—can be agreed according to the drawing and order specification.
Can you manufacture components from STEP or CAD files?
Yes. Please provide a STEP, IGES, PDF or dimensioned 2D drawing. Ceramic machining, metallization, plating and tolerance feasibility will be reviewed before quotation.
Can metallization be applied inside holes or on complex surfaces?
Internal, external, patterned and selective metallization can be evaluated. Feasibility depends on the component geometry, feature size, metallization coverage and inspection requirements.
Does the ceramic component meet a specific helium leak rate?
A bare metallized ceramic component does not independently define the final assembly leak rate. Hermeticity depends on the ceramic, mating metal, brazing alloy, joint design and assembly process. Leak-rate requirements should therefore be specified for the completed assembly.
Request a Quote
Send TecCera your drawings, material requirements, metallization pattern, plating specification and required quantity. We will review the ceramic geometry, joining system and inspection requirements before providing a quotation.
Technical Resources
Download the TecCera brochure for metallized alumina components, ceramic-to-metal brazed assemblies, hermetic seals, and vacuum feedthrough solutions.
Download Metallized Ceramics Brochure (PDF)How to Get a Quote
Send us your drawing or technical requirements. We will review the material, dimensions, tolerances and application conditions before quotation.
- Inquiry
- Technical Review
- Quotation
- Order
Need a Custom Ceramic Component?
Send us your drawing, dimensions, material requirements, quantity and application conditions.
Request a Quote