ELECTRICALLY INSULATING, DIMENSIONALLY STABLE, METALLISABLETechnical ceramics for electrical engineering and measurement technology

Oxide ceramic materials are used primarily as insulators in electrical engineering and measurement technology. Their high electrical resistance, combined with temperature resistance and mechanical strength, opens up a broad range of applications – from simple spacers to metallised sensor components.

Electrically insulating, high dielectric strength
Paramagnetic, signal-neutral
Low thermal expansion, dimensionally stable
Metallisable
Manufacturing from batch size 1

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Insulation, dimensional stability, metallisability – the key requirements in electrical engineering and measurement technology.

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Select material by application

Al₂O₃, AlN or ZrO₂ – decision guide based on electrical, thermal and mechanical requirements.

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Insulator, sensor carrier, feedthrough? We clarify feasibility in a direct conversation.

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TYPICAL PROBLEMSChallenges in Electrical Engineering and Measurement Technology

Electrical insulation at high temperatures

Many insulating materials lose their properties as operating temperature increases.

Thermal expansion

Differing coefficients of thermal expansion lead to dimensional deviations – critical in optical systems and tactile measurement technology.

Magnetic interference with measurement signals

Metallic materials interfere with electromagnetic measurement signals.

Dielectric strength under operating conditions

Insulators must remain reliable even under sustained load and thermal cycling.

Precision components in small quantities

Custom solutions for sensor and measurement technology are often required in small volumes.

Insulation, dimensional stability or metallised surfaces – which requirement is your priority?

Tell us the electrical and thermal operating conditions – we assess the material and feasibility.

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SOLUTION LOGICWhy is technical ceramics used in electrical engineering and measurement technology?

Advantages of technical ceramics:

Al₂O₃ with very high electrical resistance: reliable insulation even at elevated temperatures and in the presence of chemical agents
Thermal conductivity can be tailored through targeted material selection – from thermally insulating (Al₂O₃) to highly thermally conductive (AlN: approx. 150–180 W/m·K)
Low thermal expansion – Al₂O₃: approx. 8 ppm/K, AlN: approx. 4.5 ppm/K – critical for dimensional stability in optical systems and tactile measurement technology
Paramagnetic – no interference with electromagnetic measurement signals; suitable for eddy current measurement technology
Metallisable by sintering in platinum wires or silver-platinum pastes – for electrically conductive structures in sensor components and capacitive elements
Dielectric properties can be specifically utilised – relevant for capacitive sensor development and distance measurement

Special ceramics for measurement technology — Tetronome for optical measuring calibration

BCE expertise for your project:

Material selection based on electrical, thermal and mechanical requirements – not from a catalogue
Manufacturing to drawing, from batch size 1: insulating components, sensor heads, feedthroughs, spacers, measuring table plates, housings for optoelectronics, optical benches, components for UHV systems
Prototypes in the same quality process as series parts
ISO 9001-certified process
If ceramics is not the right choice, we will tell you before the quote

Typical mistakes in electrical engineering and measurement technology:

Insulation requirements specified without taking thermal operating conditions into account
Material selected based on room-temperature properties without verifying behaviour at operating temperature
Thermal expansion underestimated – dimensional stability in operation not guaranteed
Metallisability not considered for components that require electrical contact surfaces

Early consultation saves time, cost and iteration cycles.

MATERIALSSuitable materials for electrical engineering and measurement technology

Zirconia (ZrO₂)

When suitable:
Precision components under high mechanical loading, e.g. push rods for tactile measuring systems.

Less suitable:
Where high thermal conductivity is required.

Alumina (Al₂O₃)

When suitable:
Standard insulating material, cost-effective, high electrical resistance, metallisable. For measuring table plates, sensor components, multi-bore tubes.

Less suitable:
Where very low thermal expansion or high thermal conductivity is required.

Mixed oxides (ATZ / ZTA)

When suitable:
Combination of mechanical stability and insulation for demanding measurement components.

Less suitable:
Extreme temperatures, specific thermal conductivity requirements.

Specialty materials (SiC, Si₃N₄, B₄C, AlN)

When suitable:
AlN for thermal management combined with electrical insulation (approx. 150–180 W/m·K); SiC for wear-resistant measurement components.

Less suitable:
AlN is more complex to manufacture than oxide ceramics.

All materials at a glance

Interactive comparison table

KEY FACTSTechnical specifications at a glance

approx. 1,800 HV

Hardness of Al₂O₃. Hardened steel is at 700–800 HV. Relevant for wear-resistant measuring table plates.

Tolerances in the µm range

Achievable for calibration bodies, push rods and sensor caps – matched to sintering tolerance and final precision.

Up to beyond 1,500 °C

Al₂O₃ as a standard insulator – stable even at elevated temperatures and in the presence of chemical agents.

From batch size 1

Manufacturing without minimum quantities – prototypes in the same process as series parts.

ISO 9001

Certified process – full documentation available on request.

Special ceramics for electrical and measurement technology

FAQFrequently asked questions from electrical engineering and measurement technology

Answers to typical questions on electrical insulation, dimensional stability and the feasibility of ceramic components.

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Which material is best suited for electrical insulation at high temperatures?

Al₂O₃ is the standard insulating material: cost-effective, readily available and stable up to beyond 1,500 °C. For applications that require high thermal conductivity alongside electrical insulation, AlN is the right choice. The material selection depends on the electrical, thermal and mechanical requirements in operation.

What must be considered for components that are to be metallised?

Al₂O₃ can be provided with electrically conductive structures by sintering in platinum wires or by metallisation with silver-platinum pastes. This is relevant for sensor components and capacitive elements used in distance measurement. Metallisability must be taken into account in the geometry and material selection from the outset.

How precisely can BCE manufacture ceramic components for measurement technology?

Tolerances in the µm range are achievable for measurement technology components – for measuring table plates, calibration bodies, push rods for tactile measuring systems and sensor caps for eddy current measurement technology. The key is coordinating sintering tolerance with the required final precision. We clarify this before the quote.

Which ceramic components does BCE manufacture for electrical engineering and measurement technology?

Insulating components such as coil formers and laser components, sensor heads, spacers, feedthroughs, multi-bore tubes, sleeves, measuring table plates, push rods for tactile measuring systems, metallised sensor components, calibration bodies for optical measuring systems, housings for optoelectronics, optical benches and components for UHV systems. All components manufactured to customer drawings.

How reliable are ceramic insulators in continuous operation?

The decisive factor is the probability of failure under the specific load profile. When electrical, thermal and mechanical requirements are carefully matched to one another, a very low failure rate is achieved. Failures almost always result from incorrect material selection or from underestimating the thermal operating conditions.

Not yet sure which material is suitable for your insulation or measurement application?

Briefly describe the requirement and we will provide an assessment of the material and feasibility.

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