DIMENSIONALLY STABLE, OXIDATION-RESISTANT, HIGH-PURITYTechnical ceramics for high-temperature applications

Temperatures beyond 1,000 °C place sustained demands on most metals that they cannot withstand without limitations. Technical ceramics withstand operating temperatures up to 1,750 °C. They remain dimensionally stable – no softening, no flow – even in vacuum and under oxidising conditions.

Up to 1,750 °C – dimensionally stable, no softening
(Ultra-)high vacuum compatible
Chemically and oxidation resistant
Al₂O₃ crucibles up to 99.95 % purity
Manufacturing from batch size 1

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Dimensional stability, vacuum compatibility, chemical purity – the key requirements in high-temperature applications.

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Al₂O₃, SiC or Si₃N₄ – decision guide based on temperature, atmosphere and mechanical loading.

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Crucible, protection tube, calibration body? We clarify feasibility in a direct conversation.

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TYPICAL PROBLEMSChallenges in High-Temperature Applications

Metals fail

At temperatures above 1,000 °C, softening, oxidation or creep deformation begins.

Oxidation and corrosion

Even temperature-resistant alloys oxidise under sustained loading above 1,000 °C.

Dimensional loss under load

Metals soften and flow – dimensional stability can no longer be guaranteed.

Contamination

Crucible materials can release trace substances that distort analytical results.

UHV at extreme temperatures

Many materials outgas in ultra-high vacuum at temperatures above 1,000 °C.

Temperatures above 1,000 °C, UHV operation or high-purity crucible materials – which requirement is your priority?

Tell us your operating temperature, atmosphere and required purity level. We assess the material and feasibility.

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SOLUTION LOGICWhy is technical ceramics used in high-temperature applications?

Special ceramics for high temperature technology, high-purity temperature-resistant crucibles — High-purity temperature-resistant crucibles

Advantages of technical ceramics:

Operating temperatures up to 1,750 °C – where metals soften, oxidise or flow
Dimensional stability: ceramics retains its shape even under sustained load at extreme temperatures
(Ultra-)high vacuum compatibility up to beyond 1,750 °C – no outgassing, no contamination
Oxide ceramics chemically stable and oxidation-resistant – ideal as crucible material in high-precision analytical instruments
Al₂O₃ available in purity grades up to 99.95 % – for the highest purity requirements in mass spectrometers and DTA instruments
Detachable connections via integrated threads realisable even in high-temperature applications

Special ceramics for high temperature technology, calibration bodies for thermal reference measurements — Calibration bodies for thermal reference measurements

BCE expertise for your project:

Material selection based on operating temperature, atmosphere (vacuum, oxidising, inert) and purity requirement
Manufacturing to drawing, from batch size 1: crucibles, effusion cells, Knudsen cells, protection tubes, calibration bodies, high-temperature components for UHV systems
Custom special solutions: ground-fit lids, metallisation of crucible bases for brazing or as measurement contacts
Prototypes in the same quality process as series parts
ISO 9001-certified process

Typical mistakes in high-temperature applications:

Material selected for peak temperature only, not for sustained operation at that temperature
Vacuum compatibility not verified – outgassing of the material contaminates the system
Purity grade underestimated: crucible material releases trace substances that distort measurement results
No detachable connection planned: component cannot be serviced in high-temperature operation

Clarifying operating temperature, atmosphere and purity requirements early avoids selecting the wrong material for series use.

MATERIALSSuitable materials for high-temperature applications

Zirconia (ZrO₂)

When suitable:
High-temperature components for UHV systems up to approx. 1,500 °C, mechanically loaded components.

Less suitable:
Temperatures above 1,500 °C in continuous operation; phase transformation must be considered.

Alumina (Al₂O₃)

When suitable:
Crucibles, protection tubes and analytical components up to 1,750 °C. Purity grades up to 99.95 % for the highest purity requirements. Chemically stable and oxidation-resistant.

Less suitable:
Highly dynamic impact loading.

Mixed oxides (ATZ / ZTA)

When suitable:
When Al₂O₃ is too brittle and higher toughness is required.

Less suitable:
Temperatures above 1,400 °C, highest purity requirements.

Specialty materials (SiC, Si₃N₄, B₄C, AlN)

When suitable:
SiC and Si₃N₄ for extreme temperatures combined with high mechanical loading. SiC up to beyond 1,600 °C under inert or oxidising conditions.

Less suitable:
SiC in strongly reducing atmospheres above 1,400 °C.

All materials at a glance

Interactive comparison table

KEY FACTSTechnical specifications at a glance

Up to 1,750 °C

Operating temperature of oxide ceramics – where metal softens or oxidises.

99.95 % Al₂O₃

Achievable purity for crucibles and analytical components in mass spectrometers and DTA instruments.

Dimensionally stable

No softening, no flow – even under sustained load at extreme temperatures.

From batch size 1

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

ISO 9001

Certified process with full documentation available on request.

FAQFrequently asked questions from high-temperature applications

Answers to typical questions on temperature resistance, purity requirements and the feasibility of ceramic components.

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Which material withstands temperatures above 1,000 °C on a sustained basis?

Al₂O₃ is the standard material for continuous operation up to 1,750 °C – dimensionally stable, oxidation-resistant, available in purity grades up to 99.95 %. For temperatures above 1,600 °C combined with high mechanical loading, SiC or Si₃N₄ come into consideration. The decisive factor is not only the peak temperature but the sustained load and the operating atmosphere.

What must be considered for crucible materials in high-precision analytical instruments?

For mass spectrometers, DTA instruments and effusion sources, purity grade and material release are critical. Al₂O₃ at 99.95 % purity releases no trace substances that could distort measurement results. We also manufacture custom special solutions: ground-fit lids, bores, threads and metallisation of crucible bases.

Can ceramic components be used in ultra-high vacuum?

Yes. Oxide ceramics such as Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ are (ultra-)high vacuum compatible even at temperatures above 1,750 °C – no outgassing, no contamination of the system. BCE specifically manufactures high-temperature components for UHV systems.

Which ceramic components does BCE manufacture for high-temperature applications?

Analytical crucibles for mass spectrometers and DTA instruments, effusion crucibles, Knudsen cells, high-temperature components for UHV systems, calibration bodies for thermal measurements in furnace construction, electrical insulators and protection tubes. All components manufactured to customer drawings; custom special solutions available on request.

How reliable are ceramic components in sustained high-temperature operation?

The decisive factor is the probability of failure under the specific load profile – operating temperature, atmosphere, mechanical load and thermal cycles. When these parameters are carefully matched to one another, a very low failure rate is achieved. Failures almost always result from incorrect material selection or from underestimating sustained loading relative to the peak temperature.

Operating temperatures above 1,000 °C, UHV operation or high-purity crucible materials?

We will tell you which material performs reliably in your atmosphere and at your temperature.

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