A Vlier success story: The impact of ceramic
March 28, 2023Vlier Products is never afraid to innovate — 80 years after they first arrived on the scene, they are still creating new parts made of new materials that open them up to new markets. Vlier’s latest innovation is an off-the-shelf line of ceramic ball plungers, which are compact spring-loaded devices frequently used in indexing, locating or positioning for a variety of applications. The product design automates and simplifies the assembly process for manufacturers, while the unique ceramic makeup allows engineers to meet the demands of extreme environments. Read on for more on how this innovation came to be and how Vlier’s customers will benefit from the impact of ceramic.
Why ceramic plungers?
This undertaking began when Vlier created a solution for an instrument used in spinal surgery for vertebral compression fractures. Vlier’s specially designed threaded plunger sets a critical torque value that is needed during the surgical procedure so as to ensure no injuries or damage to bone. At the same time, the hygienic nature of the ceramic ball made it ideal for use within a surgical setting. While this medical application was the catalyst for creating Vlier’s new line of parts, the other inherent benefits of ceramic opened them up to an array of new industries.
Benefits of using ceramic material include:
- Cleanroom compatibility
- Corrosion resistance
- Electrical insulation
- Easily recyclable
- Longer life than steel/other metals
- Non-magnetic
- Nearly frictionless
- Lower weight than steel
- Non-marking/marring
- High-temperature tolerance
- Enhanced thermal dissipation
The features of ceramic
The material Vlier uses for their parts, alumina oxide (Al2O3), is an industrial-grade ceramic defined by its high hardness and long-wearing properties. These unique features make alumina oxide ideal for parts that must remain durable under extreme conditions. Here’s a look at alumina oxide by the numbers:
- 2,977: Melting point (°C)
- 2,072: Boiling point (°C)
- 2,000 to 4,000: Compressive strength (MPa)
- 300 to 600: Mechanical strength (MPa)
- 15 to 19: Hardness (GPa)
- 3.95: Density (g/cm3)
The future impact
The inclusion of off-the-shelf ceramic products is a giant step forward for Vlier Products, allowing for an exciting expansion of their offerings and industry partnerships. Vlier’s new line of ceramic plungers will help engineers meet specific criteria for temperature tolerance, chemical resistance, longevity and more.
Interested in learning more about their capabilities or parts, or to speak with them about a project, contact Vlier Products today to learn more.
About Vlier
Vlier Products, a unit of Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry, has been an industry leader for more than 80 years, manufacturing spring loaded devices, quick-release devices, Vlier lock pins, leveling devices and mechanical components. Vlier offers more than 3,300 standard parts in a variety of sizes and materials for aerospace, medical, telecommunications, transportation and more. Every item in their extensive catalog has been engineered to provide the best quality and maximum value in productivity and dependable performance. Working smarter and harder for their customers, Vlier has the right part for the job. Based out of Massachusetts, Vlier calls upon a global distribution network, making their products readily available worldwide. For more information, visit their website.