Advanced Manufacturing of High-Performance Ceramics.

The CTTC with the CERATECH project, one of the pillars of the CERA 3+ program, continues its commitment to research and development.

This strategic project, supported by Europe en Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine, strengthens the CTTC's expertise in two major ceramic shaping processes. These two processes are: isostatic pressing and ceramic machining.

A technological and industrial challenge

High-performance ceramics are important in many sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, energy, and electronics. Thanks to their unique properties – mechanical strength, chemical inertness, and thermal stability – they meet increasingly demanding requirements. However, manufacturing these materials remains a challenge, requiring advanced processes capable of ensuring precision, uniformity, and high performance.

This is the context in which the CERATECH project is set. By developing cutting-edge expertise, the CTTC aims to remain at the forefront of ceramic technologies. It also anticipates the emerging needs of its industrial partners.

The two strategic axes of CERATECH

The CERATECH project is structured around two components

Isostatic pressing: density and uniformity, key factors of performance.

Isostatic pressing is an essential shaping technique in the field of ceramics. This process involves compacting ceramic powder using uniform pressure. The pressure is applied in all directions, thanks to a high-pressure fluid. The advantages are numerous:

• High densification: after sintering, the resulting parts exhibit nearly maximum density, ensuring exceptional mechanical performance.
• Uniformity: Isostatic pressing ensures an even distribution of particles, limiting structural defects that could compromise the material's quality.
• Dimensional flexibility: The obtained preforms can be machined in the green state, allowing for precise dimensional adjustments before the sintering stage.

This process is particularly suited for applications requiring high-density parts. It also ensures the essential strength for these applications.

L’usinage : la finition pour une précision optimale

Machining ceramics is a crucial finishing step. Unlike metallic materials, ceramics are more difficult to work with due to their hardness and brittleness. However, this step is important to meet the strict dimensional tolerances required in demanding applications, such as:

• Miniaturized electronic components, where every micrometer counts.
• Medical implants, which must fit perfectly with the human anatomy.
• Industrial equipment parts, subjected to high mechanical stresses.

Thanks to CERATECH, the CTTC develops and strengthens its machining skills, particularly exploring the machinability of new ceramics developed in-house or in collaboration with academic laboratories. This technical expertise allows the expansion of its R&D offering and provides tailored solutions to its clients.

Enhanced expertise for an expanded offering.

By combining these two processes, the CTTC positions itself as a strategic partner for industrial companies seeking innovative solutions. The advances made through CERATECH go beyond improving existing processes: they pave the way for new applications.

For example, isostatic pressing followed by machining allows the manufacturing of lighter parts, suited to the needs of the aerospace industry, or components with optimized thermal properties for energy equipment.

Essential financial support

The success of CERATECH also relies on the financial and institutional support of Europe en Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the Région Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Their trust and support enable the CTTC to mobilize the necessary resources to carry out its research and develop technologies with high industrial impact.

A forward-looking ambition

With CERATECH, the CTTC is not just a player in research; it aims to become a catalyst for transformation in the ceramic industry, offering controlled processes and anticipating future needs. By relying on recognized expertise and strong partnerships, the CTTC affirms its leading position in the advanced manufacturing of high-performance ceramics.

This project also embodies the CTTC's commitment to strengthening the attractiveness of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in the field of advanced technologies. By training the talents of tomorrow and collaborating with local and international companies, the CTTC actively contributes to the industrial and scientific ecosystem of the region.

To conclude

CERATECH is much more than a technical project: it is a strategic vision for the future of the ceramic industry. By combining innovation, expertise, and collaboration, the CTTC once again demonstrates its ability to tackle the most complex industrial challenges.

With the support of its regional and European partners, and thanks to a dedicated team, the CTTC continues to innovate to serve the ceramic industry of tomorrow.