Compared with many other technical ceramics, zirconia offers higher fracture toughness and good polished surface quality. This makes it a practical choice for ceramic bushings, guide sleeves, shaft sleeves, pump parts and small precision cylindrical components.
Material Property Comparison
| Material | Hardness | Fracture toughness | Flexural strength | Max use temperature | Thermal conductivity | Electrical insulation | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y-TZP zirconia (ZrO2) | 11-13 GPa | 6-10 MPa m^0.5 | 800-1200 MPa | 900-1100 C | 2-3 W/m K | Good at room temperature | Medium to high |
| 95%-99% alumina (Al2O3) | 12-20 GPa | 3-5 MPa m^0.5 | 300-450 MPa | 1500-1700 C | 20-35 W/m K | Excellent | Low to medium |
Typical values for comparison — request a datasheet for guaranteed specifications.
Common Sleeve and Bushing Designs
- Straight zirconia ceramic sleeves with precision ID and OD.
- Step sleeves and shoulder bushings for shaft or valve assemblies.
- Thin-wall guide sleeves with polished bore.
- Wear-resistant pump sleeves, plunger guides and sliding supports.
Important Design Information
For sleeve components, inner diameter tolerance, roundness, straightness and surface finish are often more important than general outside dimensions. Tell HERUN which surfaces are critical so the grinding process can focus on the functional areas.
Zirconia vs Alumina for Sleeves
Alumina sleeves are usually more economical and can work well for insulation and general wear. Zirconia sleeves are usually selected when toughness, impact resistance, edge strength or smoother sliding behavior is more important.
Quotation Checklist
- Outer diameter, inner diameter, length and wall thickness.
- Critical tolerances, polished surfaces and chamfer requirements.
- Working medium, load, speed, temperature and chemical exposure.
- Quantity, sample requirement and target delivery time.
Related Pages
FAQ
Why use zirconia for ceramic sleeves and bushings?
Zirconia is used when toughness, smooth sliding contact, polished surfaces and resistance to chipping are important for precision sleeves and bushings.
Is zirconia stronger than alumina?
Zirconia normally has higher fracture toughness and flexural strength than alumina, while alumina is usually better for high-temperature insulation and lower cost.
Can zirconia sleeves be customized by drawing?
Yes. HERUN can manufacture custom zirconia sleeves, bushings and guide parts from drawings with specified tolerance, surface finish and quantity.