Schunk Ingenieurkeramik GmbH

Schunk Ingenieurkeramik GmbH is part of the Schunk Group, based in Giessen, Germany. Today it is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of silicon carbide and aluminium oxide based ceramics.

Sanitaryware

Silicon-infiltrated, reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RBSiC) materials, produced under the trade name CarSIK-Z, can be used safely at temperatures up to 1380°C. Compared with materials such as recrystallised silicon carbide (RSiC) and nitride-bonded silicon carbide (NSiC), the excellent properties of RBSiC materials make them the most suitable choice within a given temperature range. Typical applications for this product are support elements and beams on kiln cars. Thanks to their outstanding performance in service and high reliability in use, CarSIK-Z beams and supports hold a significant worldwide market share in sanitaryware ceramics and in heavy-load electrical porcelain applications.

Advantages:

• Excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance thanks to the absence of porosity
• Very good thermal shock resistance
• High modulus of rupture
• Excellent long-term mechanical strength
• Low bulk density
• High surface quality
• Clean internal surfaces

Porcelain

Nitride-bonded silicon carbide (NSiC) materials, produced under the trade name CarSIK-NG, offer improved properties over recrystallised silicon carbide (RSiC) materials, such as higher strength and a higher application temperature. Batts ranging from 6 to 8 mm in thickness distribute heat homogeneously within the kiln and so save energy. CarSIK-NG batts are also used on kiln cars in sanitaryware ceramic production.

Burner Tubes

Process changes have widened the range of applications for ceramic burners, and in many of them ceramic burners have replaced metal ones. Here too, silicon-infiltrated reaction-bonded silicon carbide (RBSiC) recuperator and radiant tubes have gained importance thanks to their excellent properties. Firing technology has changed considerably with the emergence of low-NOx firing concepts and modified RBSiC ceramics.

Through its research and development work and close cooperation with customers across different market segments, SCHUNK has also developed a material named CarSIK-GG, which allows operation at temperatures as high as 1500°C. Radiant tubes used in indirect heating transfer heat by radiation, and the combustion gases are not allowed to come into contact with the material being fired. CarSIK-G and CarSIK-GG tubes fully meet the high demands that radiant tube applications place on the material.

Alumina Tubes

Alumina tubes are produced open at both ends or closed at one end, with or without flanges, in the length and diameter required for the customer’s application.

Advantages:

• High dimensional tolerance
• Chemical wear resistance
• High thermal resistance
• Very good thermal shock resistance
• A high degree of reliability
• Economical