Zirconia, a high-performance ceramic material, makes up the main composition of ceramic blades. They are well-suited for cutting tasks that call for a sharp and long-lasting edge since they are exceptionally hard and has good wear resistance.
Characteristics of Ceramic Blades
Hardness and Sharpness
Ceramic blades are incredibly hard, typically exceeding the hardness of convntional steel blades. This hardness enables them to keep their sharpness for an extended period of time, reducing the needs for frequent sharpening.
Light Weight
Compared to steel blades of the same size and strength, ceramic blades are significantly lighter. Because of their light weight, they are simple to handle and control, which lessens user fatigue during cutting tasks.
Corrosion Resistance
Ceramic blades have a high level of corrosion resistance. They are less likely to rust or oxidize when exposed to moisture or some chemicals than steel blades are. This corrosion resistance makes them appropriate for usage in damp environments or acidic substances. For example, they can be used as diving knife blades.
Non-Reactive
Ceramic blades work well in food-related applications since they don't react to acidic or alkaline substances. They do not react with acidic ingredients as steel blades do, thus keeping the flavour and appearance of the food.
Non-Magnetic
Ceramic blades have the benefit of not being magnetic, which is advantageous when handling textiles that are sensitive to magnetic fields or in other situations where metal waste is undesired.
Limitations
Although ceramic blades have numerous benefits, they also have some disadvantages. Since they are more brittle than steel blades, they are more likely to chip or break under heavy lateral force or impact. Additionally, they are not suitable for cutting hard things (such frozen foods or bones).
UNIPRETEC stocks a vast variety of blade products; please contact us for specific blade sizes and prices. The factory of UNIPRETEC has numerous processing devices, and can customize blades with complex shapes as follows:
| Ceramic high speed machine drawing blade | Cleaning safety blade |
| Cement bag woven bag cutting blade | Curtain carpet cutting blade |
| 9 and 18mm utility blade | Tube cutter |
| Carving knife blade | Octagonal blades for sewing equipment |
| Scalpel blade | PVC/PET slitting three-hole blade |
| Automotive film shovel blade | Stanley trapezoidal blade |
Production Method of Ceramic Blades
Ceramic blade manufacture consists of several complex processes:
Aluminum oxide or zirconium dioxide powder of high purity is made. The mechanical qualities of the blade may be improved by combining this powder with stabilizers such yttrium oxide.
Forming: Using methods like dry pressing or injection molding, the powder is formed into blade blanks. The final blades will be sintered into exact, uniform forms made possible by these techniques.
To accomplish densification, the produced blanks are heated in a controlled environment to high temperatures (between 1400°C and 1600°C). A hard, dense blade is the outcome of sintering, which joins the ceramic particles.
The blades are honed to their final form and sharpness after sintering. Because ceramic is so hard, diamond-coated grinding wheels are usually employed. One may also polish to get a polished, smooth edge.
To guarantee that every blade satisfies the necessary standards for hardness, sharpness, and dimensional correctness, it is subjected to stringent quality control inspections.
Applications for Ceramic Blades
Because of its special qualities, ceramic blades find use in many different industries:
Kitchen blades: Sharper than steel blades, ceramic kitchen knives are well-liked for their durability. While they are great for slicing fruits, vegetables, and boneless meats, exercise caution to prevent chipping on harsh surfaces.
Ceramic blades find use in medical and dental tools, where sterility and accuracy are critical. For sensitive operations, their ability to keep sharpness and resist corrosion is ideal.
Industrial Cutting Tools: Ceramic blades are used for cutting and trimming tasks in sectors like textiles and electronics. Long-term continuous performance is guaranteed by their robustness and resistance to wear.
Razor Blades: A more durable alternative to conventional steel blades are ceramic razor blades. They shave closely and smoothly, and those with sensitive skin will especially benefit from them.
Ceramic blades are used in labs to cut samples and get things ready for examination. Perfect for delicate jobs, they are chemically inert and precise.
Operation and Upkeep
Though ceramic blades are rather robust, they need to be properly maintained to last as long as possible:
Steer Clear of Hard Surfaces: Using ceramic blades on hard surfaces like glass or stone might cause them to crack or shatter. Cutting boards made of plastic or wood are softer surfaces that are recommended.
Ceramic knives should be hand cleaned with a mild detergent and dried right away to avoid damage. Steer clear of dishwashers and harsh sponges as they may chip.
To avoid inadvertent damage, store ceramic blades in knife blocks or protective sheaths. They chip less easily if you keep them apart from other utensils.
Sharpening: Ceramic blades might ultimately need to be sharpened even if they last a long while. Because ceramic material is so hard, specific diamond sharpening equipment is required.
