Ceramic Setter Tape
Summary
C12 Separator Powder Sheets (also known as SPS sheets, kiln paper, and ceramic setter release tapes) are an effective, low-cost solution for eliminating problems with sticking, cracking, and warping that make firing delicate green forms and sinterable components challenging. Separator Powder Sheets are ideal for providing highly uniform distributions of ceramic setter powders, which may be impossible to accomplish otherwise.
Description
C12 Separator Powder Sheets are thin, flexible sheets comprised of specially processed, high-purity zirconium oxide (ZrO2) aluminum oxide (Al2O3), or magnesium oxide (MgO) particles. Separator Powder Sheets are an effective, low-cost solution for eliminating problems with sticking, cracking, and warping that make firing delicate green forms and sintering components challenging.
C12 SPS Sheets are comprised of high purity ceramic particles in a proprietary binder that is free of phthalates and engineered to burn out cleanly at low temperatures. A thin, highly uniform layer of inert refractory particles is deposited between the surface of the setter plate and the parts that are being fired. This inert layer of particles resists sintering, and provides a low friction surface that allows for shrinkage of green parts with minimal stress, sticking, and distortion. C12 SPS sheets are highly flexibile and conformal and can be easily used to line setter trays and 3D surfaces.
Lighter-grade Separator Powder Sheets are ideal for firing flat ceramic plates, SOFC's, tapecast ceramics, PZT/PLZT piezoceramics, and other delicate parts that require high surface quality and low distortion. Heavier-grade Separator Powder Sheets are also available for firing medium to larger sized technical ceramics with superior results.
The Advantages of Separator Powder Sheets
♦ Reduces labor costs associated with applying sands and powders.♦ Eliminates sticking, setter drag, and cracking of fragile parts during firing.♦ Allows for stacking of ceramic parts, maximizing furnace capacity and efficiency.♦ Produces thin ceramic plates that are crack-free and flat.♦ Improves yields and quality.♦ Reduces lead loss in PLZT and PZT piezoceramics.♦ Reduces contamination and prolongs life of setter plates.
♦ Allows use of weighted cover plates to prevent warping.
PZT ceramic plate fired with conventional sifted setter powders shows distortion, setter drag and cracks.
A microscopic representation of the effects of setter powder on a ceramic part. Conventional setter powders are typically brushed or sifted onto parts before firing. Cracks, deformation, and sticking often result because it is very difficult to distribute powders evenly.
Stack of thin ceramic tapes with Separator Powder Sheets inserted between each tape, prior to firing.
Separator Powder Sheets are inserted between pressed PZT/piezoceramic disks before firing.
An Identical PZT plate fired with Separator Powder Sheets is distortion and crack free.
A microscopic representation of a Separator Powder Sheet in use. Specially-processed, inert ceramic powders are deposited in thin, highly uniform layers with SPS Sheets. After firing, parts are flat, crack-free and have superior surface quality.
Applications
Separator Powder Sheets are ideal for firing difficult components such as thin ceramic tapes or Pb-containing PZT/PLZT piezoceramics.
Separator Powder Sheets are optimally formulated in various grades to be compatible with challenging materials such as:♦ Piezoceramics, Pb-containing ceramics, LTCC and glass ceramics♦ Thin plates, tapecast ceramicsSolid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)♦ Specialty capacitors and varistors.♦ Powdered metallurgy compacts♦ Superconductors
Separator Powder Sheets are optimally formulated in various grades to be compatible with challenging materials such as:♦ Piezoceramics, Pb-containing ceramics, LTCC and glass ceramics♦ Thin plates, tapecast ceramicsSolid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)♦ Specialty capacitors and varistors.♦ Powdered metallurgy compacts♦ Superconductors