Precision Ceramic Pins
Precision ceramic pins are cylindrical components manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances for positioning, alignment, guiding, and lifting functions. Technical ceramics are considered when metal pins cannot meet requirements for electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, non-magnetic operation, or high-temperature performance. Engineering factors include OD tolerance, roundness, surface finish, straightness, and mating bore fit. Korecera manufactures custom ceramic pins from customer drawings in Alumina, Zirconia, and Silicon Nitride.
Pin Types & Functions
Each pin subtype serves a distinct engineering purpose. All types are manufactured from customer drawings to the required geometry and tolerance.
Locating Pins
Function: Precise positioning of mating components in assemblies
Typical Geometry: Cylindrical with chamfered entry, tight OD tolerance
Alignment Pins
Function: Maintain coaxial alignment between stacked or adjacent parts
Typical Geometry: Cylindrical, often with shoulder or head
Guide Pins
Function: Direct linear motion of moving components
Typical Geometry: Extended length, polished surface for sliding contact
Lift Pins
Function: Elevate wafers or substrates within process chambers
Typical Geometry: Slender shaft with precision tip geometry
Available Ceramic Materials
| Material | Relevant Characteristic | When Considered | Manufacturing Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alumina (Al₂O₃) | High hardness, good dielectric, cost-effective | General industrial positioning, electrical isolation | Standard OD grinding, polishing |
| Zirconia (ZrO₂) | Highest fracture toughness, self-lubricating | Wear-prone guide applications, snap-fit assemblies | OD grinding, fine polishing for low friction |
| Silicon Nitride (Si₃N₄) | Lightweight, thermal shock resistant, high strength | High-temperature environments, rotating guide systems | OD grinding, controlled edge preparation |
Critical Features
| Critical Feature | Engineering Significance | Manufacturing Consideration | Inspection Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside Diameter (OD) | Defines fit with mating bore; determines positioning accuracy | Cylindrical grinding with controlled infeed | CMM, laser micrometer |
| Roundness | Ensures consistent contact and uniform load distribution | Fine grinding pass, spark-out cycles | Roundness tester |
| Surface Finish | Affects friction, wear rate, and sliding performance | Polishing with progressively finer media | Surface roughness tester (Ra) |
| Length | Determines engagement depth and assembly stack height | Cut-off and end grinding | CMM, height gauge |
| Straightness | Critical for guide pins to prevent binding in linear motion | Centerless grinding, multiple passes | CMM, V-block + indicator |
| Chamfer / Tip Geometry | Facilitates insertion into mating bore without damage | CNC grinding, edge profiling | Optical comparator, video measuring |
Capability Context
Where relevant to pin manufacturing, Korecera's demonstrated capabilities include:
| Capability | Relevance to Pins |
|---|---|
| Dimensional tolerance ±0.003 mm | OD control for press-fit and slip-fit applications |
| Roundness ≤0.0005 mm | Uniform contact in alignment and guide applications |
| Surface finish Ra 0.02 μm | Low friction for sliding guide pin surfaces |
| Parallelism ≤0.002 mm | End face perpendicularity for shoulder pins |
Capabilities shown represent demonstrated or achievable manufacturing results. Final specifications depend on ceramic material, part size, geometry, feature location, wall thickness, surface requirements and inspection method. Requirements are confirmed during drawing review.
Typical Applications
Semiconductor Equipment
Wafer lift pins, chamber alignment, robotic end-effector positioning
Industrial Automation
Fixture locating, jig alignment, conveyor guide systems
AI Hardware & Data Centers
Heat sink alignment, connector positioning, server rack assembly
Precision Optics
Lens barrel alignment, optical bench positioning
What to Include in Your Drawing or RFQ
- -Material / grade (e.g., 99.5% Alumina, Y-TZP)
- -Drawing or CAD file (2D PDF/DWG or 3D STEP/IGS)
- -Critical dimensions: OD, length, chamfer angle
- -Tolerance / GD&T (OD tolerance, roundness, straightness)
- -Surface finish requirements (Ra value)
- -Quantity (prototype or production volume)
- -Inspection requirements (FAI, CMM report)
- -Operating conditions (temperature, environment)