(Si3N4 Ceramic Extrusion Die Produced by Wintrustek)
An extrusion die is an extrusion tool that extrudes material from a mold to produce a product with the shape and size of the mold bore cross-section. Extrusion dies must be resistant to high temperatures and pressures, as well as to abrasion.
Out of all advanced ceramic materials, silicon nitride (Si3N4) possesses the most diverse mix of mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. It is a high-performance, cutting-edge ceramic with remarkable impact and heat shock resistance and extreme hardness. It has a better combination of oxidation and creep resistance and can withstand temperatures higher than most metals. It is also a great material that can endure the harshest circumstances in the most demanding industrial applications due to its low heat conductivity and strong wear resistance. When high temperatures and high loads are required, silicon nitride is a great option.
In metal forming work, silicon nitride ceramic extrusion is used to extrude and draw copper, brass, and nimonic alloys. Because of its exceptional resistance to wear, corrosion, and thermal shock, the die lasts longer and requires less maintenance. A hot metal is forced through a die in the metal forming processes of extrusion and drawing, usually producing an extruded bar, tube, or wire. The drawing die is put through incredibly taxing conditions during this operation. The die needs to be chemically stable, strong and durable, resistant to heat shock, and maintain its high hot hardness.
Steel has long been used to make the dies for extrusion and drawing of copper, brass, and nimonic alloys. Steel dies, however, are not the best since they can have a limited die life and provide a poor surface polish.
Advanced ceramic dies, of which silicon nitride has shown to be one of the most promising materials, have been studied in an attempt to address these issues with metal dies.
Advantages:
Excellent wear resistance
High temperature strength
Good fracture toughness
Excellent thermal shock resistance
Mechanical fatigue and creep resistance
Excellent non-wettability and good oxidation resistance
