Custom steatite parts

In the fast-paced world of electrical engineering, materials are often judged by two criteria: reliability and cost-efficiency. While Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) often gets the spotlight for its hardness, there is another material that silently powers millions of devices worldwide: Steatite. Specifically, the C221 grade of Steatite.   Steatite ceramic is a magnesium silicate material. In the international standard IEC 60672, the most common high-frequency grade is designated as Type C221. Unlike standard porcelain, C221 Steatite is crystalline. It is composed primarily of soapstone (talc) which is fired at high temperatures (approx. 1300°C) to form a dense structure of magnesium metasilicate crystals. Why the "C221" designation matters: When an engineer specifies "C221" on a blueprint, they aren't just asking for "ceramic." They are demanding a specific set of performance guarantees: Low Dielectric Loss: It doesn't absorb energy in high-frequency electric fields. High Mechanical Strength: It resists structural fatigue. Excellent Electrical Resistivity: It stays non-conductive even at high temperatures.   Key Properties     A. Superior High-Frequency Insulation The defining characteristic of C221 is its low dissipation factor. In simple terms, when electricity vibrates at high frequencies (like in radio equipment or modern EV components), standard insulators heat up and leak energy. High frequency steatite insulators, however, remain cool and efficient. This makes them ideal for wave filters, antenna bases, and inter-connector spacers. B. Thermal Stability (Non-Combustible) Plastics melt; C221 Steatite endures. With a safe operating temperature of up to 1000°C, it is the perfect housing for heating elements. This is why our Steatite terminal blocks are widely used in industrial ovens and kilns where standard thermoplastics would fail catastrophically. C. Manufacturing Precision Because Steatite is softer than Alumina before firing, it is easier to form into complex shapes. This allows for high-precision manufacturing of intricate Custom steatite parts with tight tolerances.   C221 Technical Data Sheet     Property Unit Value (Typical C221) Density g/cm³ 2.7 - 2.9 Water Absorption % 0 (Impervious) Flexural Strength MPa 140 - 160 Dielectric Strength kV/mm > 20 Max Operating Temp °C 1000 Volume Resistivity (20°C) Ω·cm > 10^14     Applications    Heating Industry: Supporting elements in band heaters, cartridge heaters, and Steatite terminal blocks.  Automotive: Fuse bodies and insulating spacers in EV battery systems.  Lighting: Sockets for high-intensity halogen or LED lamps.  Electronics: Substrates and stand-offs for high-frequency circuits.   Whether you need standard Steatite terminal blocks or complex Custom steatite parts for a new automotive project, the quality of the raw material and the forming process matters. With over a decade of experience and exports to 100+ countries, Yixing Shenxing Technology Co., Ltd. is your trusted source for precision technical ceramics.   FAQ   Q: What is the difference between Steatite and Alumina? A: Alumina (Aluminum Oxide) is harder, stronger, and conducts heat better, but it is more expensive and difficult to machine. Steatite ceramic is more cost-effective and offers superior insulation properties specifically for high-frequency electrical applications.   Q: Is Steatite ceramic waterproof? A: Yes. High quality C221 Steatite produced via dry pressing and proper sintering (like at Yixing Shenxing) is non-porous and has 0% water absorption, making it impervious to moisture.   Q: Can Steatite be glazed? A: Absolutely. While the material itself is impervious, we often apply a glaze to Steatite terminal blocks to prevent dust accumulation and make the surface easier to clean in industrial environments.