Silicon Carbide Beam Silicon Carbide Beam Redefining Kiln Support Systems

Short Description:

Silicon carbide (SiC) beams are advanced structural ceramic components manufactured from high-purity silicon carbide raw materials through reaction bonding, pressureless sintering, or recrystallization processes. Known for their exceptional high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and thermal shock resistance, SiC beams have become indispensable load-bearing elements in modern industrial kilns and thermal processing equipment.

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Features

Detailed Diagram

Product Overview

In traditional kilns, beams are often made from refractory bricks or alumina-based materials. While inexpensive, such beams deform easily at high temperatures, degrade quickly in strength, and have a short service life. By contrast, SiC beams can operate continuously at 1380°C–1650°C while maintaining superior mechanical properties. Their service life is 5–10 times longer than that of traditional beams, significantly reducing maintenance costs, downtime, and overall operating expenses.

Key Performance Advantages

High-Temperature Resistance

Capable of long-term operation above 1380°C, with advanced sintered SiC materials tolerating up to 1650°C.
Maintains structural integrity under extreme heat, particularly suitable for large-span load-bearing applications in tunnel kilns and roller kilns.

Superior Mechanical Properties

Typical flexural strength: 250–350 MPa, several times greater than conventional refractory beams.
High hardness (Mohs ~9.0) ensures long-term resistance to wear and deformation.
Excellent creep resistance prevents sagging or collapsing during prolonged service.

Outstanding Thermal Shock Resistance

Withstands rapid heating and cooling cycles without cracking.
Endures temperature fluctuations exceeding 1000°C, ideal for kilns subject to frequent start-stop operations.

Oxidation & Corrosion Resistance

Resists both acidic and alkaline atmospheres, as well as oxidizing environments.
At elevated temperatures, SiC surfaces form a dense SiO₂ protective layer, effectively shielding against further oxidation.

Lightweight & Energy-Saving

Density ranges from 2.6–3.1 g/cm³, lighter than steel, reducing kiln load.
Excellent thermal conductivity improves heat transfer efficiency, lowers fuel consumption, and ensures uniform product firing.

Extended Service Life

Typical service life: 3–5 years or more, compared to only 6–12 months for conventional refractory beams.
Reduced replacement frequency minimizes downtime and maintenance, boosting productivity.

Product Forms & Specifications

SiC beams are designed in multiple configurations to suit different kiln designs and operating requirements:

Round Rod Beams: Diameter range Φ30–Φ80 mm; suitable for light-duty kilns and smaller load-bearing needs.
Solid Square Beams: Cross-sections ranging 30×30 mm – 100×100 mm; ideal for heavy loads and long spans.
Hollow Square / I-Beams: Lightweight with optimized strength-to-weight ratio; widely used in large tunnel kilns and roller kilns.
Customized Shaped Beams: Tailor-made according to customer drawings and kiln structures for maximum compatibility.

Standard Lengths: 500 mm – 4500 mm (longer sizes available upon request).

Application Fields

1. Ceramic Industry

Silicon carbide (SiC) beams are widely used in ceramic production kilns, mainly for load-bearing, support, and heat transfer.

Daily-use ceramics: bowls, plates, cups, and other household porcelain in tunnel kilns and roller kilns.
Sanitary ceramics: toilets, wash basins, and other large products that require strong load-bearing capacity during long-term high-temperature firing.
Building ceramics: floor tiles, wall tiles, and large-size ceramic slabs, where SiC beams ensure stable support and uniform heating.
Technical/structural ceramics: such as alumina or silicon nitride ceramics, which require extremely high firing temperatures and long cycles, making the long lifespan of SiC beams essential.

2. Glass Industry

Glass annealing kilns: supporting structures for bottles, glassware, and flat glass during annealing.
Glass sintering: in specialty glass production (optical glass, display glass, etc.), SiC beams ensure dimensional stability and uniform heat transfer.

Advantages: non-deformation, fast heat conduction, and reduced product defects caused by uneven stress.

3. Metallurgy & Powder Industry

Powder metallurgy sintering: structural parts from iron, stainless steel, and other metallic powders.
Magnetic materials: ferrite magnets, fired at 1200–1400°C, requiring beams with excellent thermal shock resistance and long service life.
Rare earth materials: roasting of rare earth oxides or carbonates, often in complex furnace atmospheres.

SiC beams excel in resisting oxidation and corrosion, making them suitable for harsh metallurgical environments.

4. Chemical & New Energy Materials

Catalyst calcination: zeolites, molecular sieves, and petroleum catalysts fired in high-temperature chemical kilns.
New energy materials:
- Lithium battery cathode materials (NCM, LFP) sintering.
- Hydrogen energy and fuel cell material firing.

Benefits: reduced energy consumption, longer service life, and improved product consistency.

Comparison with Traditional Beams

Property	SiC Beam	Conventional Refractory Beam
Operating Temperature	1380–1650°C	≤1200°C
Flexural Strength	250–350 MPa	20–40 MPa
Thermal Shock Resistance	Excellent	Poor
Service Life	3–5 years	6–12 months
Weight	Lightweight	Heavy
Energy Efficiency	High	Low
Maintenance Costs	Low	High

FAQ – Silicon Carbide Beams

1. What is the maximum operating temperature of silicon carbide beams?

Silicon carbide beams can operate reliably at 1380°C–1650°C without significant deformation or loss of strength. The exact range depends on the manufacturing process (reaction-bonded, pressureless sintered, or recrystallized SiC).

2. What are the advantages of SiC beams compared to traditional refractory beams?

Higher strength (flexural strength 250–350 MPa)
Longer service life (typically 3–5 years, 5–10 times longer than traditional beams)
Lighter weight, reducing kiln structural load
Excellent thermal shock resistance, suitable for frequent kiln start-stop operations
Lower energy consumption, improving thermal efficiency

3. What shapes and sizes are available?

Round beams: Φ30–Φ80 mm
Solid square beams: 30×30 mm – 100×100 mm
Hollow square / I-beams: lightweight designs for large spans
Customized beams: tailor-made according to kiln drawings and requirements

Length range: 500–4500 mm (custom sizes available).

About Us

XKH specializes in high-tech development, production, and sales of special optical glass and new crystal materials. Our products serve optical electronics, consumer electronics, and the military. We offer Sapphire optical components, mobile phone lens covers, Ceramics, LT, Silicon Carbide SIC, Quartz, and semiconductor crystal wafers. With skilled expertise and cutting-edge equipment, we excel in non-standard product processing, aiming to be a leading optoelectronic materials high-tech enterprise.