Improved high-performance material for gas-lubricated seals
Kyoto/Esslingen, 07th August 2025. Kyocera is launching StarCeram® N3000 P, an optimised high-performance silicon nitride material that offers clear advantages for use in gas-lubricated mechanical seals and bearing elements. This technical ceramic is designed for applications subject to high mechanical and thermal loads, making it ideal for use in extreme operating conditions.
Advantages of gas-lubricated sealing systems
Thanks to its exceptional material composition, StarCeram® N3000 P ensures reliable sealing with even pressure distribution and minimal leakage – even under high stresses. Its extremely high wear and thermal shock resistance enables long-lasting, stable operation even under changing temperature conditions.
High demands on materials and manufacturing
Gas-lubricated mechanical seals are used in systems where rotating components need to be sealed permanently and without media – often at high temperatures, pressures and speeds. Typical areas of application include high-performance pumps, compressors, turbines and systems for water treatment, in the chemical industry or in oil and gas extraction.
The requirements for materials used in mechanical seals are correspondingly high: besides high dimensional stability, thermal shock resistance and low abrasion, a low-porosity microstructure is particularly important. This is the only way to achieve gas-carrying structures such as sealing grooves with minimal leakage and maximum running smoothness.
Characteristics of StarCeram® N3000 P
Kyocera's new material meets these requirements at the highest level and stands for the following properties:
- High bending strength even at high temperatures
- Outstanding fracture toughness and wear resistance
- Low density
- High thermal shock resistance
- Electrical insulation properties – crucial for applications in vacuum technology
- Very fine, almost pore-free structure
The exceptional material quality with extremely low porosity enables particularly precise and damage-free laser processing, for example for the integration of gas-conducting grooves or special surface structures. It is up to the customer to decide whether the gas-conducting structures are incorporated by them or directly at Kyocera. For this purpose, Kyocera utilises highly advanced laser systems that enable different microstructures, such as recesses or grooves, for flexible and reproducible implementation.
Technology partnership for tailor-made solutions
As an experienced manufacturer of technical ceramics, Kyocera not only offers the material, but also comprehensive technical support as well as the development of customer-specific components. Thanks to many years of expertise and a high level of vertical integration, the company supports its partners with the implementation of ceramic-based solutions for demanding applications.