Kyocera receives BSFZ seal of approval for research and development activities for the fourth time
Kyoto/London, 26th February 2026. KYOCERA Fineceramics Europe GmbH has received the Research Allowance Certification Authority (BSFZ) seal of approval for the fourth consecutive time. Three projects were submitted for recognition, all of which met the criteria of novelty, unpredictability and systematic planning.
‘The fact that we have once again been awarded the BSFZ seal highlights our ongoing commitment to innovation in research and development,’ says Dr Nikolaos Katsikis, Kyocera CTO. ‘Additive manufacturing of SiSiC ceramic components represents an important milestone for us, strengthening our technological position in the field of high-performance products.’
Additive manufacturing with SiSiC – maximum design freedom
The current award focuses on developing a highly innovative process for additive manufacturing with silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide (SiSiC), for which Kyocera has now also received the BSFZ seal for 2026. By establishing the binder jetting process at its Selb site, the company is expanding its portfolio in the field of high-performance technical ceramics, creating new opportunities for manufacturing complex, large-format components.
As part of its research and development activities, Kyocera is working continuously to optimise materials and processes further, with the aim of expanding the range of applications for additively manufactured SiSiC components even more in the future.
Other projects: High-pressure containment shells and semiconductor components
In addition to the 3D printing project, which was awarded the 2026 seal, two other research and development projects were also considered for the 2025 BSFZ seal of approval, both of which were designed for particularly challenging application conditions. One of these projects focuses on containment shells made of magnesium oxide-stabilised zirconia. These shells are used as pressure-bearing separating elements in magnetically coupled pumps, including those used for transporting liquefied gases. The project aims to develop a process that is both resource-efficient and cost-effective for manufacturing thin-walled, high-pressure-stable containment shells for cryogenic applications, which are subject to increasingly stringent requirements in terms of high-pressure stability down to -200 °C at up to 94.5 bar.
The second project focuses on optimising silicon nitride plates for use as guide elements in probe cards for semiconductor manufacturing. With over 100,000 test pins per card, considerably higher requirements apply with regard to strength, flatness and surface homogeneity. The new production process enables the manufacture of high-strength silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) ceramics with a flexural strength of over 1150 MPa.
About BSFZ
The Research Allowance Certification Office (BSFZ) is a Federal Ministry of Education and Research institution. It awards the BSFZ seal to companies whose research activities demonstrate a high level of technological relevance and innovation. This recognition helps research-based companies claim tax allowances for research and enhances Germany's profile as a location for innovation.