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Pre-Series Materials
Lithoz is constantly working on research projects involving new and exciting materials.
Telecommunications and high-frequency applications
Diverse dielectric ceramic materials exhibit extremely high permittivity and low loss factors, making them the ideal candidates for antennas, filters or resonator components. Such parts are commonly used in high-frequency applications, such as 5G wireless communication systems or telecommunications. Using powerful Lithoz LCM technology, it is currently possible to process a range of different dielectric materials with varying permittivities (dieletric constants) between 20 and 60. These materials are opening the door to groundbreaking new applications and innovative ideas.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
Electrical components
Piezoelectric components are key elements in a variety of electrical components, sensors and actuators. Lithoz works with the most widely used piezoceramics, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), but is also actively developing lead-free alternatives such as barium titanate or potassium sodium niobate (KNN). Novel piezoelectric designs, only achievable using AM technology, allow for an increase of power and/or enable miniaturization.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
For extreme environments
Yttria (yttrium oxide, Y2O3) has many potential applications in the technical ceramics field. Due to its high corrosion resistance in extreme environments, components made of yttria find use in plasma-etching in the semiconductor industry. Additively manufactured dense yttria components can potentially replace porous yttria-coated parts in the semiconductor industry due to their superior stability in plasma environment. It also finds application as an aerospace and glass material for extreme conditions. Transparent yttria is also a prospective material for solid state lasers.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
An alternative to conventional glass
Transparent ceramics offer significantly higher properties of hardness and strength compared to conventional glass, making them perfect for applications where glass is unusable due to its (thermo)mechanical limits. Applications include jewellery and medicine (particularly in dentistry), but they are also used in the electro-optical field for applications such as optical switches, laser amplifiers and lenses, to name just a few.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
Powered by Glassomer
After intensive cooperation with glass manufacturer Glassomer, Lithoz has launched the new LithaGlass material. As a slurry with a base of quartz glass, the fact that it can be 3D-printed makes LithaGlass a ground- breaking new achievement, combining the design freedom of 3D printing with the desirable properties of high-performance fused silica glass – such as mechanical stability and high thermal and chemical resistance, as well as low thermal expansion and a resulting high resistance to thermal shock.
Jointly developed with Ivoclar
Lithium disilicate is widely used for manufacturing dental restorations where aesthetics are particularly important. With 3D printing constantly evolving, it will be possible via additive manufacturing to produce ceramic restorations with similar properties to IPS e.max lithium disilicate products.