95% Alumina Metallized Ceramic Tubes Alumina and Zirconia Ceramic Sleeves With Metallization

Metallized ceramic tubes are made by applying a special process to the surface (end face, inner bore, or outer wall) of ceramic tubes such as alumina and zirconia. A metal layer is formed, through specialized processing techniques, to create a strong, dense, and weldable metal layer bonded to the ceramic base.

Metallized ceramic tubes are high-tech composite components that perfectly combine the advantages of ceramic and metal. Their core purpose is to achieve a hermetic "ceramic-to-metal" seal, thereby combining the excellent properties of ceramic (insulation, high-temperature resistance, and low loss) with the convenience of metal (conductivity, ease of welding, and high-strength connections).

Metallized ceramic tubes are the culmination of advanced ceramic technology, metallurgical technology, and vacuum technology. They are no longer simple structural parts, but core key components with highly integrated functions.

The core value of metallized ceramic tubes lies in their comprehensive capabilities:

1. Hermeticity: This is the most important performance characteristic. A successful metallized seal ensures the long-term stability of the internal vacuum or specific atmosphere, preventing the intrusion of moisture and impurities.

2. A combination of high insulation and electrical conductivity: The ceramic tube body is an excellent insulator, while the metallized layer is a good conductor. This enables it to both isolate high voltages and conduct current through the metal layer.

3. Excellent high-temperature resistance: Inheriting the high-temperature resistance of ceramics, it can operate stably and long-term in high-temperature environments.

4. High mechanical strength and excellent thermal cycling performance: The high-quality metallized interface can withstand mechanical stress and drastic temperature fluctuations (thermal cycling) without cracking or leaking.

5. Weldability: The surface metal layer (usually nickel-plated) can be easily brazed or laser-welded to metal electrodes, housings, or other components, just like a metal part, facilitating integrated assembly.

Metallized ceramic tubes are used in nearly every high-tech field:

1. Vacuum Electron Devices

• Traveling-wave tubes, magnetrons, and klystrons: As part of their vacuum-sealed enclosures. Metallized ceramic tubes serve as both a supporting structure and an insulating component for high-frequency circuits. Metallized end rings also provide a vacuum-tight connection to metal electrodes. This is their most classic and high-end application.

2. Semiconductor & Laser Packaging

• High-power laser (LD) packaging: Used to encapsulate laser chips. The ceramic tube provides insulation, thermal conductivity, and structural support. The metallized end faces are used for welding windows and heat sinks, creating a hermetic package that protects the core chip.
• Aerospace-grade IC packaging: Used for hermetic packaging of high-reliability integrated circuits.

3. New Energy & Power Electronics

• High-voltage DC contactors and vacuum relays: Serving as the insulating enclosure of vacuum interrupter chambers. The metallized end caps are welded to the metal moving and static contacts, creating a sealed vacuum environment for rapid arc extinguishing and circuit interruption.
• Sodium-sulfur batteries: Serves as a sealing connector between the solid electrolyte and the metal end cap.

4. Sensors & Detectors

• Pressure sensors: Pressure sensing units used in high-temperature and corrosive environments.
• Particle detectors: Serves as sealing and insulating components for detectors in high-energy physics experiments.

5. Aerospace & Military

• Used in various electronic and power systems requiring long life, high reliability, and resistance to extreme environments.