Technical Ceramic Components
for Demanding Applications
From high-volume production runs to prototype development, we manufacture millions of technical ceramic components annually for manufacturers across the appliance, electronics, transportation, energy, medical, and industrial markets.
Our products are particularly advantageous for applications requiring electrical insulation, high-temperature performance, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and long-term dimensional stability.
Whether you're sourcing an existing component, replacing a failing part, or developing a new product, our engineers help identify and manufacture the right ceramic solution for your application.
Our Ceramic Products
Electrical Element Supports
Designed to provide structural support and electrical isolation for heating elements operating in high-temperature environments.
Electrical element supports maintain spacing, alignment, and positioning of heating elements while resisting heat, thermal cycling, and electrical conductivity. They are commonly used in furnaces, industrial heating equipment, appliances, and process heating systems.
Common applications include:
- Heating elements
- Industrial furnaces
- Ovens and kilns
- Process heating equipment
- Thermal systems
Common materials: Cordierite, steatite, and alumina.
Electrical Insulators
Built to electrically isolate conductive components while maintaining dimensional stability in harsh environments.
Ceramic electrical insulators outperform many traditional insulating materials in applications involving elevated temperatures, voltage, wear, and corrosive conditions. They are frequently used in resistor assemblies, electrical equipment, and power systems.
Common applications include:
- Resistors
- Capacitors
- Electrical assemblies
- Power distribution equipment
- Industrial electronics
Common materials: Steatite, alumina, and zirconia.
Igniter Insulators
Engineered to protect ignition systems operating under extreme temperatures and rapid thermal cycling.
Igniter insulators provide reliable electrical isolation while withstanding repeated heating and cooling cycles without cracking or degradation. These components are commonly found in gas appliances, burners, and industrial ignition systems.
Common applications include:
- Gas furnaces
- Water heaters
- Boilers
- Industrial burners
- Ignition systems
Common materials: Alumina and steatite.
Structural Ceramics
High-strength ceramic components designed to provide mechanical support, wear resistance, and dimensional stability in demanding environments.
Structural ceramic components offer an excellent combination of strength, hardness, corrosion resistance, and thermal performance where metals, tungsten carbide or plastics may fail. These products are commonly used in industrial equipment, transportation systems, and wear applications.
Common applications include:
- Wear surfaces
- Mechanical assemblies
- Guides and supports
- Armor and protective systems
- High-temperature fixtures
Common materials: Alumina, zirconia, tungsten carbide, and spinel.
Studs, Spears & Lock Washers
Precision ceramic fastening and positioning components designed for environments where metal hardware cannot perform reliably.
Ceramic studs, spears, and lock washers provide electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, and temperature stability while maintaining long service life in harsh operating conditions.
Common applications include:
- Heating assemblies
- Electrical systems
- Furnace equipment
- Industrial processing equipment
- High-temperature fastening applications
Common materials: Alumina and steatite.
Custom Ceramic Prototypes
From concept development to production-ready tooling, we help manufacturers validate designs and accelerate product development.
Our in-house engineering team works closely with customers to optimize designs for manufacturability, material selection, and long-term performance. With on-site engineering, tooling, machining, and laboratory capabilities, we support projects from prototype quantities through full-scale production.
Whether you have a drawing, sample component, or only a performance requirement, our team can help determine the right solution.
Prototype support includes:
- Design assistance
- Material selection guidance
- Rapid prototyping
- Tooling development
- Production scaling
Why Manufacturers Choose Associated Ceramics
- Manufactured more than 290 million ceramic components in 2024 and 2025.
- Capacity to manufacture more than 1.5 million parts per day.
- Over 155 presses ranging from 2 to 250 tons of pressure.
- In-house ceramic engineers, manufacturing engineers, and tooling designers.
- On-site laboratory and testing capabilities.
- ISO 9001:2015 certified quality system.
- Two U.S. manufacturing facilities supporting domestic production and supply chain stability.
Need Help Identifying the Right Ceramic Product?
Many customers know the performance requirement they need to achieve but are unsure which ceramic product or material is best suited for the application.
Whether you're trying to improve electrical insulation, withstand higher temperatures, reduce wear, or replace an existing component that is failing in the field, our engineering team can help identify the right product and material combination for your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of ceramic products does Associated Ceramics manufacture?
Associated Ceramics manufactures electrical element supports, electrical insulators, igniter insulators, structural ceramic components, ceramic studs and lock washers, and custom prototype components.
Can Associated Ceramics manufacture custom ceramic parts?
Yes. We regularly assist customers with custom designs, prototype development, tooling creation, and production manufacturing.
What ceramic materials are available for these products?
We manufacture products using alumina, cordierite, steatite, zirconia, spinel, tungsten carbide, and other technical ceramic materials depending on performance requirements.
How do I know which ceramic product is right for my application?
Our engineering team works with customers to evaluate operating temperatures, electrical requirements, wear conditions, tolerances, and production needs to determine the best solution.
Can you support both prototypes and high-volume production?
Yes. Associated Ceramics supports projects from initial prototypes through production programs manufacturing millions of parts annually.
Do you stock standard ceramic components?
Associated Ceramics manufactures a wide variety of standard ceramic components and maintains tooling for many common configurations. Depending on the application, existing inventory or tooling may be available to reduce lead times and accelerate production schedules.
Ready to Discuss Your Application?
Whether you're developing a new component, searching for a better supplier, or scaling an existing design into production, our engineers are ready to help.