Advanced Ceramic Manufacturing of SiALON Exhaust Valves

Norton Advanced Ceramic's (NAC) is performing ceramic manufacturing development as part of the DOE-sponsored Advanced Ceramic Manufacturing Technology (ACMT) Program. NAC's ACMT effort is focused on developing a cost effective manufacturing process for a ceramic exhaust valve. An industry team has been assembled to address cost reduction for this ceramic component. Technical progress made by NAC's ACMT industry team in reducing the cost of ceramic valves is summarized within this communication. Particular emphasis is placed on describing progress in the development of intelligent processing systems for the powder processing, spray drying, and forming operations. Ceramic valve manufacturing process enhancements including continuous sintering, high-speed diamond grinding, and cost effective proof testing are summarized as well.