Groupe IMI

Businesses > HARD MATERIALS

With more than thirty years of experience in machining of hard materials, we produce according to our customers' specifications any component, from simple to complex geometric shape, with large or tight tolerances and in a various range of materials.

From prototype to mass production, our specific facilities fit to any kind of batch series.

MACHINERY

For several decades, our processes have been dedicated to hard machining with diamond tools, such as:

CNC Machining with 3 to 5 continuous axis, Turning and milling combination.
Internal/external cylindrical grinding with high frequency drill spindles (60 000 rpm)
Centerless cylindrical grinding (Diameters 3 to 40 mm)
Traditional flat surface grinding with digital Z axis. Possible length 400 mm
Double faced lapping with satellites
Micro-cutting and micro-slotting (0,04mm width groove)
Ultrasonic boring and drilling (diameters 0,8 to 3 mm)
Traditionnal boring (diameters 2 to 60 mm)
Internal diameters enlarging
Lapping and honing
Polishing

MACHINABLE HARD MATERIALS

With specific and complete machinery, HARDEX can proceed the following materials:

Zirconium oxyde (ZrO₂)
Aluminium oxyde(Al₂O₃)
MACOR ®
Silicone nitride (SiN)
Silicone carbide (SiC)
Glass (Pyrex®, borosilicate…)
Ruby
Sapphire…

HEAT TREATMENTS AND OTHER SERVICES:

Hot Isostatic Pressing
Thin metallization
Laser marking and machining
Metal to ceramic and ceramic to ceramic assembly

FORMING OF CERAMIC POWDER

Ceramic Injection Molding technology, which allows, with appropriate tooling, to mold complex shapes and to minimize machining operations while keeping a fair productivity level.

Dry pressing: this technique allows drafting simple shapes matching your requirements and your production rates.

HARDEX remains at your disposal for any furher inquiry and is looking forward to meeting you..