What is a silicon carbide ceramic tray used for?

A silicon carbide ceramic tray is used to support ceramic parts, metal powder compacts, substrates and other workpieces during sintering, firing, calcination or high-temperature heat treatment. It is commonly used in batch furnaces, tunnel kilns, shuttle kilns, roller kilns, vacuum furnaces and controlled-atmosphere furnace systems.

Why choose a SiC ceramic tray instead of an alumina tray?

SiC ceramic trays are usually selected when the process requires better thermal shock resistance, higher hot strength, better dimensional stability or longer repeated-use performance than standard alumina trays. Alumina trays are still suitable for many clean firing and laboratory processes, but SiC is preferred for harsher thermal cycling or heavier loading conditions.

Can silicon carbide trays be customized to my furnace size?

Yes. ADCERAX can manufacture SiC ceramic trays according to customer drawings, samples or furnace layout requirements. Length, width, height, wall thickness, support ribs, holes, grooves, notches, edge design and surface finish can be reviewed according to the furnace chamber, loading method and part geometry.

Which SiC material is suitable for my tray application?

The best material depends on temperature, atmosphere, loading weight, contact material and cleaning method. Reaction-bonded SiC is commonly used for structural kiln furniture and larger tray shapes, nitride-bonded SiC is suitable for repeated kiln furniture use, and pressureless sintered SiC is preferred when higher density or stronger chemical resistance is required.

Can SiC trays be used in vacuum or inert atmosphere furnaces?

Yes, SiC trays can be used in vacuum, inert gas and controlled-atmosphere furnaces when the material system is compatible with the process. Before quotation, ADCERAX recommends confirming the atmosphere, peak temperature, contact material and cleaning method to avoid unexpected reaction, oxidation behavior or contamination risk.

How can I reduce cracking or warping during tray use?

Cracking and warping can be reduced by selecting proper tray thickness, avoiding sudden thermal shock, distributing the load evenly, matching the tray support span to the furnace structure and avoiding cold water contact when the tray is hot. For wide trays or heavy loads, reinforced bottom structures or support ribs may be recommended.

Silicon Carbide Ceramic Tray for Sintering Furnaces

What Is a Silicon Carbide Ceramic Tray?

Silicon carbide ceramic trays are high-temperature support components used to carry ceramic parts, metal powder compacts, electronic ceramic substrates, oxide ceramic parts and other workpieces through sintering, firing, calcination or heat-treatment cycles. Compared with common alumina trays, SiC trays provide higher thermal shock resistance, stronger hot strength and better dimensional stability under repeated furnace loading.

ADCERAX supplies standard rectangular and round SiC ceramic trays, as well as drawing-based custom trays for batch furnaces, tunnel kilns, shuttle kilns, roller kilns, vacuum furnaces and controlled-atmosphere thermal processing lines. Tray size, wall thickness, support ribs, surface finish, edge design and loading pattern can be adjusted after reviewing the working temperature, atmosphere, workpiece weight and furnace structure.

Why Use SiC Trays in High-Temperature Sintering?

In sintering and firing processes, the tray is not only a carrier. It affects heat transfer, part flatness, contamination risk and loading stability. Silicon carbide ceramic trays are selected when standard refractory trays deform, crack, release particles or shorten maintenance intervals under repeated high-temperature cycles.

Engineering Requirement	Why SiC Ceramic Helps
High-temperature loading	SiC maintains better strength and rigidity at elevated temperature than many standard oxide ceramic supports.
Thermal cycling	Low thermal expansion and good thermal shock resistance help reduce cracking during repeated heating and cooling.
Flat part support	Properly designed tray geometry helps reduce warping risk for substrates, discs and compacted parts.
Low contamination risk	Dense SiC surfaces can reduce particle shedding when the material and surface finish are correctly selected.
Furnace integration	Rectangular, round, notched, ribbed or custom trays can be designed for different kiln loading systems.

Advantages of Silicon Carbide Ceramic Trays

Controlled dimensional accuracy – Tray size, thickness and flatness can be reviewed according to furnace layout, support span and drawing requirements.
Repeated furnace cycle stability – SiC ceramic trays are suitable for repeated high-temperature use when loading weight, heating rate and cooling conditions are properly controlled.
Custom geometry support – Rectangular, round, grooved, notched, ribbed, stepped and drawing-based tray designs are available for different furnace systems.
Lower defect risk – Proper material selection and surface finish help reduce warping, particle release and contact-related defects during sintering.
Strong ceramic body – Dense SiC ceramic structure helps reduce edge abrasion, handling damage and crack-initiation risk during furnace loading and unloading.

SiC Ceramic Tray Properties

Property	Unit	Reaction-sintered SiC (SiSiC)	Nitride-Bonded Silicon Carbide (NBSiC)	Pressureless Sintered Silicon Carbide (SSiC)
Free Silicon Content	%	85	80	99
Free Silicon Content	%	15	0	0
Density	g/cm3	3.02	2.72	3.1-3.15
Max. Service Temp.	℃	≤1380	1550	≤1600
Vickers Hardness	kg/mm2（HV）	2500	2500	2800
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	K-1×10-6	4.5	5	4.1
Bending Strength	Mpa（20℃）	250	160	380
Bending Strength	Mpa（1200℃）	280	180	400
Modulus of Elasticity	Gpa（20℃）	330	220	420
Modulus of Elasticity	Gpa（1200℃）	300	/	/
Thermal Conductivity	W/m.k（1200℃）	45	15	74
Porosity	%	<0.1	12	<0.1

Standard SiC Tray Shapes and Size Options

ADCERAX provides both standard SiC tray formats and custom dimensions. Standard trays are suitable for quick replacement or sample testing, while custom trays are recommended when the furnace has fixed loading rails, limited chamber space, special stacking methods or strict part-flatness requirements.

Type 1-Rectangular SIC Ceramic Trays

Item	Length（mm)	Width(mm)	Height(mm)	Thickness(mm)
AT-SIC-G1037	51.5	25.5	20.5	3.5
AT-SIC-G1038	70	70	25	5
AT-SIC-G1039	80.5	67.5	21	5
AT-SIC-G1040	100	100	30	4
AT-SIC-G1041	100	30	25	5
AT-SIC-G1042	122	49	37	5
AT-SIC-G1043	150	150	80	5.5
AT-SIC-G1044	160	160	72	7
AT-SIC-G1045	175	175	50	6
AT-SIC-G1046	180	70	35	5.5
AT-SIC-G1047	190	80	40	6
AT-SIC-G1048	200	35	8	5.5
AT-SIC-G1049	265	175	20	8
AT-SIC-G1050	300	300	110	6
AT-SIC-G1051	300	300	150	6.5
AT-SIC-G1052	300	300	175	7.5
AT-SIC-G1053	320	320	110	6.5
AT-SIC-G1054	320	320	48	5.5
AT-SIC-G1055	320	320	60	6
AT-SIC-G1056	320	320	75	6
AT-SIC-G1057	320	320	80	7
AT-SIC-G1058	320	320	85	8
AT-SIC-G1059	490	255	50	10

Type 2-Round SIC Ceramic Trays

Item	Outer Diameter（mm)	Inner Diameter(mm)	Height(mm)	Thickness(mm)
AT-SIC-G1001	10.0	7.8	19.0	1.1
AT-SIC-G1002	12	8	26	2
AT-SIC-G1003	14.5	10.5	33.5	2
AT-SIC-G1004	20	16	31	2
AT-SIC-G1005	22	16	80	3
AT-SIC-G1006	23	19	81	2
AT-SIC-G1007	28	21	110	3.5
AT-SIC-G1008	29	22	17.5	3.5
AT-SIC-G1009	29	24	19.7	2.5
AT-SIC-G1010	32.5	26.5	29	3
AT-SIC-G1011	38	29	32.5	4.5
AT-SIC-G1012	38	29.8	45	4.1
AT-SIC-G1013	41	33	71.5	4
AT-SIC-G1014	42	33	73	4.5
AT-SIC-G1015	45	38	18	3.5
AT-SIC-G1016	47.5	38	74	4.75
AT-SIC-G1017	51	41	122	5
AT-SIC-G1018	51	44	73	3.5
AT-SIC-G1019	52	39	144	6.5
AT-SIC-G1020	53	42	124	5.5
AT-SIC-G1021	60	51	100	4.5
AT-SIC-G1022	61	51	102	5
AT-SIC-G1023	61	52	102	4.5
AT-SIC-G1024	61.5	53	122	4.25
AT-SIC-G1025	63	52	103.5	5.5
AT-SIC-G1026	65	55	64.5	5
AT-SIC-G1027	71	61	111	5
AT-SIC-G1028	72.5	62.5	113	5
AT-SIC-G1029	73	62.5	125.5	5.25
AT-SIC-G1030	80	58	91	11
AT-SIC-G1031	93	83	103	5
AT-SIC-G1032	94	83.5	104.5	5.25
AT-SIC-G1033	100	92	132	4
AT-SIC-G1034	104	90	182	7
AT-SIC-G1035	105	95	135.5	5
AT-SIC-G1036	380	344	255	18

How to Select the Right SiC Tray Material？

Different silicon carbide material systems behave differently under furnace temperature, atmosphere and loading conditions. Before confirming the tray design, ADCERAX reviews whether reaction-bonded SiC, nitride-bonded SiC or pressureless sintered SiC is more suitable for the application.

Material Option	Better For	Selection Note
Reaction-Bonded SiC	General high-temperature trays, kiln furniture, structural supports and larger custom shapes.	Suitable when dimensional stability, thermal shock resistance and cost control are balanced.
Nitride-Bonded SiC	Kiln furniture and thermal-processing supports where oxidation behavior and mechanical stability are both important.	Often used for repeated firing cycles and industrial furnace support parts.
Pressureless Sintered SiC	Higher-density applications requiring stronger chemical resistance and lower porosity.	Recommended when corrosion, high purity or aggressive process media are major concerns.

For heavy loading, wide-span tray support or repeated rapid heating cycles, tray thickness and reinforcement design are often more important than material grade alone.

Silicon Carbide Ceramic Tray Packing

Each tray is individually packed using PE foam surfaces and double-corrugated cartons.

Applications of Silicon Carbide Ceramic Trays

Silicon carbide ceramic trays are used in furnace positions where the support surface must remain stable under repeated heating, cooling and loading. They are commonly selected for electronic ceramic firing, powder metallurgy sintering, oxide ceramic processing, kiln loading systems and controlled-atmosphere heat treatment.

Electronic Ceramic and Substrate Firing

SiC trays provide a rigid support surface for ceramic substrates, discs, insulating parts and small precision components. A stable tray helps reduce uneven shrinkage, local warping and contact-related defects during high-temperature firing.

Powder Metallurgy and Compact Sintering

For powder metallurgy parts and compacted green bodies, tray flatness and thermal stability are critical. Proper SiC tray design helps maintain part positioning while reducing tray deformation during repeated furnace cycles.

Kiln Loading and Batch Furnace Support

In shuttle kilns, tunnel kilns and batch furnaces, SiC trays can be customized for stacking, rail loading or tray-to-tray spacing. Edge geometry, tray height and support ribs should be matched to the kiln furniture layout.

Vacuum and Controlled-Atmosphere Furnaces

SiC trays can be used in vacuum, inert or controlled-atmosphere furnace environments after material compatibility review. ADCERAX recommends confirming the operating atmosphere, contact material and cleaning method before final selection.

Advanced Oxide Ceramic Processing

For alumina, zirconia and other oxide ceramic parts, SiC trays can support high-temperature firing where dimensional stability and repeated-use durability are required.

Usage Guidelines for Longer Tray Stability

Proper use directly affects the service stability of silicon carbide ceramic trays. Thermal shock, uneven support, overloading, improper cleaning and direct cold contact can shorten tray life even when the material is correctly selected.

Heating

Use a controlled ramp rate before the tray enters high-temperature zones. Gradual heating helps reduce thermal shock, especially when the tray is loaded with dense ceramic parts, metal powder compacts or unevenly distributed workpieces.

Cooling

Avoid sudden cold air, water contact or direct placement on cold metal surfaces when the tray is still hot. Rapid cooling may create thermal stress between the tray surface and internal structure, increasing the risk of cracking.

Loading

Keep the workpiece load evenly distributed across the tray surface. Avoid concentrated point loading, sharp contact edges or heavy parts placed only on unsupported areas, as these conditions may cause local stress and deformation.

Support

Match tray thickness and support span to the furnace rail, setter plate or kiln furniture structure. Wide trays, heavy loads or high-temperature cycles may require reinforced bottoms, ribs or additional support points.

Cleaning

Remove deposits by suitable dry cleaning methods after the tray cools naturally. Avoid aggressive scraping, strong chemical cleaning or impact cleaning unless material compatibility has been confirmed for the specific SiC grade and process residue.

Handling

Handle the tray carefully during loading, unloading and stacking. Avoid impact on edges, corners and thin walls, because small chips may expand into cracks during repeated heating and cooling cycles.

Silicon Carbide Ceramic Tray FAQ

Q: What is a silicon carbide ceramic tray used for?
A silicon carbide ceramic tray is used to support ceramic parts, metal powder compacts, substrates and other workpieces during sintering, firing, calcination or high-temperature heat treatment. It is commonly used in batch furnaces, tunnel kilns, shuttle kilns, roller kilns, vacuum furnaces and controlled-atmosphere furnace systems.
Q: Why choose a SiC ceramic tray instead of an alumina tray?
A: SiC ceramic trays are usually selected when the process requires better thermal shock resistance, higher hot strength, better dimensional stability or longer repeated-use performance than standard alumina trays. Alumina trays are still suitable for many clean firing and laboratory processes, but SiC is preferred for harsher thermal cycling or heavier loading conditions.
Q: Can silicon carbide trays be customized to my furnace size?
A: Yes. ADCERAX can manufacture SiC ceramic trays according to customer drawings, samples or furnace layout requirements. Length, width, height, wall thickness, support ribs, holes, grooves, notches, edge design and surface finish can be reviewed according to the furnace chamber, loading method and part geometry.
Q: Which SiC material is suitable for my tray application?
A: The best material depends on temperature, atmosphere, loading weight, contact material and cleaning method. Reaction-bonded SiC is commonly used for structural kiln furniture and larger tray shapes, nitride-bonded SiC is suitable for repeated kiln furniture use, and pressureless sintered SiC is preferred when higher density or stronger chemical resistance is required.
Q: Can SiC trays be used in vacuum or inert atmosphere furnaces?
A: Yes, SiC trays can be used in vacuum, inert gas and controlled-atmosphere furnaces when the material system is compatible with the process. Before quotation, ADCERAX recommends confirming the atmosphere, peak temperature, contact material and cleaning method to avoid unexpected reaction, oxidation behavior or contamination risk.
Q: How can I reduce cracking or warping during tray use?
A: Cracking and warping can be reduced by selecting proper tray thickness, avoiding sudden thermal shock, distributing the load evenly, matching the tray support span to the furnace structure and avoiding cold water contact when the tray is hot. For wide trays or heavy loads, reinforced bottom structures or support ribs may be recommended.

Catalogue No.	AT-SIC-G1037
Material	Silicon Carbide Ceramic (SiC)
Density	≥ 2.65g/cm³
Max Operating Temp	1600°C

Custom Item	Why It Matters
Length, width and height	Determines furnace fit, stacking method and loading density.
Wall thickness	Affects tray stiffness, heat capacity and resistance to cracking.
Support ribs or reinforced base	Helps reduce deformation when the tray carries heavier workpieces.
Surface finish	Influences part sticking, contamination risk and cleaning method.
Edge and corner design	Helps avoid chipping during loading, unloading and handling.
Holes, slots or notches	Supports airflow, positioning, fixture integration or robot loading.