Custom Alumina Ceramic Frames for PCB Support and Insulation

Alumina ceramic frames combine rigid support with electrical separation around PCBs, sensor elements and electronic housings. Square, rectangular and multi-window designs keep component openings and locating features aligned with your assembly.

Catalog No. AT-CF-F001
Material 95%-99.9% Al2O3
Frame function Insulating support and component positioning around open windows.
Drawing-based features Single or multiple windows, holes, slots, steps and finished contact faces.
Diameter/Size Download More Sizes
Engineering RFQ Review
Small-Batch Custom Support
Drawing-Based Production
Drawing & Process Review

Alumina ceramic frames are square or rectangular structural borders made from approximately 95% Al₂O₃, used as insulating base parts and housings in industrial devices. They combine high mechanical strength, hardness, thermal stability and electrical insulation, so they can support and protect electronic components, sensors and actuators in harsh environments such as high temperature, high humidity or corrosive atmospheres.

Alumina Ceramic Frame Specifications

Type 1: Rectangular Alumina Ceramic Frame

rectangle Alumina Ceramic Frame

 

Rectangle Alumina Ceramic Frame
Item No. A(mm) B(mm) Width (mm) Height (mm) Purity (%)
AT-CF-F001 20 30 3 4 96-99
AT-CF-F002 45 62 5 5 96-99
AT-CF-F003 70 80 4 6 96-99
AT-CF-F004 106 120 5 12 96-99
AT-CF-F005 160 100 10 8 96-99
AT-CF-F006 200 180 20 35 96-99

 

Type 2: Square Alumina Ceramic Frame

square Alumina Ceramic Frame

Square Alumina Ceramic Frame
Item No. A = B (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm) Purity (%)
AT-CF-Z001 20 5 5 96-99
AT-CF-Z002 25 4 3 96-99
AT-CF-Z003 30 3.5 8 96-99
AT-CF-Z004 45 4.8 7.5 96-99
AT-CF-Z005 60 12 16 96-99
AT-CF-Z006 75 20 20 96-99
AT-CF-Z007 86 15 15 96-99
AT-CF-Z008 120 45 16 96-99
AT-CF-Z009 130 30 18 96-99

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Material Data for Electrical and Thermal Selection

Select the exact alumina grade for the ordered frame. The values below describe dense material specimens; frame fit, working voltage, clamp load and thermal duty are established with the selected geometry and assembly acceptance.

Electrical properties

Property/basis 99.9% alumina 99.7% alumina 99.5% alumina 99.0% alumina 96% alumina 95% alumina
Dielectric strength, kV/mm; typical; specimen basis 10; 5 mm 10; 5 mm 10; 5 mm 10; 5 mm 8.3; AC, 6.35 mm 10; 5 mm
Relative permittivity; 1 MHz; typical 9.8 at 25°C 9.8 at 25°C 9.7 at 25°C 9.6 at 25°C 9.0 at room temperature 9.4 at 25°C
Dissipation factor; 1 MHz <0.0001 at 25°C <0.0001 at 25°C <0.0001 at 25°C 0.0006 at 25°C 0.0002 at 20°C 0.0004 at 25°C
Volume resistivity, Ω·cm; 20°C >10¹⁴ >10¹⁴ >10¹⁴ >10¹⁴ 10¹⁴; typical >10¹²

Heat Transfer and Expansion

Property/basis 99.9% alumina 99.7% alumina 99.5% alumina 99.0% alumina 96% alumina 95% alumina
Thermal conductivity, W/(m·K); typical 35–42 at 25°C 35–40 at 25°C 30–38 at 25°C 24 at 25°C 25 at 20°C 18–25 at 25°C
Mean CTE, 10⁻⁶/K; stated interval 7.6; 25–800°C 7.6; 25–800°C 7.6; 25–800°C 7.2; 25–800°C 8.2; 25–1000°C 7.6; 25–800°C
Material service-temperature guide, °C; application-dependent 1750 1700 1650 1600 1600 maximum in air 1400

Composition and Mechanical Reference for Detailed Design

Property/basis 99.9% alumina 99.7% alumina 99.5% alumina 99.0% alumina 96% alumina 95% alumina
Nominal Al₂O₃, wt% 99.90 99.70 99.50 99.00 96 95
IEC 60672-3 composition grouping C799 C799 C799 C795 C795 C795
Density, g/cm³; typical 3.94 3.94 3.90–3.92 3.80–3.91 3.70 3.75
Flexural strength, MPa; 20°C; typical 315–340 330 320–350 300–320 300 280
Compressive strength, MPa; 20°C; typical 2558–2900 2500 2400 2400 2000 2000
Young’s modulus, GPa; typical 359–375 370 365 355 275 at 20°C 340
KIC, MPa·m½; method-dependent 3.8–4.2 3.6 3.5 3.3 3.5 at 20°C 3.0
Water absorption, %; selection limits except 96% ≤0.01 ≤0.05 ≤0.10 ≤0.10 ≈0; typical, rounded ≤0.20

*IEC C795/C799 identify composition groups. Strength, stiffness, toughness, density and water absorption support material comparison

Select the Window, Support and Mounting Together

A rigid ceramic border can provide electrical separation while locating a board or sensor around an open centre. The useful choice is the frame that fits the component, support faces and housing together.

Decision Product detail to compare Customer benefit
Opening and border Window size and position, beam width, thickness, radii and clearances. Fits the board or sensing area while supporting the required contact zones.
Mounting and alignment Holes, countersinks, slots, steps, housing datums and permitted movement. Positions the part and accommodates the mating assembly.
Insulation path Conductor edges, minimum ceramic thickness, creepage and clearance. Matches electrical separation to the real geometry and environment.
Heat and expansion Frame, PCB and housing temperatures, gradients, cycles and expansion allowance. Supports the thermal duty with a suitable ceramic-to-housing fit.
Functional surfaces Support-face finish, edge radii, cleanliness and chip/crack limits. Provides controlled seating and handling at the surfaces that matter.

*Use supported contacts, distributed clamp loads and drawing-defined corner relief for ceramic frames. Agree coating, metallisation, joining or assembly work explicitly when your supply item includes these features.

Packaging for Alumina Ceramic Frames

  • Each alumina ceramic frame should be separated and protected to avoid edge impact, corner chipping and ceramic-to-ceramic contact during transport. Thin walls, machined windows, holes and polished surfaces can be packed with foam positioning, face protection and reinforced outer cartons according to order requirements.

Alumina Ceramic Frames Packaging

Alumina Ceramic Frames by Assembly Task

An alumina ceramic frame is worth specifying when a plastic or metal border can no longer hold clearance, position or surface condition. The four assemblies below cover most of the enquiries we review, and each one points to the frame features that decide the part.

  • PCB and Industrial Electronics

    Here the frame works as an insulating support border that also locates the board. Board outline, contact areas, component clearance, housing fit and the required electrical separation decide the geometry. A ceramic border keeps the board positioned and separated from a metal housing at temperatures where a polymer support would creep or lose its seat.

  • Sensor and Actuator Housings

    The frame defines the sensing window and holds the element, electrode or pad in a fixed position. Window position, alignment, contact finish, chemical exposure and the joining method set the drawing. A machined ceramic window keeps the active area open and the conductive path isolated from the housing.

  • Heater-Adjacent and Thermal Equipment

    Near heaters, furnace fixtures and hot modules, the frame provides ceramic support and electrical separation where heat is part of normal operation. Actual frame and component temperatures, heat flow, expansion, thermal cycles and support load decide the grade, thickness and support scheme. Alumina holds its shape and insulation where many polymer supports soften.

  • Communication and RF-Related Housings

    For RF-related designs, the frame is a drawing-defined ceramic border that follows the electrical design. Service frequency, permittivity and loss, conductor geometry, surface treatment and assembly tests decide the material and finish. Review the dielectric data at the frequency and temperature you actually use; the 1 MHz reference on this page is a defined comparison point, not a service rating.

Installation and Acceptance for Ceramic Frames

Alumina ceramic frames hold their shape and insulation through the life of the assembly, provided the fit, the clamp load and the thermal path are handled the way the drawing intends. The steps below cover what we agree with customers before and after supply.

  • Installation and Fitting

    1. Verify that the mounting surface is flat and free from burrs before placing the alumina ceramic frame.
    2. Use flat washers or dedicated clamping plates instead of direct point contact from screws to the frame.
    3. Avoid forcing the frame into a misaligned housing; adjust the metal structure rather than bending or twisting the ceramic border.
    4. Check the inner window dimension against the component or substrate so that clearance is sufficient for thermal expansion.

  • Operation and Handling

    1. During assembly, handle alumina ceramic frames with gloved hands or soft tools to avoid edge impact.
    2. When used near heat sources, follow the heating and cooling procedure agreed for the assembly to reduce thermal shock on the frame.
    3. In devices that generate high heat, ensure that contact surfaces and thermal paths are designed to minimize steep temperature gradients across the frame.

  • Storage

    1. Store alumina ceramic frames in dedicated trays or shelves, with each layer separated by foam or paper.
    2. Do not stack heavy metal tools or components on top of stored frames.
    3. Keep storage areas dry and clean to avoid contamination or accidental knocks.

  • Cleaning and Maintenance

    1. Remove dust with clean, dry compressed air or a lint-free cloth.
    2. For residues such as flux or process film, use an aqueous or solvent cleaner that your supplier confirms as compatible with alumina, the surface treatment and the surrounding electronics, then dry thoroughly before reinstallation.
    3. Inspect frames periodically for edge chips or micro-cracks in critical corners; replace any frames showing significant damage.

  • Typical Misuse and How to Avoid It

    1. Overtightened screws causing cracks: Avoid applying excessive torque directly on the alumina ceramic frame; use torque-limited tools, flat washers and compliant layers where possible.

    2. Impact during assembly or transport: Do not drop frames onto hard surfaces; design trays and fixtures that guide frames into position without hard collisions.

    3. Thermal shock from rapid heating or quenching: Prevent exposing the alumina ceramic frame to sudden temperature jumps; introduce controlled ramp rates and avoid direct cold air or liquid contact on hot parts.

Alumina Ceramic Frames FAQ

  1. What is an alumina ceramic frame used for?
    An alumina ceramic frame is used as a rigid insulating border, support frame or mounting structure in PCB assemblies, sensor packages, electronic housings and thermal equipment. It helps maintain component position, electrical clearance and dimensional stability under heat or harsh operating conditions.
  2. Why choose alumina ceramic instead of plastic or metal frames?
    Alumina ceramic is selected when plastic frames may soften, creep or deform, or when metal frames may create electrical conduction risks. Dense Al₂O₃ provides electrical insulation, heat resistance, wear resistance and stable geometry for demanding industrial assemblies.
  3. Can alumina ceramic frames be machined with holes, slots or steps?
    Yes. Alumina ceramic frames can be produced with drawing-based holes, slots, windows, steps, chamfers and countersinks. The final design should be reviewed before quotation because thin walls, sharp corners and closely spaced holes can increase machining and chipping risk.
  4. What alumina grade should be used for ceramic frames?
    95% or 96% alumina is suitable for many industrial insulation and structural support frames. Higher-purity alumina can be considered when the application requires lower contamination risk, improved dielectric behavior or more stable performance in demanding thermal or chemical environments.
  5. How can I reduce cracking or chipping during installation?
    Use flat support surfaces, avoid point loading from screws, add washers or clamping plates where needed, and do not force the ceramic frame into a misaligned housing. Chamfers, corner radius and proper edge protection should be defined on the drawing.
  6. What information is needed for quotation?
    Useful information includes outer size, inner window size, wall thickness, height, hole and slot layout, tolerance requirements, surface finish, alumina grade, operating temperature, electrical insulation requirement and how the frame is mounted in the final assembly.
  7. How should flatness be specified for a thin or multi-window frame?
    Identify the functional support face and its datum, then state the measurement support and whether the frame is measured free or assembled. Agree flatness, bow or twist limits for the selected drawing and inspection setup. This aligns quotation and acceptance with the way the frame seats in your assembly.
Alumina ceramic frame diagrams showing outer dimensions, window size, border width, mounting holes, slots, steps, chamfers and corner radii.

Custom Alumina Frame Enquiries

Square, rectangular and drawing-defined frames can include windows, beams, recesses, steps, holes, countersinks, lead slots, locating notches and chamfered or rounded edges. Specify as-fired, ground or selectively polished functional faces to suit the interface.

1. Outer dimensions: Square or rectangular frames from a few millimetres to around 200–300 mm per side for typical industrial fixtures; drawing-defined profile, orientation and critical tolerances.

2. Windows and border: Openings, individual beams/border widths, recesses, steps and corner radii.

3. Cross-section: Typical wall thickness: 1.0–6.0 mm, depending on required stiffness and available mounting space. Define the local cross-section and support contact for the selected drawing.

4. Datums and flatness: Support plane, locating faces, critical positions and inspection state.

5. Holes and slots: Mounting, connector/lead clearance, countersinks, notches and alignment features.

6. Edges and corners: Chamfers, radii and accepted edge/chip condition.

7. Surface condition: As-fired, ground or selectively polished faces; finish and cleanliness where required.

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