Silicon Nitride: What Is It?

Silicon nitride was first prepared in 1857 and was little more than a chemical curiosity. However, as its benefits became known, the compound began to be used across multiple industries in the late 1940s. Today, it’s a key component in electronics, turbo machinery, bearings, and even orbital satellites.

Our founders discovered that silicon nitride is stronger than bone and PEEK (polyaryletheretherketone), accepted by the human body, and compatible with all imaging technologies. These promising findings led to the development of a proprietary composition of silicon nitride. It’s antipathogenic, non-toxic, and well-suited for medical device applications.

What Makes it Different?

Silicon nitride is antiviral and antibacterial. Recent studies have proven silicon nitride AP² powder kills SARS-CoV-2 faster than other antipathogenic materials. As a biomaterial, it also offers more advantages than titanium or PEEK.

From Powder to Parts

Our 30,000 sq. ft. ISO 13485:2016 certified manufacturing facility is the only FDA-registered silicon nitride medical device manufacturing facility in the world. We can manufacture intricate designs and shapes that are rigorously tested for quality control. Our vertically integrated facility allows for rapid prototyping, scientific testing, and product development.

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Powder

Drilling

Pieces

Melting

Dry Pressing

1 Powder

2 Drilling

3 Pieces

4 Melting

5 Dry Pressing

Top Applications

Due to silicon nitride’s exceptionally high strength and toughness, it’s used in many applications and industries, including biomedical, bearing, aerospace and high temperature applications.

Biomedical

Biomedical

Silicon nitride is a valuable material for spinal implants and prosthetic replacements for hip and knee joints, with demonstrated antibacterial and osseointegrative properties to support bone formation.
Cutting tools

Cutting tools

Silicon nitride can cut cast iron, hard steel, and nickel-based alloys with surface speeds up to 25 times faster than conventional machining materials such as tungsten carbide.
Automotive

Automotive

Silicon nitride is used throughout the automotive industry in engine parts and engine accessory units. Because of its durability and thermal resistance, it can extend contact fatigue life.
Energy

Energy

Silicon nitride can withstand the high temperatures and corrosive environments found in solar cells, fuel cells, and other energy applications.
Aerospace

Aerospace

Silicon nitride’s strength, lightness, and ability to withstand and perform at high temperatures have made it the material of choice for various aerospace applications.