Microcracks occur in many technical applications as a result of cyclical mechanical or thermal stress - particularly on surfaces with contact movement, such as in bearings, sliding guides or glass processing. When two mating surfaces slide against each other, surface disruption can lead to the formation of microcracks at or below the contact zone.

A typical example is the ball bearing, where cyclical loading and unloading cause fine crack structures over time. This micro-damage often continues to develop unnoticed and leads to material failure, premature wear or increased susceptibility to corrosion - especially if protective surface layers are also lost due to tribo-oxidation.

Stress cracks can also occur in the glass during hot glass processing due to unsuitable materials or excessive thermal conductivity. These microcracks lead to rejects and cost increases in later process steps.

Technical ceramics from DOCERAM and insulating high-performance materials from DOTHERM/ISOCOS offer an effective solution here:

• Outstanding thermal stability prevents stress cracks during glass transportation

• Low-friction, wear-resistant surfaces minimize the risk of mechanical micro-cracking

• Corrosion resistance provides lasting protection even in the absence of passive layers

• High structural strength under continuous load prevents material fatigue

Advantages at a glance:

• Avoidance of micro-crack formation under mechanical or thermal load

• Improved process stability and fewer rejects

• Extended service life of components

• Increased product safety in sensitive manufacturing processes

With materials from MEGATRON AG, micro-damage can be prevented at an early stage - for long-term economical, reliable and reproducible production.