Zirconia Ceramic Nib
Made from high-purity zirconia (ZrO₂) ceramic (Y-TZP or FSZ grades), produced via ceramic injection molding (CIM), high-temperature sintering, and precision grinding/polishing. Ideal for premium fountain pens, signature pens, electromagnetic styluses, and industrial markers, offering exceptional durability and stability.
Core Material Advantages
- Ultra-high hardness & wear resistance: near sapphire level, wear ≤1/10 of metal nibs
- Excellent chemical resistance: unaffected by inks, sweat, or corrosives
- Low thermal expansion: stable lines across temperature changes
- Mirror finish: Ra ≤ 0.1 μm for reduced friction
- Non-magnetic & anti-static: perfect for digital pens and clean environments
Typical Zirconia Ceramic Nib Material Parameter Table
| Parameter | Typical Value (Y-TZP 3Y/5Y) | Unit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Type | 3Y-TZP / 5Y-FSZ / 8Y-FSZ | — | Y₂O₃-stabilized zirconia |
| Density | 6.0 – 6.1 | g/cm³ | High-density sintered body |
| Rockwell Hardness | 88 – 92 | HRA | Far exceeds metal nibs |
| Vickers Hardness | 1200 – 1400 | HV0.5 | — |
| Flexural Strength | 900 – 1200 | MPa | Typical ~1100 MPa |
| Fracture Toughness | 6 – 10 | MPa·m¹/² | Transformation toughening |
| Thermal Expansion (RT–800°C) | 9.5 – 11.0 | ×10⁻⁶ /K | Minimal deformation |
| Thermal Conductivity | 2.0 – 3.0 | W/(m·K) | Low heat transfer |
| Max Service Temperature | 800 – 1200 | °C | Oxidizing atmosphere |
| Surface Roughness | Ra ≤ 0.1 | μm | Mirror polish |
| Color | Ivory / Black / Custom | — | Black common for styluses |
Typical Application Fields
- Premium fountain pens / calligraphy pens
- Permanent signature / archival pens
- Digital tablets / e-ink / electromagnetic styluses
- Laboratory & cleanroom markers
- Collectible & industrial precision tools
FAQ
Q1: Is it really “permanently wear-free”?
A: Nearly — wear is far lower than metal nibs; typical lifespan 10× longer under normal use (50–300 g pressure).
Q2: Main advantages over gold/stainless steel nibs?
A: Much higher wear & corrosion resistance, better dimensional stability, non-magnetic/anti-static — crisp feel vs. softer gold.
Q3: Why is it more expensive?
A: High-purity materials, precision CIM molding, sintering, and multi-step mirror polishing make costs several times higher than metal nibs.
