Building Prototypes Part 11 of 18 Non-Metals

Building prototypes for R&D and low volume production
low cost machinable ceramics

[@daa3417]

I consider this series to be a highly successful man essentially handing out money. I’ve noted numerous things Dr. Gelbart has casually demonstrated that could be used to build a profitable specialized business around. I can’t adequately describe how valuable the insight and experience contained within this series is to those who work with their hands.

[@MarcPilon]

This series open open my eyes, broaden my thinking, widen possibilities in what I consider the ultimate comforting dense form factor.

[@Malaveldt]

This whole series is great and answers a lot of questions I didn't know I had.

[@Ambrosius50]

I am always impressed by people with knowledge.

[@MT75Turbo]

Sooo Much knowledge. imagine being a apprentice under he´s wings...

[@Stephen1455]

Actually I recently built a polycarbonate blast protection box and managed to drill and tap for 1/4"-20 okay?

[@Stephen1455]

Do you know Pyrophylite? We use this, also graphite and talc.

[@tamgaming9861]

Waow, thanks for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@ChrisLeeX]

Are you a professor? I can so imagine you giving lectures at a technical university. My jaw dropped at the polycarbonate bending demo.

[@dotyman]

He's an adjunct professor at the University of British Columbia, Canada. However, his greatest achievements and success have been as an entrepreneur inventor. He's started, and sold, several high-tech companies, and he's a billionaire.

[@AGeekNamedRoss]

Mr. Gelbart, would you mind updating the video description to list these materials? I want to get the spelling correct when I research sources. Thanks!

[@dgelbart]

***** You can ask me about specific materials.

[@MichaelRuwurm]

Has anybody an idea how to make micalex for your self as mentioned in the video? Or any vendor? Thanks!

[@dgelbart]

Michael Rußwurm You can still buy it but prices are insane. For now use slate or soapstone as a cheap replacement. They are good to about 1000 degC (1800 deg F). They delaminate at high heat (say over 500 deg C0 but this can be taken into account in the design.

[@florianbertram9451]

I can't stop

[@markusdnd]

wow, this is so awesome!

[@jeanapp_]

I'm unfortunately not too familiar with non-metallic materials, can I please ask you how to spell the material "bonitrite" mentioned at 5:11? Thank you!

[@dgelbart]

The material is Hexagonal Boron Nitrite. The only material that can be used for bearings in air at 1000 deg C (2800 deg C in inert gas). It is also an amazingly good heat conductor while being an electrical insulator.

[@jeanapp_]

Thank you very much, Mr. Gelbart. Truly appreciate your prompt help and detailed explanation!! Your knowledge is helping me immensely as I progress from junior mechanical engineer to senior mechanical engineer.

[@mattym8]

@@jeanapp_ Doctor Gelbart 😀

[@simonflummox]

First of all, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge here. I really like the idea of using slate (or soapstone, as noted in your comments) as an alternative to ceramics. If one has access to scrap/cutoff countertop materials, would marble or limestone offer similar performance? Granite is more widely available, but its hardness makes it unsuitable for my projects.

[@dgelbart]

simonflummox They should work but you need to test the in an oven first.

[@robogoofers9131]

looks like it's spelled Mycalex (not Micalex), if anyone else is doing a google search.

[@dgelbart]

Correct spelling is actually Micalex, some company trademarked Mycalex, but Google favors Micalex (30,000 vs 20,000). Unfortunately, the correct spelling will not help you, as this product got priced out of reach. Used to be one of the lowest cost materials around, but the new generation did not know it so they almost stopped making it.

[@capcloud]

@@dgelbart You mentioned that it's easy to make. Can you share more information about that, please?

[@dgelbart]

@@capcloud It is a mixture of glass powder and mica powder, but I don't know the ratio. The mixture is heated to about 1000 deg (again, I don't know the exact temperature).