Cost-effective magnesium silicate insulator. Excellent dielectric strength and dimensional stability to 1000 °C — the volume-production choice for electrical insulation.
Used for: bushings · igniters · lamp bases · resistors · band heaters · thermocouple cores · connectors · substrates · spacers
Steatite is a ceramic based on natural raw materials, principally soapstone (Mg(Si₄O₁₀)(OH)₂) — a magnesium silicate — with additions of clay and feldspar or barium carbonate. It is the most cost-efficient technical-ceramic option for many electrical-insulation applications.
Steatite combines very good dielectric strength, ageing resistance, UV-radiation resistance, high mechanical strength, tracking resistance and dimensional stability up to 1000 °C. It is non-flammable and suitable for metal-ceramic component solutions including vacuum-sealed solder joints.
Steatite exhibits low contraction during firing, enabling production of components to precise tolerances. Small, highly detailed shapes can be achieved by efficient pressing routes — ideal for volume manufacture of insulating components. Anderman offers both glazed and non-glazed steatite; glazing improves electrical resistance and creates an impervious protective surface.
Bushings, electric heating elements, igniters, lamp bases and sockets, resistors, stand-offs, band heaters, knife sharpeners, thermocouple cores, thermostat pins, load banks, oven and furnace internals, connectors, spacers, electrostatic air cleaners, relays, switches, fuses, substrates, sensors and stiffening rods.
| Grade | Purity | Max temp | Density | Hardness | Typical use | Find products |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steatite (non-glazed) | C-221 type | 1000 °C | 2.7 | — | Volume electrical insulation, general industrial | → Find products |
| Steatite (glazed) | C-221 type | 1000 °C | 2.8 | — | Improved surface resistance, impervious protective layer | → Find products |
Click any column header to sort. Each grade links to its filtered product list.
For sub-1000 °C electrical insulation in volume, steatite is significantly cheaper than alumina with comparable dielectric performance. Where temperatures, mechanical loads or chemical aggression exceed steatite’s window, step up to alumina.
Glazing improves surface resistance, prevents surface tracking and creates an impervious skin — useful in dusty, humid or contaminated environments. For sealed indoor applications, non-glazed is usually adequate.
Continuous service to 1000 °C. Above this, dimensional stability and mechanical strength fall sharply; specify alumina or mullite for higher-temperature service.
No FAQs match your search. Try a different keyword or contact us directly.
Tell us your operating temperature, the chemistry it'll see and any mechanical loads. We'll specify a grade — or recommend an alternative material — and link you directly to matching products.
