Technical ceramics can function in situations where no metal (or nearly any other material) can maintain structural stability and mechanical properties. Some ceramics can operate in temperatures in excess of 2000°C, putting them in a class of their own as ultra-high-temperature materials. This is useful in applications where extreme heat conditions occur. These ceramics have proven to be invaluable in high-temperature applications like engines, turbines, and bearings where they have increased the lifespan, performance, and efficiency.