MACOR® Machinable Glass Ceramic
(MACOR® Ceramic)
MACOR® machinable glass ceramic combines the machinability of a metal with the performance of an advanced ceramic. It offers good electrical insulation, low thermal conductivity, zero porosity, tight tolerance capability, and reliable dimensional stability, making it suitable for precision parts used in vacuum, semiconductor, laboratory, and high-temperature environments.
Key Features of MACOR ceramic
- Excellent machinability using conventional metal working tools
- No post-firing required after machining
- Good electrical insulation
- Low thermal conductivity
- Zero porosity and no outgassing
- Holds tight tolerances
- Good dimensional stability
- Suitable for vacuum and high-temperature environments
- Highly polishable
- Radiation resistant
Technical Properties of MACOR® Ceramic
MACOR® machinable glass ceramic combines excellent machinability, reliable electrical insulation, low thermal conductivity, zero porosity, and good dimensional stability, making it ideal for precision components used in vacuum, semiconductor, laboratory, and high-temperature environments.
| Property | Unit | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Name | — | Machinable Glass Ceramic | Commercial name: MACOR® |
| Material Type | — | Glass Ceramic | Fluorophlogopite mica glass ceramic |
| Color | — | White | Typical appearance |
| Porosity | % | 0 | Non-porous material |
| Machinability | — | Excellent | Can be machined with conventional metalworking tools |
| Post-Firing Requirement | — | Not required | No sintering required after machining |
| Property | Unit | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | g/cm³ | 2.52 | At room temperature |
| Water Absorption | % | 0 | Non-porous |
| Thermal Diffusivity | m²/s | 7.3 ×10⁻⁷ | At 25 °C |
| Specific Heat | kJ/kg·K | 0.79 | At 25 °C |
| Porosity | % | 0 | Dense material |
| Property | Unit | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young’s Modulus | GPa | 66.9 | At 25 °C |
| Shear Modulus | GPa | 25.5 | At 25 °C |
| Poisson’s Ratio | — | 0.29 | Typical value |
| Knoop Hardness | kg/mm² | 250 | 100 g load |
| Flexural Strength | MPa | 94 | Modulus of rupture |
| Compressive Strength | MPa | 345 | Typical value |
| Fracture Toughness | MPa·m½ | 1.53 | Typical value |
| Property | Unit | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Continuous Operating Temperature | °C | 800 | Continuous service |
| Maximum Short-Term Temperature | °C | 1000 | No load |
| Thermal Conductivity | W/m·K | 1.46 | At 25 °C |
| CTE (-100 to 25 °C) | ×10⁻⁶ /°C | 8.1 | Thermal expansion |
| CTE (25 to 300 °C) | ×10⁻⁶ /°C | 9.0 | Thermal expansion |
| CTE (25 to 600 °C) | ×10⁻⁶ /°C | 11.2 | Thermal expansion |
| CTE (25 to 800 °C) | ×10⁻⁶ /°C | 12.3 | Thermal expansion |
| Property | Unit | Typical Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dielectric Constant (1 kHz) | — | 6.0 | At 25 °C |
| Dielectric Constant (8.5 GHz) | — | 5.6 | Typical value |
| Loss Tangent (1 kHz) | — | 0.004 | At 25 °C |
| Loss Tangent (8.5 GHz) | — | 0.0025 | Typical value |
| Dielectric Strength | kV/mm | ≈40 | Typical value |
| Volume Resistivity | ohm·cm | ≥10¹⁶ | At 25 °C |
*All values shown are typical material properties and are provided for reference only. Actual values may vary depending on manufacturing process, part geometry, and testing conditions.
Advantages of MACOR® Ceramic
Precision machining without sintering
Excellent electrical insulation
Zero porosity
Tight tolerance capability
High temperature stability
Good vacuum compatibility
Applications of MACOR® Machinable Glass Ceramic
MACOR® machinable glass ceramic combines excellent machinability, reliable electrical insulation, and good thermal stability. It is widely used in applications that require precision machining, electrical insulation, vacuum compatibility, and dimensional stability.
Below are some typical industries and components where MACOR® ceramic is commonly used.
1. Semiconductor Equipment
MACOR® ceramic offers excellent electrical insulation, low outgassing, and high dimensional stability, making it suitable for precision components used in semiconductor manufacturing environments.
Typical Components
✓ Wafer handling components
✓ Semiconductor processing fixtures
✓ Vacuum chamber insulators
✓ Sensor mounts and supports
✓ Precision alignment parts
2. Vacuum Systems
Because of its zero porosity and low outgassing, MACOR® ceramic is widely used in vacuum environments.
Typical Components
✓ Vacuum feedthrough supports
✓ Vacuum chamber spacers
✓ Insulating standoffs
✓ Structural supports for vacuum assemblies
3. Electronics & Electrical Insulation
MACOR® ceramic provides excellent dielectric strength and electrical insulation performance, making it ideal for high-voltage and electronic applications.
Typical Components
✓ Electrical insulators
✓ Coil supports
✓ High-voltage insulation components
✓ Electronic device housings
✓ Sensor insulation parts
4. Laboratory & Scientific Instruments
Due to its machinability and dimensional precision, MACOR® ceramic is often used in laboratory and research equipment.
Typical Components
✓ Sample holders
✓ Optical mounts
✓ Instrument supports
✓ Experimental fixtures
✓ Precision laboratory components
5. Aerospace Applications
MACOR® ceramic offers good thermal stability and electrical insulation properties for specialized aerospace systems.
Typical Components
✓ Sensor housings
✓ Electrical insulation structures
✓ Structural components for instrumentation