Single Crystal Sapphire for Extreme Applications

 

What Makes Single Crystal Sapphire So Exceptional?

When it comes to high-performance materials, single crystal sapphire (Al₂O₃) stands out as a top choice. This advanced material combines exceptional mechanical strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance, and optical clarity—making it ideal for custom machined parts used in extreme environments.

 

 

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Outstanding Properties of Sapphire

Engineers and designers choose sapphire for one key reason: performance. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Extreme Hardness: Sapphire ranks second only to diamond on the hardness scale. With a Vickers hardness of 23 GPa, it resists scratches and wear far better than most materials.

• High Strength: It retains its flexural strength (700 MPa) even at elevated temperatures.

• Thermal Stability: With a thermal conductivity of 42 W/(m·K) and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (7.2 ×10⁻⁶/°C), sapphire maintains its structural integrity under intense heat.

• Chemical Inertness: Sapphire is chemically stable and resists attack from acids and alkalis, even at high temperatures.

• Optical Versatility: It offers broad optical transmission from UV to IR, making it ideal for high-performance lenses, windows, and sensor covers in harsh environments.

 

 

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Sapphire vs. Fused Silica: A Material Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of sapphire with fused silica, another commonly used material in optical and high-tech applications:

Clearly, sapphire dominates in terms of mechanical strength and thermal performance, making it the better choice for demanding applications.

 

 

 

 

 

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Custom Machining Capabilities

We offer precision-machined sapphire components tailored to your specifications. Whether you need small or complex features, we deliver with high accuracy.

Available Sizes:

• Plates: Up to Φ150 mm × t10 mm

• Rods: Up to Φ50 mm × 200 mm

Machining Features:

• Minimum hole diameter: Φ0.2 mm

• Hole depth: Up to 300 mm (depending on diameter)

• Groove width: ≥ 0.2 mm

• Max. number of holes: 300

• Thread sizes: M2 or larger

 

 

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Applications of Sapphire Components

Thanks to its unique combination of properties, sapphire is used in:

• Aerospace and defense

• Semiconductor equipment

• Laser systems

• High-pressure and vacuum windows

• Medical and analytical instruments

 

 

 

 

 

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Conclusion

 

If your application demands unmatched hardness, chemical resistance, and thermal performance, single crystal sapphire is the material of choice.
Contact us today to explore how we can provide custom sapphire components to meet your toughest challenges.