materials
Mykroy / Mycalex
After being originally developed as a solution to minimize thermal transference in manned spaceflight in the vacuum of space, scientists and engineers have turned to Macor as a go-to for quick machining turnarounds due to both its physical characteristics and cost-effective nature.
8.0
Relative Cost of Material
3.5
Machining Degree of Difficulty
Summary
Mykroy / Mycalex (MM) is a dense ceramic material, comprised of a combination of mica and glass. Like many ceramic materials, it is an excellent insulator, and it is frequently used as a superior alternative to high performance plastics; it is harder than most plastics, but softer than most ceramic materials. It does not degrade from moisture, and has good dielectric strength and dimensional stability at high heat. As a high-performance technical ceramic, this material is used in a number of unique applications throughout the aerospace and defense industry, as well as many others.
While MM components that are not tightly toleranced can be isopressed or produced through other means, Mykroy / Mycalex is a material that allows for extremely tight-toleranced components to be machined if proper techniques are applied to the material. Mindrum Precision has extensive experience in making this material, and has extensive experience in all grades, from MM400 to MM1600. Click here for our contact information or to request a quote, and we will bring this world-class level of precision to your next project.
Applications
As a versatile material (sometimes referred to as a cermopastic), MM components are used in many applications, from defense and aerospace, to semiconductor, to medical, and many others. The multiple grades of MM from 400 to 1600 allow for different attributes to be selected for different applications, so that engineers can get exactly what they need out of components machined from this material.
Properties
| Material Property | Mykroy/Mycalex (MM) |
|---|---|
| Density (g/cm^3) | 2.5 - 2.8 |
| Hardness (Rockwell A) | 46 |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 34.5 - 41.4 |
| Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 73 - 83 |
| Flexural Strength (MPa) | 76 - 90 |
| Compressive Strength (MPa) | 220 - 310 |
| Dielectric Strength (ac-kV/mm) | 16.5 - 28.7 |
| Dielectric Constant (@1MHz) | 6.7 - 6.9 |
| Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm @25°C) | 1.0E10 - 1.0E14 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (1 x 10^-6/°C) | 10.48 - 12.5 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m K) | 0.87 - 1.32 |
| Specific Heat (J/kg*K) | 460 - 502 |
| Maximum Working Temperature (°C) | 750 - 1600 |
| *Note: Properties vary by manufacturer. The above information should be used for general reference purposes only. |
related Materials
- Alumina – Harder, more corrosion resistant ceramic excellent mechanical properties.
- Macor – Easily machinable ceramic with good thermal insulation properties
- Aluminum Nitride – Harder, denser ceramic with good electrical resistivity
