materials

Fused Silica

Fused silica is used in a massive number of industries and applications, and the combination of a relatively low CTE, good thermal shock resistance, and a non-crystalline structure that allows for extremely fine polishing has made it a frequent choice for engineers all over the globe.

7.0

Relative Cost of Material

5.0

Machining Degree of Difficulty

Summary

Fused Silica is one of the most prevalent materials found in optical applications due to its extremely high level of purity, and its properties allow for complex shaping and polishing to be performed to extremely tight tolerances. Generally speaking, the properties of fused silica is extremely similar to fused quartz, but it is generally chosen for applications that require a higher purity material. Fused silica is used in a massive number of industries and applications, and the combination of a relatively low CTE, good thermal shock resistance, and a non-crystalline structure that allows for extremely fine polishing has made it a frequent choice for engineers all over the globe.

Mindrum Precision has been grinding, polishing, and machining components out of both fused quartz and fused silica for over sixty years, and this core competency has allowed us to be one of the best in the world at tight tolerance manufacturing in these materials. Click here for our contact information or to request a quote, and we will show you why more engineers are trusting us with their mission-critical needs.

Applications

Fused silica is in use in nearly every industry; fiber optics, semiconductor, aerospace, defense, research, photonics, and many more. These components can be anything from missile radomes to light bulb components, from fluid cells in the atomic microscope to the windows in the International Space Station. As a versatile material, there are constant demands for this material, and likely will be for decades to come.

Properties

Material PropertyFused Silica
Density (g/cm^3)2.2
Hardness (Knoop)570
Tensile Strength (MPa)48
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)72
Flexural Strength (MPa)1138
Compressive Strength (MPa)1103
Poisson's Ratio.17
Dielectric Strength (ac-kV/mm)50
Dielectric Constant (@1MHz)3.8
Volume Resistivity (ohm-cm @25°C)7.0E9
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (1 x 10^-6/°C)0.6
Thermal Conductivity (W/m K)1.4
Specific Heat (J/kg*K)669
Maximum Working Temperature (°C)600 - 1000
Index of Refraction1.46
*Note: Properties vary by manufacturer. The above information should be used for general reference purposes only.

related Materials

  • Fused Quartz – A lower purity, most cost-effective form of Fused Silica
  • ULE GlassCorning’s near-zero CTE optical material, used in fabry-perot cavities, mirrors, and many other applications
  • N-BK7 and BK7 – Excellent optical properties, frequent choice for windows and prisms

With over a half-century of manned spaceflight experience, our parts have been trusted on some of mankind's proudest achievements. We look forward to working with you to bring your next project off of the drawing board and into reality.