Schott Zerodur CTE Components

Alias: Schott glass-ceramic structural parts

Description

Schott Zerodur® is a microcrystalline glass material, exhibiting a light yellow-brown appearance and characterized by an exceptionally low thermal expansion coefficient. This material is produced by Schott GmbH in Germany. It has always been known for its extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), which can remain stable under temperature changes. This means that Zerodur® glass will not change with temperature fluctuations within the temperature range of 0±0.007×10^-6/K, with minimal changes in mechanical and thermal properties, Consequently, it is the material of choice for applications such as ring laser gyroscopes, astronomical telescopes, and specific laser components. In short, Zerodur is an ideal material for high-precision and is suitable for a variety of high-precision applications, such as crucial for engineering in astronomical telescopes and precision measuring instruments.

Advantages:

1. Supports High-precision machining.
2. Highly stable against temperature fluctuations.
3. High material homogeneity, purity, and structural uniformity, with a unified internal structure, consistent performance.
4. Minimal deformation under load.
5. Exceptional resistance to chemicals, including acids and bases.
6. Outstanding vacuum compatibility.
7. Transparent across a wide wavelength range.
8. Extremely low thermal expansion coefficient: 0±0.007×10⁻⁶/K.
9. Tolerates high operational temperatures.

Applications:

1. Laser gyroscope reflection mirrors, brackets, and components
2. Synchrotron X-ray mirrors
3. Interferometers, optical tables, and length measurement systems
4. Spectrometer optical components
5. Laser interferometers and planar wavefront sensors
6. Gravitational wave detectors gravitational component
7. Optical components for satellites and astronomical telescope lenses (e.g., the main mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope)
8. Ultra-precision optics and large telescope mirror substrates
9. X-ray telescope substrates
10. Ring laser gyroscope applications
11. Optical elements for space probes (e.g., comet probes)
12. Flat optics and optical flats
13. Low-expansion laser optics for space technology
14. Glass standards for high-precision optical measurement
15. Mechanical laser resonator parts
16. Fiber optic components and holders
17. Lightweight honeycomb satellite mirror mounts

​Machining Zerodur:

Precision components made from Zerodur are typically processed using diamond grinding techniques, followed by optical polishing with chemical-mechanical methods as needed. When machining Zerodur, it is crucial to select appropriate cutting tools, control cutting speeds, and carefully manage heat to avoid material damage. After machining, thorough inspection is essential to ensure that the parts’ surfaces are free from cracks or chipping. In some cases, ultra-precision polishing may be required to achieve the desired finish and performance standards.

Fudong Machinery leverages years of expertise in precision machining to produce high-quality Zerodur components that consistently meet or exceed customer specifications, ensuring both everyday functionality and specialized performance. If you require precision Zerodur machining, our team of experts is ready to assist you with tailored solutions. Contact us today for your machining needs.