San Jose Delta Associates, Inc. Macor-Machinable Glass Ceramic Ceramic Component MACOR®

Macor is a relatively easy material to machine using ordinary carbide drills, end mills, taps, etc. and doesn’t require post machining firing. Macor-Machinable Glass Ceramic is also unique in that it can withstand 1000°C, has low thermal conductivity and is a good electrical insulator. Macor is often the material of choice because it is easy to machine into complex shapes, doesn’t require sintering and is, readily available even in small quantities. Properties MACOR® Machinable Glass Ceramic has a continuous use temperature of 800°C and a peak temperature of 1000°C. Its coefficient of thermal expansion readily matches most metals and sealing glasses. It is non-wetting, exhibits zero porosity, and unlike ductile materials, won't deform. It is an excellent insulator at high voltages, various frequencies, and high temperatures. When properly baked out, it won't outgas in vacuum environments. Machining Machining tolerances are surprisingly tight, up to .0005". It can be machined to a surface finish of less than 20µin.-AA. Configurations are limited only by available equipment and the experience of the machinist. Sealing, Joining and Metalizing MACOR® MGC can also be joined or sealed - both to itself and to other materials - in a number of ways: metalized parts can be soldered together and brazing has proven an effective method of joining the material to various metals; epoxy produces a strong joint, and a sealing glass creates a vacuum tight seal. Even a straight-forward mechanical joint is possible. It can be thick film metalized using metal links, or thin film metalized by sputtering.