1. Introduction

Machinable Glass Ceramic Insulating Components are precision-engineered parts made from specialized glass-ceramic materials (typically fluorophlogopite mica in borosilicate glass matrix). Renowned for their exceptional machinability with standard tools, they provide superior electrical insulation, thermal stability, and vacuum compatibility. These components replace traditional ceramics or plastics in demanding applications where complex geometries, tight tolerances, and reliability in extreme environments are critical.

2. Key Advantages

• Precision Machinability

  • Can be drilled, tapped, milled, and turned using standard carbide tools (no diamond grinding needed).

  • Achieves tight tolerances (±0.01 mm) for complex shapes.

• Superior Electrical Insulation

  • High dielectric strength (>20 kV/mm) and volume resistivity (>10¹⁴ Ω·cm).

  • Stable performance from cryogenic to 800°C.

• Extreme Environment Stability

  • Continuous service up to 800°C (1,472°F); peak 1,000°C (1,832°F).

  • Resists thermal shock (ΔT >200°C).

• Vacuum & Ultra-Clean Compatibility

  • Ultra-low outgassing (TML <0.8%, CVCM <0.1% per ASTM E595).

  • Hermetic, non-porous, and non-particulating.

• Chemical Resistance

  • Inert to acids, alkalis, solvents, and plasmas (except HF/strong phosphoric acid).

• Critical Functional Properties

  • Non-magnetic, non-sparking, flame-retardant.

  • Tailorable CTE to match metals (e.g., steel, Kovar).

3. Performance Characteristics

4. Primary Applications

• Semiconductor & Vacuum Equipment

  • Plasma etch insulators, wafer handling fixtures, RF feedthroughs, vacuum chamber parts.

• Aerospace & Defense

  • Radome spacers, missile guidance insulators, satellite sensor mounts.

• High-Voltage Systems

  • Bushings, switchgear isolators, particle accelerator components.

• Medical & Analytical Devices

  • MRI coil formers, X-ray tube insulators, mass spectrometer parts.

• Laser & Optics

  • Laser cavity mounts, optical isolator bases, mirror substrates.

• Energy & Power Electronics

  • Insulating frames for IGBT modules, battery test fixtures.

• Research & Cryogenics

  • Low-temperature probes, UHV sample holders.