NEXCERA ultra-low expansion ceramic

NEXCERA is an ultra-low expansion ceramic developed by Krosaki Harima Corporation. Its thermal expansion coefficient is about 0 ±0.02 x10⁻⁶/K (in the range of 20–300°C), which is comparable to glass ceramics such as Zerodur and ULE. It is often used in semiconductors, optical benchmarks, precision measurement and other fields.

NEXCERA Advantages

Ultra-low thermal expansion coefficient, CTE is less than 0.03×10⁻⁶/℃ at room temperature, close to zero expansion
High rigidity and lightweight, better than glass materials
Non-porous structure, can be polished to a mirror surface
Supports complex shape machining
Resistant to chemical corrosion, suitable for use in harsh environments
Maintains dimensional stability under temperature changes

NEXCERA Application

Three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine aperture plate
Space telescope mirror substrate
High-precision reflector
Alignment platform
Electrostatic chuck, electric vacuum chuck
Optical resonator
Ultra-stable optical cavity gasket

Data Sheet

Model	Density (g/cm³)	Flexural Strength (MPa)	Young’s Modulus (GPa)	Specific Stiffness (GPa·cm³/g)	Fracture Toughness (MPa·m^0.5)	Hardness (GPa)
N113B	2.5	210	130	52	1.2	8
N117B	2.55	230	140	55	1.2	8.1
N118C	2.58	220	140	54	1.4	8.1
N119C	2.5	166	130	52	1.3	8
CD107	2.57	230	143	55	1.4	–
Thermal and Electrical Properties
Model	Thermal Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁶/K)	Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K)	Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
N113B	< 0.03	3.7	4.7
N117B	< 0.03	4.2	6
N118C	< 0.05	4.5	4.7
N119C	< 0.05	4.3	4.4
CD107	< 0.03 (at 22°C)	4.7	4.6

Note: The above values are representative and not guaranteed. These figures are sourced from Krosaki Harima Corporation’s official product data.

NEXCERA Manufacturer

We are committed to manufacturing and providing a variety of ultra-hard materials for semiconductor, electronics, aerospace, defense, optics and related industries. Including NEXCERA substrate / block / mirror blank and other high-performance ceramic materials. We have five-axis machining equipment and have the ability to machine complex structures such as anisotropy, circles, and curved surfaces. All tolerances can be improved according to the size and shape of the drawing to perfectly fit your equipment needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between NEXCERA, Zerodur, and ULE?

NEXCERA is a Japan-made ultra-low-expansion ceramic designed primarily for precision fixtures, metrology bases, and mechanical stability. Zerodur and ULE are glass-ceramics optimized for optical stability and large optical components.

NEXCERA: best for mechanical rigidity, dimensional stability, and precision tooling.
Zerodur: preferred for high-precision optical mirrors and large optical assemblies.
ULE: ideal for lightweight optical elements and interferometry.

NEXCERA focuses on mechanical precision, while Zerodur/ULE focus more on optical homogeneity.

Does NEXCERA have magnetic or electrical conductivity?

No. NEXCERA is non-magnetic and electrically insulating.
It is suitable for environments that require stable, non-conductive, and non-magnetic materials, including semiconductor equipment, metrology systems, and precision automation.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of NEXCERA?

Typical CTE values for NEXCERA are:
0 ± 0.02 × 10⁻⁶ /K (20–40°C)
This extremely low CTE makes NEXCERA ideal for applications requiring high dimensional stability under temperature changes.

Is NEXCERA the same as cordierite?

No. NEXCERA is not cordierite.
NEXCERA is a high-purity ultra-low-expansion ceramic, engineered for precision applications.
Cordierite is a lower-cost Mg–Al–Si ceramic used mainly for insulation parts, kiln furniture, and honeycomb substrates.
They belong to different material families and serve completely different applications.