Why Industrial Equipment Designers Choose Macor for Electrical Insulation Components

In precision industrial systems, electrical insulation and dimensional stability are non-negotiable. As industries like semiconductors, aerospace, optics, and vacuum technology push performance limits, engineers increasingly turn to Macor machinable glass ceramic — a material that combines the reliability of ceramics with the flexibility of machining.

So, why is Macor the go-to choice for insulation components in industrial equipment? Let’s break it down.

Outstanding Material Properties

Property	Typical Value	Key Advantage
Continuous use temperature	800 °C (up to 1000 °C peak)	Stable under extreme heat
Thermal expansion	9.3 × 10⁻⁶ / °C (25–300 °C)	Matches metal assemblies, prevents cracking
Thermal conductivity	1.46 W/m·K	Controls heat flow while maintaining insulation
Volume resistivity	> 10¹⁴ Ω·cm (at room temperature)	Exceptional electrical insulation
Dielectric constant	6.0 @ 1 MHz	Reliable performance in high-frequency systems
Flexural strength	~ 94 MPa	Mechanically robust for precision structures

These characteristics allow Macor to perform where most polymers or conventional ceramics fail — in high-temperature, high-voltage, or vacuum environments.

Machinability That Enables Design Freedom

Unlike most ceramics, Macor can be machined using standard metalworking tools. It can be turned, milled, drilled, and tapped with tight tolerances — even on 3-axis to 5-axis CNC centers.

This means engineers can:

Prototype and iterate quickly
Produce complex geometries — threads, slots, and miniature cavities
Avoid expensive tooling or sintering steps

In short, Macor bridges the gap between engineering design and ceramic performance, enabling flexible and cost-effective production of insulation parts.

Proven Applications Across Industries

Macor’s combination of insulation, temperature resistance, and machinability makes it a trusted choice in critical applications:

Vacuum & UHV systems: Feedthroughs, probe holders, insulator mounts
Semiconductor equipment: Ion beam components, wafer handling fixtures
Optical and laser systems: Thermal isolators, precision mounts
Aerospace: High-voltage insulators, test fixtures
Medical & research devices: X-ray and microwave insulation parts

Where precision meets performance, Macor consistently delivers reliability and repeatability.

Conclusion

In modern manufacturing, material selection defines performance. Macor stands out as a rare combination of electrical insulation, thermal endurance, and machinability, making it a top choice for engineers who need both precision and practicality.

For equipment designers seeking high-temperature stability and fast turnaround, Macor remains one of the most versatile insulation materials available today.