Zerodur Glass Ceramics [2024 Guide]: Properties, Applications and Sourcing Advice

Basic information on Zerodur glass

1.What is Zerodur glass?

Zerodur is a unique material developed by Schott AG, designed to meet the demands of environments requiring extreme thermal and dimensional stability. It combines a glassy matrix with microcrystalline structures, offering the best of both worlds: precision and durability.

2.Its chemical composition and unique properties

Zerodur is a precision-engineered glass-ceramic composed primarily of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and lithium oxide (Li₂O). This combination creates a microcrystalline structure within a glass matrix. Its defining feature is a near-zero thermal expansion coefficient (±0.02 × 10⁻⁶/K), ensuring exceptional dimensional stability under temperature changes. Additionally, it boasts high chemical resistance, excellent machinability for complex shapes, and suitability for ultra-smooth polishing.

3.Applicable industries and needs?

Astronomy and Space Exploration

Zerodur glass-ceramics are the backbone of many high-performance telescopes, both in orbit and on Earth. For example, the primary mirror of the European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which retains its shape under extreme conditions, ensures the stability and reliability of space instruments on space missions thanks to its excellent thermal shock adaptation.

Precision Manufacturing

In sub-micron precision instruments, such as Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), it is the stability of Zerodur glass that ensures accurate measurements at the nanometer scale, while Zerodur’s resistance to thermal deformation makes it ideal for many lithography devices.

Scientific Research Instruments

In scientific research, Zerodur provides interferometers with the stability needed for accurate wavefront analysis, utilizing its ability to minimize deformation due to temperature changes, and is used in optical lens mounts, optical benches, and other equipment.

Benefits and features of Zerodur Glass

Capable of high-precision machining.
Stable performance under temperature fluctuations.
Offers excellent homogeneity, purity, and uniformity for reliable results.
Resists deformation even under heavy loads.
Highly resistant to chemical corrosion, including acids and bases.
Performs exceptionally well in vacuum environments.
Transparent across a broad range of wavelengths.
Features an extremely low thermal expansion coefficient: 0 ± 0.007 × 10⁻⁶/K.
Handles high operational temperatures with ease.

Practical examples of Zerodur glass

optical components

High precision and stable optical Zerodur components

Structural Components

Zerodur structural components processed by advanced machinery

Low Expansion Glass

Zerodur microcrystalline glass with ultra-low expansion properties

Performance Comparison With Other Materials

Zerodur glass leads in performance when compared to fused silica, Macor or standard ceramics The best thing about Zerodur glass is its dimensional stability, which makes it very useful for micron-level precision.

Material	Thermal Expansion Coefficient (×10⁻⁶/K)	Durability	Key Applications
Zerodur	±0.02	High	Astronomy, metrology
Fused Silica	~0.55	Moderate	Optics, electronics
Macor	0.01–0.02	Low	Insulators, small devices
Standard Ceramics	Varies	High	Structural, aerospace

How to Choose Zerodur Glass and Manufacturers

If considering whether to use Zerodur glass for your project, consider the following key factors:

1.About Dimensions and Tolerances

Zerodur glass needs to be judged to see if it meets the tolerances required for your project, e.g., astronomical telescope lenses, large telescopes, etc., where the shape of the surface needs to be held to micron-level tolerances.

2.Manufacturer selection

Choosing a right manufacturer can bring positive feedback to your project, jundro ceramics has been providing high precision machining of hard and brittle materials to global companies since 2019, thanks to our diverse and state-of-the-art machinery, and our commitment to delivering exceptional service, ensuring complete customer satisfaction, and paying attention to every detail of the production process.

3.Budget and Cost Effectiveness

Zerodur material costs are relatively high, but in special applications, its high-quality performance can bring irreplaceable value to the project. You can choose it based on your budget and needs. If you do not require high precision, you can choose a moderately priced high-performance ceramic material.

About Zerodur Mechanical Processing and Precautions

Although Zerodur is chemically stable and hard, it requires specialized tools and equipment during processing, and is not suitable for environments with high mechanical impacts, such as impacts or vibrations occurring from large machinery, which may cause Zerodur to shatter. If you need customized processing of Zerodur glass, please contact us, our experts will be happy to serve you.

FAQ

What makes Zerodur glass better than fused silica?

Zerodur has a near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, whereas fused silica has a higher coefficient of expansion, which gives Zerodur an advantage in applications where dimensional stability is critical in extreme temperature environments.

What materials does Zerodur glass replace?

Zerodur is an ideal replacement for fused silica, Macor or other materials where high precision and low thermal expansion are required.

Can Zerodur be used in custom shapes?

Yes, with the right tools and expertise, Zerodur can be machined and polished into complex shapes while maintaining its unique properties.