Zerodur® CNC Machining Services

Precision Zerodur® CNC machining services for ultra-low thermal expansion applications. We manufacture custom Zerodur components for semiconductor equipment, optical systems, metrology, aerospace, and scientific instruments with tight tolerances for prototype and low-volume production.

Material Properties & Advantages

What is Zerodur®?

Zerodur® is an ultra-low expansion glass ceramic developed by SCHOTT for applications requiring exceptional dimensional stability under changing temperatures. Its near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion, high mechanical stability, and excellent polishing capability make it a preferred material for semiconductor equipment, optical systems, metrology, astronomy, and scientific instrumentation.

Key Advantages of Zerodur®:

Ultra-Low Thermal Expansion
– Near-zero thermal expansion minimizes dimensional changes caused by temperature fluctuations, making Zerodur® ideal for precision optical, semiconductor, and metrology applications.

Excellent Dimensional Stability
– Maintains excellent dimensional accuracy over long operating periods, supporting precision measurement systems and high-performance scientific instruments.

Optical Surface Capability
– Suitable for precision grinding, lapping, and optical polishing to achieve superior surface quality for demanding optical components.

High Mechanical Stability
–Provides outstanding rigidity and structural stability for precision assemblies operating in demanding industrial and research environments.

Excellent Chemical Resistance
– Resistant to many laboratory chemicals and cleaning processes used in semiconductor manufacturing and scientific research.

Zerodur® Specifications & Datasheets

The following specifications represent typical material properties of Zerodur® glass ceramic used for precision optical, semiconductor, metrology, and scientific applications. Additional technical data and material certifications are available upon request.

Zerodur® Ultra-Low Expansion Glass Ceramic

Hardness

Density

Thermal Conductivity

Young's Modulus

~620 HK (Knoop Hardness)

~2.53 g/cm³

~1.46 W/m·K

90 GPa

Specific Heat Capacity

Maximum Application Temperature

Poisson’s Ratio

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

0.80 J/g·K

600°C (1112°F)

0.24

0 ± 0.05 × 10⁻⁶/K (Class 1)

Available Materials

Available in SCHOTT Zerodur® or customer-supplied materials for prototype, custom machining, and low-volume production. Material certifications are available upon request.

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Machining Capabilities for Zerodur®

Zerodur® is a hard and brittle glass ceramic that requires specialized machining techniques to minimize chipping, control subsurface damage, and maintain dimensional accuracy. Our precision machining capabilities support custom prototypes and low-volume production for demanding optical, semiconductor, metrology, aerospace, and scientific applications.

Precision CNC Milling – Machine complex geometries, precision pockets, slots, and intricate features while maintaining excellent dimensional accuracy.

Diamond Grinding – Achieve superior dimensional accuracy and surface quality using precision diamond grinding for hard and brittle materials.

Precision Hole Machining – Produce precision through holes, blind holes, and custom hole patterns with excellent positional accuracy.

Lapping & Optical Polishing – Improve flatness and surface finish for precision optical components, metrology systems, and scientific instruments.

Precision Edge Finishing – Reduce edge chipping and improve part durability with precision chamfering and edge treatment.

Applications of Zerodur®

Zerodur® is widely used in applications requiring exceptional thermal stability, near-zero thermal expansion, and long-term dimensional accuracy. Its unique material properties make it an ideal choice for precision optical systems, semiconductor equipment, metrology, aerospace, and scientific instrumentation.

Semiconductor Equipment – Used for wafer inspection systems, metrology platforms, precision stages, and structural components requiring exceptional thermal stability.

Optical Systems – Ideal for optical benches, mirror substrates, precision mounts, alignment structures, and high-performance optical assemblies.

Metrology Equipment – Applied in coordinate measuring systems, calibration fixtures, reference structures, and ultra-precision positioning components.

Scientific Instruments – Suitable for interferometers, laboratory equipment, analytical instruments, and advanced research systems.

Astronomy & Space – Used in telescope mirror substrates, optical support structures, satellite payloads, and space-based optical systems.

Surface Finishing Options for Zerodur®

Precision surface finishing enhances dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and optical performance for custom Zerodur® components used in demanding precision applications.

Precision Grinding

Produces accurate dimensions and consistent surface quality for precision glass ceramic components.

Flat Lapping

Improves flatness and parallelism for optical bases, reference surfaces, and metrology components.

Edge Chamfering

Reduces edge chipping and improves handling safety while protecting critical component edges.

Compatible Materials We Machine

Explore additional precision materials for optical, semiconductor, aerospace, and scientific applications, all supported by our custom CNC machining capabilities.

Quartz

Precision quartz machining for semiconductor equipment, optical systems, and laboratory applications.

Sapphire

Custom sapphire machining for optical windows, substrates, and high-wear precision components.

MACOR®

Machinable glass ceramic for complex prototypes, vacuum systems, and electrical insulation applications.

Alumina (Al₂O₃)

Precision alumina machining for electrical insulation, wear-resistant, and semiconductor components.

Silicon Carbide (SiC)

High-performance silicon carbide machining for semiconductor, vacuum, and high-temperature applications.

Looking for additional advanced materials? Explore our complete range of precision CNC machining services for ceramics, technical glass, and other high-performance materials.

Request a Quote for Zerodur® CNC Machining Today

Looking for high-precision Zerodur® machining? InstaVoxel delivers expert CNC machining, fast lead times, and superior quality. Contact us today to discuss your project.