Precision Ceramics, a division of McGeoch Technology, is a company dedicated to the engineering of technical ceramics. From procurement and supply through to technical design and specialist machining, we offer a complete service.
Our reputation for quality and service is truly international with specialist ceramic components engineered by Precision Ceramics finding their way into an ever-widening array of worldwide applications in industries as diverse as aerospace, opto-electronics and nuclear power.
Precision Ceramics is a Macor Distributor. Precision Ceramics is a Macor Expert. In fact, there is no other Macor Supplier who knows more about this unique machinable glass ceramic than Precision Ceramics. We're also experts in Macor Metallization and publishers of the Macor Technical Bulletin.
Macor Machinable Glass Ceramic
Macor is an outstanding engineering material and is machinable with ordinary metalworking tools. Macor is also a problem solving material combining the performance of a technical ceramic with the versatility of a high performance plastic.
Macor has a high use temperature (800°C continuous to 1,000°C peak). It has a low thermal conductivity and is a useful high temperature insulator as well as an excellent electrical insulator. Macor has no porosity and when properly baked out, will not outgas. It is strong and rigid and, unlike high temperature plastics, will not creep or deform. Macor is also radiation resistant.
Macor is pure white and can be highly polished. It can be thick or thin film metallised, brazed and epoxy bonded. Another major advantage of this unique material is that, even in small quantities, components are economical to manufacture.
Machining Macor Glass Ceramic
Key factors for successful machining are proper machining speeds and coolant. Macor machinable glass ceramic can be machined with high speed tools, but carbide tools are strongly recommended for longer wear and better finishes. Be generous with coolants. As with any new material, it is well worthwhile taking some time to learn how Macor behaves during machining.
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Machining Optimization for Macor Glass Ceramic
Achieve the best results by using a water-soluble coolant especially formulated for cutting and grinding glass or ceramics. No post firing is required after machining.
Preparation of Macor Machinable Glass Ceramic for Machining
When machining small or delicate pieces, make sure that clamping the load is uniformly distributed. Use soft jaws if at all possible.
Cutting Tools for Sawing Macor Glass Ceramic
Use a carbide grit blade at a band speed of 100 fpm (30.5m/min). An alternative is a silicon carbide or diamond cut-off wheel.
Turning Requirements Using Carbide Tooling
Using carbide tooling:
- Cutting speed = 9-15 m/min (30-50 sfm)
- Feed Rate = 0.005-0.013 cm/rev (.002-.005 ipr)
- Depth of cut = 0.38-0.65 cm(.150-.200 in)
Milling Requirements Using Carbide Tooling
Using carbide tooling:
- Cutting speed = 6.1-10.7 m/min (230-35 sfm)
- Feed Rate = 0.05mm per tooth (.0025 ipt)
- Depth of cut = 0.38-0.51 cm(.150-.200 in)
Drilling Requirements for Macor Glass Ceramic
The drilling requirements for Macor machinable glass ceramic is outlined in the following table.
Table 1. Drilling requirements for Macor glass ceramic
Tapping Process
Make a clearance/pilot holes one size larger than those recommended for metals. Chamfer both ends of the hole to reduce chipping. Run the tap in one direction only. Turning the tap back and forth can cause the chipping.
Continuously flush with water or coolant to clear chips and dust from the tap.
Grinding the Macor Machinable Glass Ceramic
Diamond, silicon-carbide or aluminium oxide grinding wheels can be used.
Polishing the Macor Machinable Glass Ceramic
Start with loose 400-grit silicon carbide on a steel wheel. For the final polish, use cerium oxide or alumina on a polishing pad for glass ceramics. A 0.013µm (0.5µin) finish can be achieved.
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This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Precision Ceramics.
For more information on this source, please visit Precision Ceramics.