Quick answer: Metallization Fused Silica covers Fused Silica (CTE 0.55 x 10^-6 /K, 185 nm – 2.5 um); films 50 nm – 2 um, patterned to 10 um lines. Prototypes ship in 5-10 working days.
Specify metallization fused silica when the bare substrate falls short: Cr/Au, Ti/Pt or Al thin films, processed by sputter + lift-off or shadow mask, brings Fused Silica to films 50 nm – 2 um, patterned to 10 um lines.
The numbers
| Material | Fused Silica (JGS1 (UV), JGS2 (standard), JGS3 (IR)) |
|---|---|
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 0.55 x 10^-6 /K |
| Service temperature | 1,100 C continuous |
| Transmission range | 185 nm – 2.5 um |
| Density | 2.20 g/cm3 |
| Knoop hardness | 500 kg/mm2 |
| Refractive index | 1.458 @ 587 nm |
| Stock thickness | 0.10 – 50 mm |
| Maximum blank size | 450 x 450 mm |
| Treatment | Metallization – Cr/Au, Ti/Pt or Al thin films |
| Specification | films 50 nm – 2 um, patterned to 10 um lines |
| Deposition / method | sputter + lift-off or shadow mask |
| RFQ inputs | PDF/DXF/STEP drawing, quantity brackets, surface and edge spec |
Specification advice
Before sending the RFQ, check these against your drawing:
- Material note: its hardness and brittleness demand diamond tooling and controlled feeds.
- Sequence matters: all machining happens before metallization; post-coating rework is not economical.
- Over-specification is the quiet budget killer: a 20/10 scratch-dig face costs roughly three times an 80/50 face, so grade each surface individually.
For the complete framework, see the tolerance design guide and the holes and edges design guide.
Manufacturing capability
One material, many routes: on Fused Silica we also quote ultrasonic machining, edge grinding, lapping, sandblasting, and multi-step drawings are the norm rather than the exception.
Application context
The recurring buyers of metallization fused silica: laser systems (windows, beam splitters, debris shields); optical sensors (sensor windows, filter caps, lens covers); scientific instruments (reference flats, cells, prism mounts, stage inserts). Background reading on the underlying material science: RP Photonics: fused silica.
The fastest route to a quote is geometry: use the 3D builder below, draw a dimensioned 2D drawing from it, or open the site-wide custom glass machining 3D + 2D builder for fully custom parts.
Engineers scoping this work usually also review material selection guide, fused silica wafers 2-12 inch, JGS1 quartz glass.
Buyer questions, answered
Is there a minimum order for metallization fused silica?
No. Single prototypes are accepted, and pricing steps down at 10, 100 and 1,000 pieces.
How fast can prototypes ship?
Machined prototypes ship in 5 – 10 working days. Coated or bonded parts add 1 – 2 weeks depending on queue slots.
What files do you need for a quote?
A dimensioned PDF plus DXF or STEP geometry. If only a sketch exists, our drawing review service formalizes it before quoting.
Do parts ship with inspection data?
Dimensional reports, surface certificates and material certs per melt are available; specify the level on the RFQ.
What tolerances are achievable on Fused Silica parts?
Ground features hold +/-0.01 mm and lapped thickness reaches +/-0.003 mm. Its hardness and brittleness demand diamond tooling and controlled feeds.
Specifications on this page were last reviewed by our engineering team in September 2026.