Sandblasting Optical Glass: Optical Glass (CTE 7.1 x 10^-6 /K, 350 nm – 2.0 um); Sandblasting to mask registration +/-0.1 mm. Single-piece prototypes to production volumes, quoted from your drawing.
We blast Optical Glass daily, in thicknesses from 0.7 – 25 mm. The controlling numbers: mask registration +/-0.1 mm working tolerance, 1 mm masked window minimum features, and uniform matte, gloss 4 – 8 GU off the machine. Where the drawing asks for more, downstream lapping and polishing take over.
Specifications at a glance
| Material | Optical Glass (N-BK7, H-K9L and filter glass sets) |
|---|---|
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 7.1 x 10^-6 /K |
| Service temperature | 400 C (Tg 557 C) |
| Transmission range | 350 nm – 2.0 um |
| Density | 2.51 g/cm3 |
| Knoop hardness | 610 kg/mm2 |
| Refractive index | 1.5168 @ 587 nm |
| Stock thickness | 0.30 – 50 mm |
| Maximum blank size | 300 mm diameter |
| Process | Sandblasting |
| Working tolerance | mask registration +/-0.1 mm |
| Minimum feature | 1 mm masked window |
| Surface finish | uniform matte, gloss 4 – 8 GU |
| Thickness window | 0.7 – 25 mm |
| Edge condition | not applicable |
| RFQ inputs | PDF/DXF/STEP drawing, quantity brackets, surface and edge spec |
Capabilities and limits
The core strength of Sandblasting is uniform diffusing texture and masked logos or windows at panel scale. The honest limit: blasted faces lose roughly 30% bend strength; safety-critical faces get a post-etch. Both belong on the drawing before quoting, not after.
One material, many routes: on Optical Glass we also quote drilling, laser cutting, cnc machining, lapping, and multi-step drawings are the norm rather than the exception.
Getting the drawing right
Three items decide most of the cost and lead time on this work:
- Material note: index-certified blanks must be oriented and serialized through the shop to keep melt traceability.
- Process boundary: blasted faces lose roughly 30% bend strength; safety-critical faces get a post-etch.
- 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.
Who orders this
sandblasting optical glass shows up across laser systems (windows, beam splitters, debris shields); ccd inspection equipment (CCD cover plates, reference grids, stage glass); machine vision (camera windows, ring-light diffusers, calibration plates). Background reading on the underlying material science: RP Photonics: optical glass.
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 AR coating process, CCD screening plates, high-purity quartz guide.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment runs the sandblasting work?
Automated cabinets with alumina media and photoresist masks.
Is there a minimum order for sandblasting optical glass?
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.
Specifications on this page were last reviewed by our engineering team in September 2026.