Web Menu

Product Search

Language

Share

Precision Ground Quartz

Precision Ground Quartz

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Defining Excellence in Precision Ground Quartz Components

Precision ground quartz refers to fused silica components that have undergone rigorous mechanical processing—including diamond grinding and lapping—to achieve extremely tight dimensional tolerances and specified surface finishes. This goes beyond standard cutting and polishing, focusing instead on control over parameters like parallelism, perpendicularity, flatness, and thickness uniformity, often measured in microns or fractions of a wavelength. This capability is vital for components that must integrate flawlessly into high-precision mechanical systems or serve as high-performance optical elements. Components include precision-fit spacers, tight-tolerance rings, calibrated flow cells, and optically flat substrates. We utilize advanced CNC machining centers and double-sided lapping machines to achieve superior accuracy, ensuring that all faces, edges, and features are perfectly aligned relative to one another. The use of fused quartz as the base material ensures that the component maintains this precision even under extreme thermal stress, due to its near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion. The reliability of complex optical assemblies, automated wafer handling systems, and metrology tools depends entirely on the dimensional accuracy of components fabricated through precision grinding. Our engineering team works directly from client CAD files (e.g., STEP, DWG) to maintain critical dimensions (±0.005mm) and surface roughness (Ra <0.1μm). The final step often involves meticulous cleaning to remove all grinding residue, ensuring the part is ready for cleanroom use. We specialize in components that require complex internal geometries, such as microfluidic channels or multi-bore holes, all held to the highest possible tolerances. This mastery of precision fabrication ensures that the structural and optical stability of fused quartz is fully leveraged in the most demanding scientific and industrial applications globally, from synchrotron beamlines to next-generation semiconductor tools.

Dimensional and Geometric Tolerance Specifications

Precision grinding is defined by the tight control over dimensional accuracy and the geometric relationship between multiple surfaces, using advanced metrology.

Parameter Standard Machined Tolerance Precision Ground/Lapped Tolerance Tolerance/Remark
Linear Dimensions (X/Y) ±0.1mm ±0.01mm CNC Machining and grinding accuracy.
Thickness Tolerance (Z) ±0.05mm ±0.005mm (Micron-Level) Crucial for optical path length uniformity.
Perpendicularity/Squareness <0.05mm (TIR) <0.002mm (Total Indicator Reading) Required for perfect alignment in assemblies.
Parallelism <30arc seconds <5arc seconds Essential for non-deviating optical windows.
Surface Roughness (Ra) <0.8μm (Ground) <0.1μm (Fine Lapped) Aids in sealing and particle control.
Flatness (Mechanical) <0.01mm (Bow/Warp) <0.002mm Verified by CMM/Laser Profilometer.
Runout (Cylindrical) ±0.05mm ±0.01mm (Total Runout) Key for rotating parts or precise fits.
Hole Diameter Tolerance ±0.05mm ±0.01mm Crucial for pin-fitting and jig assemblies.

The most differentiating feature of precision ground quartz is the control of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) parameters, such as parallelism and perpendicularity. For instance, a furnace ring must have perfectly parallel faces and its bore must be perfectly concentric to ensure uniform heating and wafer alignment. We use Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and vision systems to verify every critical dimension, providing full inspection reports to the customer. Thickness tolerance down to ±5μm is essential for optical substrates and gauge blocks. Achieving this requires specialized lapping (abrasive particle slurry) to slowly remove material to the precise dimension. We also specialize in internal features, such as fine-pitch threads or micro-channels, that are fabricated using ultrasonic drilling or high-speed routing, maintaining the same micron-level tolerances. For components used in cleanrooms, the final surface finish (low Ra) is also critical as it minimizes particle entrapment and facilitates easy cleaning and sealing. The stability of fused quartz means that once these precision dimensions are achieved, they are maintained under operational thermal stress, unlike metal or glass alternatives.

Applications Demanding Highest Dimensional Accuracy

Precision ground quartz components are indispensable in systems where failure to meet dimensional tolerances leads to system failure or inaccurate data.

  • Semiconductor Process Equipment:
    • Precision Wafer Carriers and Guides: Components with highly accurate slot widths and parallelism for automated wafer handling (200mm/300 mm).
    • Plasma Etch Focus Rings and Spacers: Maintaining precise gap tolerances in plasma chambers to control gas flow dynamics and plasma uniformity.
  • Metrology and Instrumentation:
    • Calibrated Gauge Blocks and Spacers: Used for absolute dimensional referencing in measurement systems due to quartz's low CTE.
    • Optical Mounts and Jigs: High-precision parts used to secure and align high-value optical elements (lenses, mirrors) without introducing stress.
  • Analytical and Scientific Research:
    • High-Tolerance Flow Cells: Cells used in chromatography or mass spectrometry requiring exact path lengths and perfectly square internal corners for optimal flow and light interaction.
    • Synchrotron Components: Beam guides, collimators, and alignment structures requiring sub-micron dimensional accuracy.
  • High-Reliability Mechanical Seals:
    • Precision Rings and Flanges: Used as inert, high-temperature sealing surfaces in demanding vacuum or pressure environments.

In all these areas, the precision grinding ensures the component integrates perfectly with metallic or ceramic mounting points. For plasma applications, the precise geometric shape is critical for maintaining the electric field lines within the chamber. Our expertise lies in interpreting complex GD&T requirements and translating them into reliable, clean, and mechanically robust quartz components. The reliability gained from precision ground components far outweighs the fabrication cost in these high-value systems, preventing costly manufacturing downtime and ensuring instrument accuracy.

Precision Manufacturing and Reliability Benefits

Our dedication to precision grinding provides functional and operational advantages critical for advanced engineering systems.

  • Micron-Level Dimensional Accuracy: We guarantee tolerances down to ±0.005mm on critical features, ensuring perfect component interchangeability and seamless integration into automated, high-precision assemblies (e.g., wafer handling robotics).
  • Superior Geometric Control (GD&T): We specialize in achieving certified parallelism, perpendicularity, and runout tolerances that prevent misalignment, stress introduction, and vibration in dynamic or optical systems.
  • Long-Term Stability Assurance: Due to the fused quartz's ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), the precision dimensions we achieve are maintained across the operational temperature range, unlike metal components that expand and contract significantly.
  • Optimized Surface Finish: The fine-ground or lapped finish (Ra <0.1μm) enhances sealing performance, reduces particle adhesion, and minimizes wear against adjacent parts, vital for friction-sensitive moving mechanisms.
  • Custom Complex Geometry Capability: We employ multi-axis CNC diamond grinding and ultrasonic machining to fabricate highly intricate components (e.g., complex threads, internal micro-features) that cannot be made by conventional means, all held to high tolerances.
  • Stress-Free Fabrication: Our machining processes are controlled to minimize localized heating and mechanical stress, and we perform final low-temperature annealing on critical parts to ensure the final component is free from internal tension that could cause failure.
  • Certified Metrology Reports: We provide detailed inspection reports from our CMMs and optical profilers, offering verifiable proof of compliance with every specified tolerance, essential for clients in aerospace, defense, and regulated medical device manufacturing.

By leveraging the intrinsic stability of fused quartz with highly controlled machining techniques, we deliver components that are the gold standard for dimensional accuracy and mechanical reliability in the most demanding technical fields.

Ordering, Quality Verification, and Global Shipping

The procurement process for precision ground quartz emphasizes verification and secure handling of high-value components.

  • Payment Terms: Given the complex machining and labor involved, a 40% advance payment (T/T) is required upon receipt of the final, approved technical drawing. The 60% balance is due after the Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) and prior to final dispatch. We engage in contract pricing with long-term clients based on defined annual volume commitments.
  • Verification Protocol: Precision ground parts are subject to a mandatory PSI. This involves sending the client a formal Inspection Report including CMM data, roughness measurements, and photographic evidence to confirm compliance with all drawing tolerances before payment of the final balance.
  • Cleanroom Packaging: Components are cleaned, inspected in a Class 100/1000 environment, individually sealed in static-dissipative, protective film, and secured in custom-cut, high-density foam inserts within heavy-duty, impact-resistant cases. Special attention is paid to protecting critical faces and edges.
  • Shipping Logistics: Air Freight (DHL/FedEx Priority) is the standard, preferred method globally, typically shipped under CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To) terms. We ensure comprehensive insurance coverage to account for the high value of these meticulously fabricated parts. We manage all export controls and documentation.
  • Lead Time: The lead time for precision ground quartz is dependent on the complexity and tolerance level. Simple precision rings may take 2-3 weeks, while highly complex parts with multiple micron-level GD&T requirements may require 4-7 weeks for fabrication, lapping, and multi-stage quality control. We provide highly accurate, binding lead time commitments upon order confirmation.

Essential Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is the main difference between general grinding and precision grinding?

    A: General grinding (e.g., cut and square) focuses on basic shape and rough size control (typically ±0.1mm). Precision grinding and lapping focuses on achieving extremely tight GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) parameters, such as parallelism, flatness, and perpendicularity, down to ±0.005mm. Precision components require specialized tools (CMM, interferometers) and specialized surface processes (lapping, fine polishing) to achieve these tolerances.

  • Q: Why is parallelism so important for a precision ground quartz spacer ring?

    A: A spacer ring must ensure uniform spacing between two mechanical or optical components. If the faces are not perfectly parallel (e.g., <5arc seconds), the assembly will be tilted or wedge-shaped. This can introduce non-uniform stress, lead to mechanical binding, or, in optical systems, cause beam deviation or non-uniform focal planes. High parallelism guarantees the integrity and alignment of the entire system.

  • Q: Can precision ground quartz be used in high-vacuum systems?

    A: Absolutely. Precision ground quartz is ideal for high-vacuum (HV) and ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) systems. The key benefit is the ultra-smooth, high-flatness surface finish achieved through lapping, which provides an excellent sealing surface for metallic flanges or O-rings, minimizing leakage paths. Furthermore, fused quartz has an extremely low outgassing rate, which is non-negotiable for maintaining the necessary vacuum levels and purity in UHV chambers.

  • Q: Does precision grinding affect the purity of the quartz surface?

    A: Mechanical grinding introduces surface contamination (from the diamond tool and cooling fluids) and micro-fractures. Therefore, after precision grinding, all semiconductor and optical grade components must undergo a final, meticulous acid-etch cleaning process (chemical polishing). This step removes surface contaminants and the mechanically damaged layer, restoring the surface to its original high-purity state, ready for cleanroom use. We integrate this essential cleaning step into the final fabrication process for all critical components.

From Made-in-China to
Global Smart Manufacturing

Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd. is a company specializing in the production of quartz and special glass products. Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd. is the production plant of Jinzhou Mingde Quartz Glass Co., Ltd. in Jiangsu, Since its establishment, the company has developed rapidly, introduced advanced technology and production equipment at home and abroad, and continuously improved and improved product quality. Relying on its own advantages, we have developed a variety of products suitable for the market and meet the needs of different customers, and solved many urgent production problems for our customers.

The company's products include quartz glass tubes, double-hole quartz glass tubes, quartz glass rods, quartz sheets, sapphire windows, calcium fluoride glass windows, infrared ultraviolet coatings, high-pressure resistant aluminosilicate glass window panels, quartz glass instruments, high borosilicate glass instruments, quartz crucibles, quartz gold-plated tubes, quartz heaters, quartz infrared heating tubes, far-infrared directional radiation heaters ultraviolet germicidal lamps and other special types of quartz glass products.

Yancheng Mingyang Quartz Products Co., Ltd.
Message Feedback
Precision Quartz Rods Precision Quartz Windows and Sight Glasses Quartz Grinding Jars Quartz Plates and Discs for Optical and Thermal Applications