Custom Sapphire Components for Research & Prototyping
We provide custom sapphire (single-crystal Al₂O₃) research products for universities, national labs, and R&D teams. Sapphire is widely used in scientific instrumentation because it combines high-temperature stability, chemical resistance, high hardness, electrical insulation, and broad optical transmission (grade/orientation dependent).
We support prototype to small/medium production, helping you translate drawings and experimental needs into manufacturable sapphire parts.
What We Can Make
- Sapphire tubes & sleeves (furnace, vacuum, sensor protection)
- Sapphire windows (round/square, viewing ports, optical windows)
- Sapphire rods & spacers (insulation, alignment, structural components)
- Sapphire wafers & substrates (custom thickness, orientation upon request)
- Custom machined sapphire parts (rings, discs, plates, holders, housings)
- Polished optical surfaces (OD/ID/end faces as specified, geometry dependent)
Why Sapphire for Research Hardware
- High thermal stability for high-temperature experiments
- High hardness / wear resistance for long lifetime components
- Electrical insulation at elevated temperature (design dependent)
- Optical/IR transparency suitable for windows and optical access (application dependent)
- Corrosion resistance for many harsh environments (verify with your chemistry)
Typical Use Cases
- High-temperature furnaces and tube furnaces (sample sleeves, protective tubes)
- Vacuum systems (insulating spacers, viewports, feedthrough sleeves)
- Plasma/sputtering/CVD tools (dielectric hardware, shields, custom fixtures)
- Optical spectroscopy setups (windows, view tubes, laser access)
- Harsh-environment sensors (protective housings, high-temp insulation)
Custom Options & Specifications
- Geometry: OD/ID, thickness, length, holes, slots, chamfers, radii
- Surface finish: as-ground, fine-ground, polished (specified faces)
- Orientation: C-plane / A-plane / R-plane (if required)
- Tolerance targets: standard machining tolerances or tight tolerances on request
- Cleaning/packaging: clean handling and protective packaging available
FAQ — Custom Sapphire Research Products
What sapphire research products can you provide?
We support custom sapphire tubes, windows, rods, wafers/substrates, and machined sapphire components such as rings, discs, plates, spacers, and fixtures. Share a drawing or dimensions for evaluation.
Can you provide optical polishing?
Yes. We can offer polishing on specified surfaces (OD/ID/end faces/windows) depending on geometry. Please specify which faces need polishing and your surface requirement.
Do you support specific crystal orientations?
Yes, orientation options such as C-plane, A-plane, and R-plane may be available depending on the part type and supply route. Tell us your requirement if orientation is critical.
What information is needed for a custom quote?
Provide a drawing (PDF/STEP), key dimensions, tolerances, surface finish (ground/polished), quantity, and operating conditions (temperature, vacuum/pressure, atmosphere/chemicals).
What tolerances can you achieve?
Tolerances depend on geometry, wall thickness, length, and finish requirements. We will recommend practical tolerances after reviewing your design and identifying critical features.
Is sapphire suitable for high-temperature and vacuum systems?
Sapphire is commonly used in high-temperature and vacuum environments due to its stability and strength. Final suitability depends on thermal gradients, mounting, and your process conditions.
