Industrial Glass
Planar glass surfaces produced via the float method provide the dimensional stability required for optical and microelectronic substrates. This schott borofloat 33 material is characterized by its high resistance to chemical attack and its low thermal expansion. It is frequently used as a substrate for thin film coatings or as a view port in high pressure chambers.
Production Method
Microstructure uniformity is achieved by pouring molten glass onto a bed of liquid tin in a controlled atmosphere. The manufacturing of schott borofloat 33 through this method results in two fire polished surfaces that require minimal grinding. This process eliminates the internal stresses found in rolled or cast glass products.
The resulting sheets provide a consistent platform for the lithographic processes used in sensor fabrication.
Thermal Resistance
Stability under rapid temperature changes makes this glass suitable for applications involving thermal cycling. With a coefficient of thermal expansion near 3.25 millionths per Kelvin, schott borofloat 33 maintains its dimensions even when heated to several hundred degrees. It can withstand major thermal gradients without cracking or losing its optical clarity.
This property is essential for sensors operating in harsh industrial furnaces or aerospace environments.
Chemical Durability
Resistance to acids and alkalis ensures that the substrate does not degrade when exposed to harsh cleaning agents or process chemicals. This durability allows schott borofloat 33 to be used in analytical instruments and chemical reactors where purity is a requirement.