Macor® glass ceramic offers an outstanding combination of thermal, mechanical, electrical and chemical properties. Macor withstands high temperature, up to 1000 ºC (no load) and demonstrates high electrical resistivity and dielectric strength. It can also be machined (using ordinary metal working tools) in intricate shapes and precision parts. And no post firing is required after machining. Macor is clean, offering zero porosity and no outgasing. Please check our "Ceramic Materials Specs" page or call us for information on Macor properties.

Macor® machines differently from metal, but an experienced machinist should be able to achieve excellent results after becoming familiar with the material. 

Tooling:

• Macor can be cut with regular high speed steel tools
• Carbide tools perform better than high speed steel and are recommended for more difficult machining operations as well as high volume applications

Machining:

• Firing is NOT required after machining
• Tubes turned with 0.010 in. walls
• Holes drilled and tapped as small as 0-80
• Tolerances of +/-0.0005 in. are routinely achieved
• Wafers cut as thin as 0.005 in.

Coolants:

• Liquid coolants are recommended to dissipate heat from the tool and trap the powder that comes off during machining
• Coolants that have been used successfully include Johnson's Cold Stream, Supercut S67 and Quaker 103. Water can also be used
• Macor rods, sheets and bars can be machined dry, although it will have a greater tendency to chip

Drilling

Drill size:
1/4 inch
1/2 inch
3/4 inch
1 inch
2 inch