Macor®

Macor^® Machinable Ceramic

Macor^® is an outstanding engineering material which can quickly be designed into highly complex shapes, using conventional metalworking tools. Opening a wide range of possibilities, Macor^® gives the performance of a technical ceramic with the versatility of a high-performance polymer, while providing the machinability of a soft metal.

Macor^® remains continuously stable at 800 °C, with a maximum peak at 1,000 °C under no load, and unlike ductile materials, does not creep or deform. Its coefficient of thermal expansion readily matches most metals and sealing glasses. As an electric insulator, particularly at high temperatures, it is excellent at high voltages and a broad spectrum of frequencies. Macor^® is a white, nonwetting, odourless and non-outgassing material that exhibits zero porosity. Macor^® is also radiation resistant. Macor^® is of a pure white and can be polished to a high gloss. It can be metallized, welded and bonded to a thick or thin epoxy film. Another main advantage of this unique material is that, even in small quantities, it can be manufactured in an economic way

Final Advanced Materials can supply ceramic rods or plates for your own use, but it is also possible for us to undertake the complete execution of your project.

Machining

Extremely machinable, Macor^® offers tight tolerances capabilities, allowing complicated shape design (optimal performances up to 0.013 mm for dimensions, < 0.5 µm for finished surface and up to 0.013 µm for polished surface). 

Alternative to Macor^®

The use of Macor^® is restricted by the dimensions of the product. Vitro800 is an equivalent material to Macor^® and is available in larger dimensions. Moreover, Vitro800 is available at a highly cost-effective price.

Machining Guidance

Although the machining of Macor^® involves high-precision work, it can be undertaken using conventional tools for all cutting, milling, drilling and turning operations. The machinability of this material is remarkable, making it an ideal choice for the manufacture of prototypes and series production components with strict tolerances.

For the effective machining of Macor^® in the long term, it is recommended that carbide tools should be used, although high-speed steel tools are also appropriate. The use of a water-soluble cutting oil ensures a perfect finish. These ceramics are machined accurately with conventional carbide tools. The following procedures will be monitored and verified frequently, as well as we will use and verify frequently very sharp tools: these materials are very hard and abrasive, they damage rapidly the tools edges. It is imperative to work slowly without vibration nor hurry.

Grinding: Diamond, silicon carbide or aluminium oxide grinding wheels can be used.

Polishing: Start with loose 400-grit silicon carbide on a steel wheel. For the final polish, use cerium oxide or alumina on a polishing pad for glass or ceramics. A 0.5 µin.-AA finish can be achieved.

Turning:

• Cutting speed: 2.7 to 4.5 m/min
• Feed rate: 0.051 to 0.08 mm/tour
• Depth of cut: 4 to 6 mm

Milling:

• Cutting speed: 6 to 10.5 m/min
• Chip load: 0.051 mm/tooth
• Depth of cut : 3.81 to 5.08 mm

Sawing: Use a carbide grit blade at a band speed of 30.5 m/min. An alternative is a silicon carbide or diamond cut-off wheel.

Drilling: Allow at least 1.27 mm of extra material on the back side for breakout. This excess can be removed after drilling.

Tapping : Make clearance holes one size larger than those recommended for metals. Chamfer both ends of the hole to reduce chipping. Run the tap in one direction only. (Turning the tap back and forth can cause chipping.) Continuously flush with water or coolant to clear chips and dust from the tap.

Applications of Machinable Macor^®

• Ultra-High Vacuum Environments
• Laser Technology
• Equipment: Electronic, Medical, Automobile, Aerospace, Military, Nuclear

Examples of applications

Benefits of Machinable Macor^®

• Easily machinable
• Withstands high temperatures
• Low thermal conductivity
• Holds tight tolerances
• Electrical insulator
• Zero porosity and no outgassing
• Strong and rigid Highly polishable
• Can be soldered to a wide range of material
• Radiation resistant
• Lead free

Available Products

Technical Data of Machinable Macor^®

The technical data table for Macor^® machinable technical ceramics is available for download in the data sheet.

Chemical Properties of Machinable Macor^®

Chemical Composition

Macor^® can be considered unique as its composition comprise 55 % fluorophlogopite mica and 45 % borosilicate glass.

Chemical Durability

Weight Loss at 95 °C (mg/cm³)

Physical variables included in this documentation are provided by way of indication only and do not, under any circumstances, constitute a contractual undertaking. Please contact our technical service if you require any additional information.