Material selection is dictated by the operating spectral wavelength and budget. If your application operates in the Deep Ultraviolet (DUV) range between 185 nm and 250 nm (e.g., excimer laser optics, 254 nm germicidal UV analysis, spectrophotometer flow cells), specify JGS1 Synthetic Fused Silica. It offers >90% UV transmission and near-zero fluorescence. If your system operates in the visible to near-infrared spectrum (350 nm – 2000 nm), JGS2 Fused Quartz provides high optical clarity and exceptional thermal shock endurance at approximately 30–40% lower cost. If your application centers in the infrared spectrum (2.5 µm – 3.5 µm), standard quartz has a severe water-absorption band (due to OH⁻ groups); therefore, JGS3 Infrared Grade Quartz (<5 ppm OH⁻) is mandatory to eliminate infrared attenuation.

While often used interchangeably, there is a distinct technical difference. Fused Quartz is manufactured by melting high-purity natural crystalline quartz sand. It contains trace metallic impurities (typically 10–30 ppm) which create slight UV absorption bands below 240 nm. Fused Silica is a synthetic material produced via chemical vapor deposition (flame hydrolysis of gaseous SiCl₄). Fused silica features purity exceeding 99.9999%, virtually no metallic impurities, superior radiation resistance, and superior UV transmission down to 185 nm.

Our standard optical polishing achieves a surface flatness of 1λ to 2λ per 25 mm aperture with a surface roughness of Ra ≤ 0.5 nm (scratch-dig 40/20). For precision laser optics, beam-splitters, and interferometers, our high-precision planetary lapping and CMP workshop delivers up to λ/4 or λ/10 @ 632.8 nm with Ra ≤ 0.2 nm and scratch-dig 20/10 or 10/5. All optical flats can be accompanied by optical inspection reports upon request.

Optical grade quartz plate performance far exceeds borosilicate glass under thermal duress. Fused quartz has a coefficient of thermal expansion of approximately 5.5 × 10⁻⁷ /°C—roughly 1/6th that of borosilicate glass (33 × 10⁻⁷ /°C). Consequently, a 5 mm quartz plate can endure sudden temperature variations of >1000°C without breaking, whereas borosilicate fractures at thermal jumps above 150°C–180°C. Furthermore, quartz continuous operating temperature reaches 1100°C (short-term 1450°C), while borosilicate deforms above 500°C.

Yes. As a verified custom manufacturer, Lianyungang Vulra Quartz Products Co., Ltd. operates multi-axis CNC glass machining centers capable of cutting stepped profiles, custom circular discs, square wafers, blind pockets, counterbored mounting holes, and custom edge chamfers (0.2 mm to 1.0 mm @ 45°). After machining, all edges are either fire-polished or fine ground to eliminate micro-cracks that induce mechanical failure under vacuum or high clamping pressures.

To support prototyping, research laboratories, and engineering pilots, our MOQ for custom optical quartz plates starts at just 1 piece. Standard dimension prototypes (discs and rectangles) typically ship within 5 to 7 business days. Complex custom parts requiring special tooling or specific laser coatings take approximately 10 to 14 business days.

Optical surfaces require specialized clean packaging. Each optical grade quartz plate is ultrasonically cleaned, inspected under darkfield illumination, wrapped in lint-free lens paper, sealed in anti-static PE bags or dedicated optical gel-pack clamshells, and vacuum protected. Exterior packaging utilizes custom high-density shock-absorbing EPE foam surrounded by multi-layer reinforced export cartons or custom-built plywood crates engineered for air and ocean freight.

You can send your 2D engineering drawings (PDF, DWG, DXF) or 3D CAD files directly to our engineering team at [email protected], or click the Get a Quote live assistance button on this page. Please specify length/width/diameter, thickness, required quartz grade (JGS1, JGS2, JGS3), surface flatness, scratch-dig specification, and quantity. Our optical engineers evaluate and reply within 12 business hours.