When manufacturers need to create the smallest and most precise components for their scientific, medical, and optical instruments, gauges, and other applications, they turn to wafer-thin synthetic sapphires from Specialty Ball. While synthetic sapphires may sound like a new product, they have roots that date all the way back to the late 1800s. This article covers contemporary uses of these precision components, how they are made, and why manufacturers continue to trust them for their projects.
Overview of Sapphire Wafers
Manufacturers use synthetic sapphires when they need precision components that are tough, scratch-resistant, and chemically durable. Specialty Ball’s synthetic sapphire wafers range in thickness from 0.3mm to 2.0mm and can be produced in any size or shape needed. While the most common uses for wafer-thin synthetic sapphire include lenses, and gems in jewellery, watches, and other decorations, the material has other powerful attributes that make it ideal for precision components.
The Benefits of Synthetic Sapphires
Unlike natural sapphires, synthetic sapphire materials can be easily cut to precise sizes and shapes, making them ideal for a variety of precision components. Synthetic sapphires can also sustain extreme temperatures and resist most acids, alkalies, and bodies of water, which makes them an excellent choice for applications that require extreme environmental durability.
Another benefit of synthetic sapphires is their superior wear resistance, which makes them ideal for components that must operate for long periods of time in harsh conditions without wearing down. The surface of a synthetic sapphire wafer is also one of the most scratch-resistant surfaces available, which makes it one of the best materials for precision components that must retain their shape and function over long periods of use.
Manufacturing Process and Quality Standards
Specialty Ball’s wafer-thin synthetic sapphires are manufactured using a unique process that combines high-grade sintered sapphires with the latest advances in manufacturing technology. During the process, sapphire material is heated and then rapidly cooled to create a strong, dense material with a high degree of uniformity and consistency. The sapphires are then machined using specialty CNC and 5-axis machining tools to create components that meet or exceed A.F.B.M.A. quality standards. The result is a synthetic sapphire component that is durable, uniform, and able to outlast and outperform any other material, making it perfect for use in precision components for medical, scientific, and optical instruments.
Overall
Manufactures that need to create highly precise components for their medical, scientific, and optical instruments, gauges, and other equipment can likely reduce their costs and increase their quality standards by using Specialty Ball’s wafer-thin synthetic sapphires. With superior wear resistance, scratch resistance, and unique manufacturing construction, this synthetic material is one of the best options for creating the highest- quality precision components available.