Synthetic sapphire is an artificial gemstone made from the crystalline form of aluminum oxide. Sapphire is one of the most valuable and beloved precious gemstones, prized for its clarity, durability and sparkle. As one of the hardest naturally-occurring materials, sapphire is widely used in jewelry, watches and consumer electronics. It’s no surprise, then, that it is a frequently sought-after material for its durability and beauty.
For manufacturers like Specialty Ball, who make miniature and micro precision components for scientific, medical and optical instruments, synthetic sapphire’s density and hardness are of the utmost importance. Knowing the density of sapphire is a key factor in determining what size and shape components and instruments can be made from this material.
To assess the density of a material, one must look to its mass per unit area (M/A), or the amount of matter in a given region. This article will explore the properties of synthetic sapphire in order to understand its density and how it affects the applications of the material in the manufacturing industry.
What is Density?
Density is the mass per unit area of a material or substance. It is a measure of how much matter is in a given area, which is used to determine the material’s strength and hardness. A material’s density is typically measured in “grams per cubic centimeter” (g/ cc), or mass per unit of volume.
The density of a material can affect its ability to be formed into certain shapes. High- density materials, such as steel, are harder than low-density materials and, as a result, they are typically harder to form into different shapes. Low-density materials, such as cork, are softer and can be shaped more easily.
What is Synthetic Sapphire?
Synthetic sapphire, also known as cultured sapphire, is created in a lab by replicating the conditions and processes by which a natural sapphire is formed in nature. Synthetic sapphire is made of the crystalline form of aluminum oxide and is hardened when it is exposed to extreme temperatures. This chemical process enables synthetic sapphire to form with a nearly identical make-up to that of a natural sapphire.
Synthetic sapphire is widely used in jewelry, watches, consumer electronics, optics, and abrasives due to its hardness, clarity and durability. It is also used in industrial tools, electro-optics, opto-electronics, aerospace and defense.
Density of Synthetic Sapphire
Synthetic sapphire has an average density of 3.958g/cc, which is slightly lower than diamond (3.524 g/cc). The density of synthetic sapphire can be slightly higher or lower depending on the origin of the material, its quality, and its treatment. For example, sapphire grown from hydro-thermal processes will have a slightly higher density than sapphire grown from flame fusion.
In the manufacturing industry, the density of synthetic sapphire is of utmost importance. The higher the density, the stronger and harder the sapphire is. This means that it can withstand more pressure and will last longer. As a result, components made of higher density sapphire will be more reliable and durable.
Why Manufacturing Companies Use Synthetic Sapphire
Synthetic sapphire is a sought-after material for manufacturing companies due to its wide range of applications and its durability. It is used in jewelry, watches, consumer electronics, and opto-electronics, among others. These industries require parts and components with a high level of precision and strength, and synthetic sapphire is an ideal material for these applications.
Synthetic sapphire has a low thermal conductivity compared to other materials, making it suitable for use in opto-electronics and other devices that require high temperature insulation and control. The material’s hardness makes it ideal for abrasive applications and for use in tools and machine components which require a high level of strength and resilience.
Synthetic sapphire is also known for its clarity, which makes it suitable for use in optics and optical instruments. Its chemical properties make it resistant to acids and chemical compounds that can compromise other materials. Finally, its non-porous nature makes it an ideal material for medical applications, specifically for use in implants and medical devices.
Key point
Synthetic sapphire is one of the most valuable and beloved precious gemstones in the world, prized for its clarity, durability and sparkle. It is also highly sought-after in the manufacturing industry for its excellent properties and wide range of applications.
For manufacturers like Specialty Ball, understanding the density of synthetic sapphire is key in determining the size and shape of components and instruments which can be made from this material. Synthetic sapphire has an average density of 3.958 g/cc, which is slightly lower than diamond, and can be either slightly higher or lower depending on the origin of the material and its treatment.
Overall, the density of synthetic sapphire is an important factor to consider when using the material for its superior strength, corrosion-resistant properties and clarity.