Typical machinable glass-ceramic compositions include fluorophlogopite mica, silica, and alumina components within a glassy matrix.
This design gives the material high performance and dimensional stability even under extreme conditions.

• Continuous use temperature: 800°C (short-term up to 1000°C)

• High dielectric strength and electrical insulation

• Low thermal conductivity (~1.46 W/m·K)

• Vacuum compatible and non-porous

• Resistant to radiation and corrosion

• Can be machined with standard carbide tools

• Dimensional tolerance up to ±0.01 mm

These combined features make machinable glass-ceramics a preferred material for electronic, optical, and aerospace applications.

While traditional ceramics like alumina or zirconia are extremely hard and brittle, machinable glass ceramics offer a remarkable alternative — allowing complex parts to be shaped without expensive molds or high-temperature sintering.

Engineers can easily machine machinable glass ceramic rods, plates, and Macor machinable glass ceramic sheets using a CNC machine for ceramic glass.
This reduces lead times and costs, making it ideal for low-volume, high-precision production.

Even easy to machine glass ceramic rods are available for laboratory use, providing convenience and precision for research and prototyping.

Machinable glass-ceramics are produced through controlled crystallization of base glass, creating a dual-phase microstructure (crystalline + glassy).
This structure allows chips to break cleanly during machining, similar to metal cutting.

• Tools: Carbide or diamond tools are recommended.

• Machining speed: 200–1500 rpm depending on operation type.

• Coolant: Water or alcohol-based coolants prevent surface chipping.

• CNC machining: Suitable for milling, threading, drilling, and grinding.

• Finishing: Surface roughness as low as 0.2 μm Ra can be achieved.

Like other materials where ceramics and glass are machined by CNC, this process ensures high precision and reproducibility.

• Aerospace and Defense
• Semiconductor and Electronics
• Medical and Analytical Devices
• Optics and Laser Systems
• Research and Education
• Digital Printing and Automation

This balance of machinability, insulation, and strength is what makes machinable glass-ceramics a core material for modern high-tech manufacturing.

• Macor Machinable Glass Ceramic — Standard grade with excellent dielectric and machining properties.

• 914 Machinable Glass Ceramic — Enhanced version with improved mechanical and thermal shock resistance.

• Machinable Glass Ceramic Rod — For CNC machining and prototyping small components.

• Macor Machinable Glass Ceramic Sheet — Used as substrates for UV printing, mounting, or thermal insulation.

Supplier Type Selection:

• Original Manufacturer/Tier-1 Distributor: Advantages include material authenticity, technical support, and stable supply (e.g., when purchasing MACOR®, Corning or its authorized distributors are preferred). Suitable for high-volume, high-standard needs.
• Professional Fabricator/Stockist: Advantages include providing pre-processed materials (e.g., machinable glass ceramic rods or sheets cut to near-net dimensions) or finished parts, offering one-stop service and flexibility. Suitable for high-variety, low-volume needs.

Key Capabilities Investigation:

• Technical Support and Design Capabilities: Can the supplier provide early design input and material selection advice?
• Quality Assurance System: Does the supplier have comprehensive procedures for incoming material inspection, process control, and factory testing? Can they provide material certification for each batch of materials?
• Supply Chain Stability: Understand the raw material sources, inventory levels, and delivery reliability. For critical components, consider a dual-sourcing strategy.

Procuring machinable glass-ceramics is a technology-driven, professional activity. A successful procurement strategy relies on building a comprehensive system based on technical compliance, total cost of ownership, supply chain security, and strategic supplier partnerships. By implementing the recommendations in this guide, you can transform your organization from a cost center to a value creator, gaining a critical competitive advantage.

As a China-based manufacturer specializing in advanced ceramics and glass-ceramic machining, we provide:

• Over 10 years of experience in precision CNC machining

• Custom Macor and 914 machinable glass ceramic parts

• Fast prototyping and small batch manufacturing

• Tight tolerances (±0.01 mm) and fine surface finishes

• One-stop service — material supply, design support, and machining

• Competitive pricing for machinable glass ceramic rods and sheets

Our expertise helps clients across aerospace, semiconductor, and research sectors achieve precise, reliable results.

Machinable glass-ceramics are a breakthrough in engineering materials — combining ceramic strength, glass insulation, and metal-like machinability.
From Macor machinable glass ceramic sheets to easy-to-machine glass ceramic rods, they empower engineers to design high-precision, heat-resistant, and vacuum-compatible components with efficiency.

Whether you’re using CNC machines for ceramic glass, developing optical devices, or producing prototypes, machinable glass-ceramics offer unmatched flexibility and reliability.