Macor Machining

​In supporting cutting-edge projects in a wide range of high-tech industries, Meyer Tool often has the opportunity to fabricate components from unusual materials.  We have extensive experience machining and welding exotic metal alloys, and also can machine certain ceramic materials for specialized applications.

MACOR® is a machinable glass ceramic developed by Corning to have a combination of superior properties.  It is ideal for applications that require high precision ceramic components in low volumes and short lead times.
​
The advantages of MACOR® that interest our customers are:
  • Machinable to tight machining tolerances.
  • Stable at high temperatures and cryogenic temperatures.
  • Stable in high pressure and ultra-high vacuum environments.
  • Electrical insulation.
  • Low thermal conductivity.
  • Low thermal expansion.
  • Vacuum compatible because of zero porosity.

​The main use of MACOR ® components that Meyer Tool machines for our customers are as thermal and electrical insulators in
  • Ultra-high vacuum environments.
  • Cryogenic environments.
  • High-temperature environments.
  • High radiation environments. ​
Complex 5 Axis machining of macor component.
Complex 5 Axis machining of Macor component
Post weld machining of critical bore dimension on a carbon steel pressure vessel.
Tiny and complex this detail must be carefully machined to avoid chipping or breaking the ceramic material.
While MACOR is specifically designed for machinability, that doesn’t mean that it can be machined just like anything else.  Its brittle ceramic structure presents acute challenges to successfully machining high precision, intricate parts.

Challenges to machining MACOR
  • Sharp edges and corners are prone to chipping.
  • Over-tight fixturing can crack stock.
  • Small sections can easily crack and break off.

After identifying all potential manufacturing risks in a design, a manufacturing plan needs to be crafted to mitigate these risks and ensure smooth, problem-free production.

​​Strategies for successful machining
  • Fixture thin stock with high tack, double-stick tape.
  • Machine tight-fitting soft-jaws to spread clamping pressure over the largest surface area.
  • Cut from the outside in, especially when roughing, to prevent chipping at the edges and corners.
  • Take shallow cuts at high RPMs to minimize chatter and chipping.
Corning has extensive guidelines on how to use and manufacture MACOR ® components.  Take a look at their guide to learn more.

Meyer Tool has more than 50 years of experience manufacturing cutting-edge components and assemblies.  Our experience spans a wide range of materials, processes, and project sizes. Whether you’re building a single prototype or need production manufacturing support for your unique components, Meyer Tool’s engineering and manufacturing team approaches each challenge using our Reduce Project Risk Process to support your needs.

Are you working on a project that requires MACOR or some other exotic material? 
​
Give us a call at 708-425-9080 or fill out our RFQ form to get started!
 
References:
Corning’s website: https://www.corning.com/worldwide/en/products/advanced-optics/product-materials/specialty-glass-and-glass-ceramics/glass-ceramics/macor.html
https://www.corning.com/media/worldwide/csm/documents/a273d3bb4f134c31be5343db861eb3ba.pdf
​
Post weld machining of fiducial datum surfaces on an ASME code pressure vessel. This vessel was designed to maintain a liquid helium bath around a superconducting solenoid magnet.
Correct fixturing and holding can be critical to the successful machining of this material.
Meyer Tool’s machinists have been hard at work machining MACOR®. A ceramic specifically designed for machinability, MACOR® enables tight tolerances and short lead times on electrically and thermally insulating components. Check out video of our machines in action!