Sapphire Reference Table
Synthetic sapphire is a single crystal form of corundum, aka, pure single crystal aluminum oxide, A12O3. The combination of its unique properties make sapphire a preferred material for extreme mechanical, chemical & optical applications. Unlike glass, sapphire cannot be molded. Sapphire can be grown into near net shapes such as tubes and rod, then ground and polished if necessary
Custom Molded Glass Dome Capabilities
Glass domes can go to over 100,000psi. However, dome mounting is the limiting factor in pressure systems. The maximum operating pressure is determined by how the dome is mounted. Over time mounting may contribute to degradation of maximum operating pressure. External Pressure only (convex side). Never operate with internal, concave side pressure.
Build To Order Molded Glass Dome Capabilities
Glass domes can go to over 100,000psi. However, dome mounting is the limiting factor in pressure systems. The maximum operating pressure is determined by how the dome is mounted. Over time mounting may contribute to degradation of maximum operating pressure. External Pressure only (convex side). Never operate with internal, concave side pressure.
Transparent Materials Comparison
Glass is an amorphous solid which means its atoms are randomly oriented. Whereas, a crystalline material may contain the exact same type and quantity of atoms as glass, but the atoms are ordered in rigid, well-defined patterns. Fused quartz glass vs. crystalline quartz is a good example of the same type of atoms (SiO2) structured in such a way that one orientation forms a glass and another forms a crystal.