Glass Ceramics
Advanced glass-ceramic materials combining the best properties of glass and crystalline ceramics
Engineered Glass-Ceramic Solutions
Glass ceramic materials are finding increasing application in industry because of their unique properties, particularly their ability to be tailored to match the physical properties of other materials and form glass to metal bonds. Through controlled crystallization, we transform glass into polycrystalline materials with exceptional performance characteristics.
Henson Ceramics Limited currently manufactures glass-ceramic/metal envelopes for high vacuum switches, as well as a variety of glass ceramic discs and pressed glass components. Other glass-ceramic materials which have recently gone into production are infra-red transmitting substrates, matched expansion coating materials and a glass ceramic with "zero" expansion.
Facilities are available to manufacture and shape glass materials by casting, centrifugal casting, pressing, drawing and blowing. The amorphous material is then heat treated which transforms the glass into glass ceramic, imparting properties of high strength and chemical durability.
Technical Specifications
Thermal Properties
Exceptional thermal performance:
- Near-zero thermal expansion
- Temperature resistance to 800°C+
- Excellent thermal shock resistance
Mechanical Strength
Superior mechanical properties:
- High flexural strength
- Excellent hardness and wear resistance
- Low porosity and high density
Material Systems
HCL 2000 Series compositions:
- HCL 2087 - Matched to 17% Cr/Fe
- HCL 2088 - Matched to molybdenum
- HCL 2089 - Cordierite glass ceramic
- HCL 2090 - Zero expansion coefficient
- HCL 2091 - Matched to copper
Technical Glasses - HCL 5000 Series
- HCL 5010 - Calcium aluminate
- HCL 5020 - Sodium silver phosphate
Bespoke Services
In addition to standard materials, HCL offers a bespoke speciality glass service and can provide customers with frits, powders, and inks to any prescribed particle size distribution.
High-Quality Glass Production
Several high temperature furnaces have been installed to produce high purity glass-ceramic materials of optical quality, specially designed for glass ceramic seals. In addition, facilities are available to manufacture glass exhibiting high electromagnetic transmission over a wide frequency range. The high quality required for certain applications is achieved by vacuum melting and special processing.
Applications
Aerospace
Radomes, thermal protection systems, and structural components
Ballistic Armour
High-performance protective systems and defense applications
Chemical Industry
Corrosion-resistant equipment and process components
Dental
Dental restorations, implants, and biocompatible devices
Infrared Systems
IR transmitting substrates and optical components
Medical Devices
Bioceramics and diagnostic equipment components
Military
High-performance components for defense applications
Power Engineering
High vacuum switches and electrical insulation
Radiation Dosimetry
Measurement devices and analytical tools
Optical Systems
Telescope mirrors, laser components, and precision optics
Electronics
Substrates, insulators, and high-temperature packaging
Energy Systems
Solar concentrators, thermal storage, and energy conversion
Why Choose Our Glass Ceramics
Dimensional Stability
Near-zero thermal expansion ensures precise dimensions across temperature ranges
Thermal Shock Resistance
Withstands rapid temperature changes without cracking or failure
Chemical Durability
Excellent resistance to acids, bases, and environmental degradation
Optical Properties
Available in transparent, translucent, or opaque variants as required
Machinability
Can be precisely machined to tight tolerances before final crystallization
Custom Formulations
Tailored compositions to meet specific performance requirements
Explore Glass-Ceramic Solutions
Contact our materials specialists to discuss how glass ceramics can enhance your application