When selecting materials for high-stress industrial, scientific or laboratory applications, glass may not be the first material that comes to mind. However, certain types of technical glass — especially borosilicate and quartz glass — are specifically engineered to perform under extreme conditions. At Moores Glass, we specialise in crafting high-precision components using both, depending on our clients’ unique performance and durability needs.
This guide compares borosilicate and quartz glass in detail, helping you make an informed choice for your next project.
What Is Borosilicate Glass?
Borosilicate glass is a type of glass made with silica and boron trioxide. It is renowned for its low coefficient of thermal expansion, which makes it far more resistant to thermal shock than standard soda-lime glass. This property makes borosilicate a top choice for laboratories, lighting applications, and scientific apparatus.
Key Properties of Borosilicate Glass:
Thermal expansion: ~3.3 × 10⁻⁶/K
Maximum use temperature: ~500°C
Excellent chemical resistance
High mechanical strength
Good optical clarity
Typical Applications:
Laboratory beakers and flasks
Lighting and electrical insulation
Pressure or vacuum enclosures
Custom scientific glassware
What Is Quartz Glass (Fused Silica)?
Quartz glass is a much purer form of glass, composed almost entirely of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Also known as fused silica, quartz is formed through high-temperature melting of crystalline quartz. Its purity and structural strength make it ideal for extremely high-temperature and high-purity applications.
Key Properties of Quartz Glass:
Thermal expansion: ~0.5 × 10⁻⁶/K
Maximum use temperature: ~1,200°C+
Superior resistance to sudden thermal shock
Excellent transmission of UV and IR light
Low electrical conductivity
Typical Applications:
Semiconductor manufacturing
UV optical systems and lenses
Aerospace and defence equipment
High-temperature furnaces
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Borosilicate Glass | Quartz Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion | Low | Extremely low |
| Temperature resistance | Up to 500°C | Up to 1,200°C+ |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| UV/IR transmission | Limited | Excellent |
| Purity | High | Ultra-high |
| Machinability | Good | Challenging |
Choosing the Right Material for High-Stress Applications
✅ Choose Borosilicate If You Need:
A cost-effective option for moderate thermal stress
Strong chemical resistance (e.g. acids, solvents)
Good mechanical strength with thermal cycling
Efficient glass-to-metal sealing for vacuum systems
Borosilicate is suitable for most laboratory, electrical and general industrial applications.
✅ Choose Quartz If You Need:
Extreme thermal shock resistance
UV or IR transparency
Operation above 500°C
High-purity glass with minimal contamination risk
Performance in semiconductor, photonics or aerospace systems
Quartz is the superior choice when performance and stability are non-negotiable — especially in cleanrooms, defence systems, or scientific research.
How Moores Glass Helps You Choose
We understand that selecting the right material is not always straightforward. Our team at Moores Glass provides tailored guidance based on:
Operating environment: temperature, pressure, chemical exposure
Component design: complexity, tolerances, shape
Performance priorities: optical clarity, strength, durability
Budget constraints
Whether you’re developing equipment for harsh environments or fine-tuning a research instrument, we work with your specifications to deliver the right glass for the job — with unmatched quality and precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is borosilicate glass safe for high-temperature use?
Yes. Borosilicate can handle temperatures up to 500°C and is commonly used in heat-resistant labware and lighting enclosures. However, it should not be used above that range or where purity and optical clarity are critical.
❓ Can quartz glass be machined after manufacturing?
Quartz is difficult to machine due to its hardness and brittleness. Most shaping must be done during the manufacturing stage. At Moores Glass, we use precision forming techniques to ensure your quartz parts meet exact requirements from the outset.
❓ Which is more expensive — borosilicate or quartz?
Quartz glass is significantly more expensive due to its purity, production process, and superior properties. However, for extreme environments, its performance often justifies the cost.
Need Help Deciding Between Borosilicate and Quartz?
At Moores Glass, we have decades of experience supplying high-performance glass for scientific, industrial and research applications. Our bespoke glass manufacturing service ensures every component is engineered to your exact requirements, whether it’s borosilicate, quartz, or another specialty material.
📞 Get in touch to discuss your next high-stress glass application — and we’ll help you find the perfect solution.
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