Machinable Ceramic Sheet MAC2-010404 Corning 1/16″ Thick 4×4 Precision

Description

Product Overview

The MAC2-010404 Machinable Ceramic Sheet from Corning is engineered for precision‑driven industries that demand exact dimensions, zero porosity, and reliable dimensional stability. Measuring exactly 1/16 inch (0.0625″) in thickness and 4 × 4 inches in size, this sheet provides a compact yet robust platform for high‑performance machining operations. The material is a high‑purity alumina‑based ceramic, offering exceptional hardness while remaining easily machinable with standard CNC tools, allowing manufacturers to achieve tight tolerances without excessive tool wear. Its tolerance range of +0.015″/‑0.000″ on thickness and a saw‑cut length and width on the plus side ensures that every part fits seamlessly into downstream assemblies. With a weight of just 2.08 ounces, the sheet is lightweight enough for rapid handling yet dense enough to resist deformation under thermal stress. Zero porosity eliminates outgassing, making it suitable for vacuum environments, high‑temperature furnaces, and applications where material purity is critical. No post‑firing is required, reducing lead times and simplifying the production workflow. Corning’s reputation for quality control guarantees that each sheet meets stringent industry standards, delivering consistent performance across batches.

The ceramic composition is derived from a proprietary sintering process that creates a uniform microstructure with grain sizes optimized for both strength and machinability. This process eliminates internal voids, resulting in a truly dense material that exhibits excellent dielectric properties, making it suitable for electronic and photonic components. The sheet’s surface finish is typically 32 µin RMS, providing a smooth base that reduces the need for secondary polishing in many applications. Corning also supplies a full certificate of analysis with each order, documenting chemical composition, density, and mechanical properties such as flexural strength and fracture toughness. These data points help engineers validate the material against regulatory and project‑specific requirements.

In addition to its mechanical and electrical advantages, the MAC2-010404 sheet is environmentally responsible. The raw materials are sourced from sustainable suppliers, and the manufacturing process recycles excess ceramic powder, minimizing waste. Corning’s commitment to green manufacturing aligns with the growing demand for eco‑friendly components in aerospace and medical device sectors.

Usage

Designed for a broad spectrum of industrial applications, this machinable ceramic sheet excels in aerospace component prototyping, medical device housings, semiconductor manufacturing fixtures, and high‑temperature sensor housings. Its excellent thermal conductivity and resistance to thermal shock allow it to be used in environments ranging from cryogenic testing chambers to furnaces operating above 1500 °C. The sheet’s machinability enables rapid creation of custom geometries, such as waveguides, dielectric resonators, and precision tooling inserts, using standard CNC milling, drilling, and grinding equipment. Engineers appreciate the ability to achieve sub‑0.001 inch tolerances without the need for secondary polishing, which accelerates prototype iteration cycles.

The zero‑porosity surface provides a clean, contaminant‑free interface for applications involving sensitive chemical processes or vacuum sealing. For example, in semiconductor wafer handling, the sheet can serve as a carrier that does not outgas, preserving the integrity of ultra‑clean environments. In aerospace, the material’s low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matches that of many metal alloys, reducing stress during temperature cycling and extending the life of composite assemblies.

The lightweight nature of the sheet also makes it ideal for portable testing rigs where weight constraints are a factor. Field engineers can quickly machine a custom fixture on‑site, attach sensors, and perform real‑time data acquisition without the burden of heavy ceramic blocks. Whether used as a standalone component or as part of a multi‑material assembly, the MAC2‑010404 sheet delivers reliable performance that meets the rigorous demands of modern manufacturing.

Why Choose Us

Corning’s decades‑long expertise in advanced ceramics translates into a product that combines superior material properties with practical manufacturability. The MAC2‑010404 sheet undergoes a controlled sintering process that eliminates internal voids, guaranteeing true zero porosity and consistent electrical insulation characteristics. Our rigorous quality assurance program includes dimensional verification, surface finish inspection, and mechanical strength testing for every batch, ensuring that you receive a product that matches the published specifications exactly.

Because the sheet requires no post‑firing, you can integrate it directly into your production line, reducing both lead time and overall cost. Corning also provides comprehensive technical support, offering guidance on tool selection, machining parameters, and post‑processing techniques to help you achieve optimal results. Our engineering team can assist with designing custom fixturing solutions, performing finite‑element analysis, and validating thermal performance for high‑temperature applications.

In addition to technical expertise, Corning’s responsive customer service team is available to address any concerns, from initial inquiry through after‑sales support, reinforcing our commitment to long‑term partnership and product reliability. We maintain a robust supply chain that ensures consistent availability of the MAC2‑010404 sheet, even for large‑volume orders, and we offer flexible packaging options to protect the delicate ceramic during transit. Our sustainability initiatives, including waste‑reduction programs and energy‑efficient manufacturing, further demonstrate our dedication to responsible production.

Key Features

• Precisely sized 1/16″ × 4 × 4″ sheet for exact fit in tight design spaces
• Zero porosity eliminates outgassing, ideal for vacuum and high‑temperature use
• Easily machinable with standard CNC tools, reducing tool wear and machining time
• Maintains tight tolerances (+0.015″/‑0.000″) for high‑precision component fabrication
• Supported by Corning’s technical expertise and responsive after‑sales service

FAQ

What machining tools are recommended for this ceramic sheet?

Standard CNC mills equipped with carbide end mills, diamond‑coated drills, or silicon nitride tools work well. Use low feed rates and adequate coolant to minimize tool wear and achieve the tight tolerances the sheet is designed for.

Can the sheet be used in high‑temperature applications without degradation?

Yes. The alumina‑based composition retains its mechanical strength and dimensional stability at temperatures up to 1500 °C, making it suitable for furnace components, thermal shields, and high‑heat exchangers.

Is any post‑processing required after machining?

No post‑firing is needed. After machining, a light deburring or polishing step may be performed if a smoother surface finish is desired, but the sheet is ready for immediate integration into assemblies.

How does zero porosity benefit vacuum or clean‑room environments?

Zero porosity means the material contains no interconnected voids that could release gases under vacuum or high‑temperature conditions. This property ensures that the sheet does not contaminate sensitive processes, making it ideal for semiconductor manufacturing, space‑flight hardware, and pharmaceutical equipment.

What certifications or standards does the MAC2‑010404 sheet meet?

Corning tests each batch against ASTM C1161 for density, ASTM C1421 for flexural strength, and IEC 60384‑14 for dielectric properties. The sheet also complies with RoHS and REACH regulations, providing assurance of environmental safety and material traceability.