Material reference
Fused Silica SiO₂
Near-zero thermal expansion and outstanding thermal-shock resistance. Porous electrofused silica handles repeated thermal cycling and direct molten-metal contact without preheating.
Used for: non-ferrous casting · flow-control tubes · float-glass components · steel strip rolling · thermal insulation
At a glance
Six critical properties
Excellent thermal shock resistance
Non reactive and minimal contamination with glass
High thermal insulation
Low thermal expansion
Low density compared to other ceramics
High purity available
Products in this material
Fused Silica products
More Details
This material is not limited to the products and applications illustrated above. For more information, or to find out about other products/applications, please click here.
An improved solution for high thermal shock applications involving rapid heat and cooling temperature cycles
Anderman Ceramics is pleased to offer its porous electrofused silica ES99P grade of material. This combines a maximum operating temperature of 1680°C with excellent thermal shock resistance for rapid heating and cooling needs. This combination is extremely beneficial in thermal applications beyond 1200°C where contact with molten materials (metal or glass) produces severe thermal shock in the ceramic body needed to contain the molten liquid.
Our extensive range of manufacturing capabilities ensures that shapes can be manufacturing to exacting dimensional control as well as a large range of sizes, from a few cm to many metres in size.
Anderman Industrial Ceramics specialise in all aspects of the supply of ceramic and refractory products for metals, chemical, cement and glass production. Our products are used throughout industrial production process chains wherever heat, wear or corrosion is involved
Request the Fused Silica datasheet
Full property data, grade comparison, machining guidance and typical applications. EN and FR versions available.
At a glance
Applications
Casting for non-ferrous metals
Stopper rods
Furnace linings
Kiln furniture
Float glass manufacturing
Pusher plates
Heat treatment and firing supports
At a glance
Grades of Fused Silica
76% Fused Silica90% Fused Silica99% Fused Silica
Considering alternatives?
Compare with related materials
FAQs
Frequent technical questions
Why doesn't fused silica need preheating?
The expansion coefficient is so low (~0.5 × 10⁻⁶/K) that a temperature step of 1000 °C produces almost no thermal strain — so direct contact with molten metal causes no cracking. That removes the preheat step from the process and shortens cycle time.
Where does fused silica beat alumina?
Anywhere thermal shock dominates over absolute strength or wear — particularly direct molten-metal contact, float-glass internals and steel strip-handling. For sustained mechanical load at temperature, dense alumina remains stronger.
What's the contamination risk in the melt?
Minimal. High-purity fused silica introduces almost no metallic contamination and the porous body further reduces inclusions reaching the casting, improving final-product quality.
No FAQs match your search. Try a different keyword or contact us directly.
Need help choosing a grade? Talk to our materials team.
Tell us your operating temperature, the chemistry it'll see and any mechanical loads. We'll specify a grade — or recommend an alternative material — and link you directly to matching products.