Overview

Sapphire semi-polished capillary tubes are precision components manufactured from synthetic single-crystal sapphire (Al₂O₃). Known for its extraordinary hardness, excellent wear resistance, high-temperature endurance, and superior optical transparency, sapphire is one of the most reliable materials for demanding applications. Compared with quartz or ceramics, sapphire capillaries maintain dimensional accuracy, chemical stability, and mechanical strength under harsh operating conditions.

The semi-polished design ensures that critical surfaces such as the bore or tube ends are finely polished for smooth fluid flow and optical performance, while non-critical areas remain unpolished to optimize production efficiency and reduce costs. This balance of performance and economy makes sapphire semi-polished tubes widely applicable in both scientific research and industrial fields.

Advantages of Sapphire Material

• Extreme Hardness: Mohs hardness of 9, second only to diamond; highly scratch- and wear-resistant.

• High Thermal Resistance: Melting point ~2030 °C; reliable performance above 1700 °C.

• Chemical Inertness: Unaffected by acids, alkalis, or most solvents; ideal for corrosive media.

• Optical Transmission: Transparent from 200 nm (UV) to 5 μm (IR), with excellent clarity and low optical loss.

• Electrical Insulation: Outstanding dielectric properties, suitable for high-voltage or high-frequency environments.

• Mechanical Stability: Maintains structural integrity under vacuum, vibration, or rapid thermal cycling.

Key Features

• Semi-polished surfaces: Smooth bore for reduced friction and minimal contamination, cost-effective processing for non-critical zones.

• High dimensional precision: Inner and outer diameters controlled within ±0.005 mm tolerance.

• Low contamination risk: Minimizes sample retention, critical for analytical and biomedical use.

• Customizable design: Available with single-end polished, double-end polished, or fully polished options, tailored to application needs.

Applications

• Analytical & Research Instruments: HPLC/GC chromatography, mass spectrometry, ICP, spectroscopic analysis.

• Biomedical & Life Sciences: Blood analysis, microfluidic systems, diagnostic testing, pharmaceutical transport.

• Optics & Laser Systems: Fiber optic protection, laser beam guiding tubes, optical sensor housings.

• Semiconductor Industry: Gas delivery tubes, plasma etching, CVD/MOCVD process components.

• Aerospace & Defense: Fluid channels, optical conduits, and sensor protection under extreme environments.

Technical Specifications (Customizable)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What material are sapphire semi-polished capillary tubes made from?
A: They are made of synthetic single-crystal aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), commonly known as sapphire, which offers extreme hardness, chemical inertness, and high thermal stability.

Q2: Why use “semi-polished” instead of “half-polished”?
A: In engineering terminology, “semi-polished” refers to surfaces that are selectively polished in critical areas (such as the bore or ends) while leaving other areas unpolished to balance performance and cost. The term “half-polished” can sound informal or suggest incomplete processing.

Q3: What are the main advantages over quartz or ceramic capillaries?
A: Sapphire tubes are significantly harder, withstand higher temperatures, resist corrosion better, and offer superior optical transmission from UV to IR. They also provide longer service life in demanding environments.

Q4: Can the tubes be customized?
A: Yes. Both inner and outer diameters, tube length, bore finish, and end shapes (e.g., tapered, flared, polished) can be tailored to meet specific application requirements.