Kovar Precision
Machining Services
Controlled thermal expansion matches borosilicate glass and certain ceramics for reliable hermetic sealing. Precision machining of Kovar alloy for electronic packaging applications.
Enclosures
Thermal Expansion Matching
Kovar expands at a rate compatible with common sealing glass and ceramic systems, helping limit joint stress through repeated thermal cycles.
Why Expansion Matching Matters
If mismatched materials experience thermal cycling, accumulated stress causes cracks, seal failure, and moisture ingress that compromises hermetic integrity. When dissimilar materials are sealed together, temperature changes cause different expansion rates that create stress at the interface.
Electronic packages sealed with matching glass survive thermal cycling from -65°C to +125°C (military specification) or ambient temperature fluctuations over decades of service life — critical reliability for aerospace, medical implants, and long-life industrial electronics. Kovar's matched expansion eliminates this stress.
Industries & Applications
Engineers specify machined Kovar components when a hermetic interface must remain stable during demanding temperature changes.
Semiconductor Packaging
Hermetic IC packages, chip carriers, and semiconductor enclosures where moisture exclusion over decades is critical. Kovar headers deliver glass-sealed feedthroughs for electrical connections.
RF Power Tubes & Microwave
Power tube envelopes, microwave cavity parts, and RF windows. Kovar's matched expansion prevents glass window cracks during high-power operation heating cycles.
Aerospace Electronics
Avionics packages, satellite parts, and military electronics where hermetic integrity is mandated by MIL-spec requirements. Temperature cycling from -65°C to +125°C.
Medical Device Enclosures
Implantable device enclosures, pacemaker cases, and medical sensor housings. Hermetic sealing prevents body fluid ingress. FDA-compliant stock material grades available.
Vacuum Tube Components
Vacuum envelope parts, cathode supports, and internal structures for electron tubes and specialized vacuum devices. Glass-to-metal seals maintain vacuum integrity.
Optoelectronic Packages
LED packages, laser diode enclosures, and photodiode housings. Kovar delivers hermetic protection for sensitive optoelectronic components in harsh environments.
Kovar Machining Capabilities
Kovar's moderate hardness and good machinability make it suitable for precision computer-controlled machining with standard carbide tooling.
Precision Turning
CNC turning for cylindrical Kovar parts — headers, pins, and tubular enclosures. Surface finish Ra 1.6μm achievable.
Complex Milling
Three-axis and five-axis milling produces detailed Kovar profiles, mounting flanges, and stepped features for electronic packaging.
Precision Drilling
Position accuracy ±0.05mm for pin arrays. Small holes for feedthrough pins, mounting holes, and alignment features.
Kovar Machining Specifications
| Property | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (HRC) | 30-35 | Excellent machinability, similar to mild steel |
| Machining Tolerance | ±0.02mm | Precision tolerance for sealing applications |
| Surface Finish | Ra 1.6μm | Smooth finish for glass sealing surfaces |
| Thermal Expansion | 5.5 ppm/°C | Matches borosilicate glass (20-450°C) |
| Recommended Tooling | Carbide | Standard carbide inserts, no exotic tooling needed |
Why Choose Nelotiv for Kovar Machining
While Kovar's moderate hardness makes it easier to machine than superalloys, dimensional stability during processing is critical for sealing applications where tolerance deviations affect hermetic integrity. Kovar machining requires understanding of the material's unique characteristics.
Nelotiv experience with electronic packaging applications help maintains Kovar components meet sealing requirements. We understand glass-sealing surface preparation, dimensional tolerances for header assemblies, and material certification requirements for aerospace and medical applications.
Packaging Experience
Tolerance
Available
Response
Kovar Alloy CNC Machining FAQ
Start Your Kovar CNC Project
Upload STEP files for Kovar-specific DFM review. Nelotiv engineers assess sealing surface requirements, dimensional tolerances, and material certification needs for your application.