Monster autoclaves produce first batch of crystals
A NDK product story
Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team May 17, 2004
NDK Crystal has pulled the first batch of synthetic quartz crystals manufactured in its Belvidere, Illinois plant.
NDK Crystal has pulled the first batch of synthetic quartz crystals manufactured in its Belvidere, Illinois plant.
Back in December 2003 NDK loaded the first of eight vessels.
The crystal growing process started with Lasca, which is natural quartz mined in Brazil.
The Lasca is processed and loaded into the autoclave.
Seeds and an alkaline solution were added, and the vessel was sealed.
(The lids for the top of the vessel weigh 5 tons each, with the clamps that hold the lids in place also weighing 5 tons).
The temperature inside the vessel is elevated and the pressure is raised extremely high, and convection occurs.
After the growth period, the autoclave is opened and the bars of synthetic quartz crystal, which had formed around the seeds, were removed.
NDK was pleasantly surprised by the size of the grown crystals.
Using the latest technology and materials make the 75 ton, 50ft tall, 3.5ft diameter autoclaves the most advanced in the world.
As this was the first batch run in vessel 3 a lot was learned about the characteristics of the autoclave that vary from vessel to vessel.
NDK currently has four autoclaves loaded for production, and plans to have another four loaded by the end of summer.
The highest quality synthetic quartz crystals are being grown for use in crystal frequency control devices and optical applications.
"Manufacturing synthetic quartz crystals is a combination of science and art".
"Once you seal the vessel it is a wait and see scenario before the results can be judged".
"The fact that we were able to grow usable quartz crystals on the first run is very exciting", said Mike Walczak, President NDK, Crystal.
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