What substrate should I choose - Borofloat®, Eagle XG, D263 T, soda-lime, or others
Choosing the right glass substrate is crucial for your project's performance and budget. Should you use Borofloat®, Eagle XG, D263 T, soda-lime, or another type? Here's a quick comparison to guide your decision:
Glass Substrate Comparison
| Property | Borofloat® | Eagle XG® | D263® T | Soda-lime | Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Borosilicate | Alk. earth borosilicate | Borosilicate | Soda-lime-silicate | Fused silica, aluminosilicate |
| Thermal Resist. | Excellent | Good | Good | Fair | Fused silica: best |
| Chemical Resist. | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Fair | Borosilicate: usually best |
| Transparency | Very high | Very high (>90%) | Very high (~92%) | High | Typically high |
| Therm. Expansion | Low | Moderate | Low | Higher | Lower = better |
| Typical Uses | Optics, lab, harsh env. | Displays, electronics | Sensors, microfluidics | Windows, bottles | UV (fused silica), high strength (aluminosilicate) |
| Cost | Medium | Med-High | Med-High | Low | Specialty: high |
| Flatness | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Adv.: ultra-precision |
| Thickness | 1.1–21+ mm | Ultra-thin options | 0.03 mm+ ultra-thin | Wide | Varies |
Quick Guide
- Borofloat®: Best for high chemical and thermal resistance.
- Eagle XG®: Top choice for display panels, eco-friendly.
- D263® T: Excellent for ultra-thin, flat, and precision uses.
- Soda-lime: Cheap and widely used for non-critical jobs.
- Specialty: Choose fused silica for UV, aluminosilicate for strength.
Key Takeaway
- Pick based on performance and budget. Use borosilicates or Eagle XG® for demanding jobs; soda-lime for basic needs.
- Always check datasheets for specs before final selection.
