Executive Summary
Quartz glass tube (fused silica tubing) is engineered for applications where ordinary borosilicate or aluminosilicate glass cannot survive. With a softening point above 1600Β°C, near-zero thermal expansion, and outstanding optical transmission from deep UV to mid-IR, quartz tubes are indispensable in semiconductor manufacturing, high-temperature thermal processing, UV curing systems, and aggressive chemical environments. Wall thickness is a critical parameter: standard wall offers excellent thermal shock performance and optical clarity, while heavy wall provides higher mechanical strength and pressure containment for industrial sight glasses and tubular level gauges. This guide helps buyers select the right wall thickness, diameter, and length based on real-world operating conditions.
What Is Quartz Glass Tube?
Quartz glass tube is a cylindrical hollow profile made from fused silica (amorphous SiOβ). Unlike ordinary glass, quartz tubing exhibits extraordinary thermal properties: coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is only 0.54 Γ 10β»βΆ/K, enabling rapid heating/cooling without cracking. It is chemically inert (except hydrofluoric acid and hot phosphoric acid), offers high electrical resistivity, and transmits over 90% of UV light. Typical production methods include flame fusion, electric fusion, or synthetic (high-purity) processes. Quartz tubes are widely used as protective sheaths for thermocouples, reaction chambers, sight windows for high-temperature furnaces, and level gauges for molten metals or hot oils.
Product Alias: fused silica tube, quartz glass pipe, clear quartz tubing, high-temperature sight tube, UV quartz tube, infrared quartz tube.
Quartz Tube Classification by Wall Thickness
π Standard Wall Quartz Tube
Wall thickness range: 1.0mm β 3.0mm (typical). Best suited for applications prioritizing thermal shock resistance, lightweight design, and optical clarity. Used in laboratory reactors, UV sterilization sleeves, halogen lamp envelopes, and low-pressure furnace windows. Maximum service temperature: 1150Β°C (continuous), 1250Β°C (short-term).
βοΈ Heavy Wall Quartz Tube
Wall thickness range: 3.5mm β 8mm+ (custom). Engineered for higher mechanical strength, pressure resistance (up to 15β25 bar depending on diameter), and durability in industrial sight glass applications, high-pressure level gauges, and chemical process piping. Retains excellent thermal shock performance (ΞT ~1100Β°C) but with enhanced structural integrity.
π¬ Precision Thin Wall (Specialty)
Ultra-thin wall tubing (0.5mm β 0.9mm) used for capillary tubes, micro-reactors, and fiber optics. Available by special order with high concentricity and tight tolerances (Β±0.05mm).
π¦ Common Quartz Tube Sizes β Preferred by International Buyers
Below are the most frequently requested outer diameter (OD) and wall thickness combinations for industrial and laboratory quartz glass tubes. Standard lengths: 1000mm, 1200mm, 1500mm; custom lengths available upon request.
| Outer Diameter (OD) mm | Wall Thickness (standard) | Wall Thickness (heavy) | Typical Application |
| 10 mm | 1.5 mm / 2.0 mm | 3.0 mm | Thermocouple protection, laboratory capillary |
| 15 mm | 1.8 mm / 2.0 mm | 3.5 mm | UV sterilization sleeves, sight tubes |
| 20 mm | 2.0 mm / 2.5 mm | 4.0 mm | Level indicator tubes, chemical reactors |
| 25 mm | 2.0 mm / 3.0 mm | 4.5 mm / 5.0 mm | High-temp furnace windows, sight glasses |
| 30 mm | 2.5 mm / 3.0 mm | 5.0 mm | Industrial level gauges, protective tubes |
| 40 mm | 3.0 mm | 5.0 mm / 6.0 mm | Large sight ports, chemical process pipes |
| 50 mm | 3.0 mm / 4.0 mm | 6.0 mm / 8.0 mm | Heavy duty sight windows, reactor liners |
| 60 mm | 4.0 mm | 7.0 mm / 8.0 mm | Specialty vessels, high-pressure level gauges |
| 75 mm / 80 mm | 4.0 mm / 5.0 mm | 8.0 mm β 10 mm | Industrial furnace observation |
π‘ Buyersβ note: Tolerance for OD: Β±0.2mm for standard sizes, Β±0.1mm for precision ground tubing. Wall thickness tolerance typically Β±0.1β0.2mm. We also supply metric and inch sizes (e.g., 1/2β³, 1β³, 2β³ OD) for North American markets.