Quartz Crucibles
Quartz crucibles are containers made from high-purity fused silica, designed to withstand extreme temperatures and thermal shock during crystal growth, metal melting, and high-temperature chemical processes. They are essential components in Czochralski silicon crystal pulling, solar multicrystalline ingot casting, and laboratory analysis. Buyers need clarity on application type, inner diameter, wall thickness, and raw material purity before selecting a supplier.
## Why buyers start here
Quartz crucibles are a critical consumable in both the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. In Czochralski (CZ) silicon crystal growth, the crucible directly contacts molten silicon at over 1,400°C — any impurity leaching from the crucible wall degrades crystal quality. Selecting the correct purity grade and dimensional tolerance directly affects wafer yield and device performance.
## Key specifications to verify
| Property | Typical Range | Why It Matters |
|----------|--------------|----------------|
| SiO₂ purity | ≥ 99.99% | Impurities (Fe, Al, Na) contaminate molten silicon and degrade crystal quality |
| Operating temperature | Up to 1,300°C (continuous) | Must withstand prolonged exposure to molten silicon or metals |
| Inner diameter | 2"–32" (50–800mm) | Must match crystal puller or casting station specifications |
| Wall thickness | 3–15mm | Affects thermal uniformity and structural integrity |
| Surface finish | Polished or as-ground | Polished surfaces reduce contamination and improve crystal release |
| Bubble content | Grade A (minimal) to Grade C (standard) | Bubbles weaken walls and create contamination sites |
## Crucible types by application
**Czochralski (CZ) crucibles** are used for pulling single-crystal silicon ingots in semiconductor and solar cell manufacturing. They require the highest purity (≥99.998% SiO₂ for semiconductor-grade), precise rotational symmetry, and minimal bubble content. Common sizes range from 8" to 32" diameter.
**Solar ingot casting crucibles** are used for directional solidification of multicrystalline silicon in photovoltaic wafer production. Purity requirements are slightly lower than CZ crucibles (≥99.99% SiO₂), but large surface area and thermal uniformity are critical. Common sizes range from 690×690mm to 890×890mm (square format).
**Laboratory crucibles** are smaller vessels (2"–6" diameter) used for analytical chemistry, material testing, ash content determination, and small-batch melting. Standard laboratory grades (≥99.9% SiO₂) are sufficient for most analytical applications.
## Common applications
- **Semiconductor crystal growth**: CZ pulling of single-crystal silicon ingots
- **Solar cell production**: Multicrystalline silicon ingot casting
- **Laboratory analysis**: Ash testing, gravimetric analysis, and sample preparation
- **Metal melting**: Precious metals and high-purity alloys
- **Chemical processing**: High-temperature reactions requiring inert containers
- **Glass and ceramic research**: Small-batch material synthesis and testing
## What to clarify before inquiry
Share the specific application (CZ crystal growth, solar casting, or laboratory), required inner diameter and wall thickness, purity grade needed, expected operating temperature range, surface finish preference, and anticipated monthly or annual consumption volume.
Buyer concerns
- Purity grade of raw material
- Dimensional accuracy
- Thermal shock resistance
- Surface finish quality
Sourcing considerations
- Specify application: crystal growth, solar, or laboratory use
- Confirm inner diameter and wall thickness requirements
- Verify raw material SiO₂ purity (≥99.99%)