The Global Low and Ultra-low Expansion Microcrystalline Glass Market was valued at USD 1.82 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.48 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is being fueled by accelerating demand from astronomy, space exploration, semiconductor manufacturing, and the optics & photonics industry, where exceptional thermal stability and dimensional precision are critical.
As high-tech industries push the boundaries of performance and reliability, the spotlight is on the specialized glass manufacturers who are driving innovation in materials science. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Low and Ultra-low Expansion Microcrystalline Glass Industry—a select group of global innovators producing materials with near-zero thermal expansion characteristics essential for advanced applications.
🔟 1. SCHOTT AG
Headquarters: Mainz, Germany
Key Offering: ZERODUR®, high-precision optical components
SCHOTT AG is the global pioneer and market leader in low expansion glass ceramics, with its flagship ZERODUR® material used in over 80% of the world’s large astronomical telescopes. The company has pioneered manufacturing processes for producing ultra-large, extremely stable glass-ceramic substrates for space and ground-based applications.
Innovation Focus:
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Advanced polishing technologies for nanometer-level surface accuracy
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Custom formulations for specific thermal and mechanical requirements
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Global supply chain for telescope mirror blanks and optical systems
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Low and Ultra-low Expansion Microcrystalline Glass Market – View in Detailed Research Report
9️⃣ 2. OHARA INC
Headquarters: Kanagawa, Japan
Key Offering: CLEARCERAM®, ultra-low expansion glass-ceramics
OHARA INC is a leading global manufacturer of specialty glass and glass-ceramics, with its CLEARCERAM® series offering exceptional thermal stability and optical clarity for demanding applications.
Innovation Focus:
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Development of transparent glass-ceramics for optical applications
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High-temperature stability for semiconductor manufacturing equipment
8️⃣ 3. Corning Incorporated
Headquarters: Corning, New York, USA
Key Offering: Corning® HPFS® Fused Silica, ULE® Glass
Corning is a global materials science leader with significant expertise in high-performance glass technologies, including its Ultra Low Expansion (ULE) glass used in space telescopes and precision instruments.
Innovation Focus:
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Proprietary titania-silica composition for exceptional thermal stability
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Large-format manufacturing capabilities for astronomical applications
7️⃣ 4. AGC Inc.
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: NEOCERAM®, fine ceramics and glass-ceramics
AGC (formerly Asahi Glass Company) has extensive expertise in glass-ceramic materials, offering products with tailored thermal expansion properties for electronics and optical systems.
Innovation Focus:
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Precision glass components for semiconductor lithography systems
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Development of next-generation materials for extreme environments
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Low and Ultra-low Expansion Microcrystalline Glass Market – View in Detailed Research Report
6️⃣ 5. Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Shiga, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty glass-ceramics for industrial and optical applications
Nippon Electric Glass specializes in engineered glass solutions, with growing capabilities in low expansion materials for photomask substrates and precision optics.
Innovation Focus:
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Advanced glass-ceramic manufacturing processes
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Developing materials for next-generation microelectronics fabrication
5️⃣ 6. Nanjing Rdoptics
Headquarters: Nanjing, China
Key Offering: Low expansion glass substrates and optical components
Nanjing Rdoptics has emerged as a significant player in the Chinese market for precision optical materials, serving domestic telescope projects and industrial applications.
Innovation Focus:
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Specialized in large-diameter, low-expansion glass manufacturing
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Expanding production capacity to meet growing domestic demand
4️⃣ 7. Okamoto Glass Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: Saitama, Japan
Key Offering: Custom glass-ceramic formulations for specific applications
Okamoto Glass focuses on specialty glass and ceramic products, including materials with controlled thermal expansion characteristics.
Innovation Focus:
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Development of ultra-low expansion materials for space applications
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Collaboration with Japanese space agency JAXA
3️⃣ 8. Elan Technology
Headquarters: Lakewood, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Precision glass and ceramic components with specific CTE requirements
Elan Technology specializes in custom glass and ceramic formulations for aerospace, defense, and high-precision industrial applications.
Innovation Focus:
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Custom formulations for microwave and RF applications
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Development of materials with near-zero thermal expansion coefficients
2️⃣ 9. Jeannette Specialty Glass
Headquarters: Jeannette, Pennsylvania, USA
Key Offering: Specialty borosilicate and other glass compositions
Jeannette Specialty Glass focuses on engineered glass materials with specific thermal properties, including low expansion formulations for technical applications.
Innovation Focus:
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Custom glass melting and forming capabilities
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Specialized glass formulations for scientific instruments
1️⃣ 10. Shanghai Sikoty Optic Electron
Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Optical glass, filter glass, and specialty glass products
Shanghai Sikoty Optic Electron has established itself as a key domestic supplier of precision optical materials in China’s rapidly growing photonics industry.
Innovation Focus:
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Developing low expansion materials for China’s growing space and astronomy programs.
Innovation Focus:
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Research and development in glass-ceramics for thermal management
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Integration with China’s expanding semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem
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Low and Ultra-low Expansion Microcrystalline Glass Market – View in Detailed Research Report
🌍 Outlook: The Future of Low Expansion Materials Is High-Tech and High-Precision
The low and ultra-low expansion microcrystalline glass market is experiencing transformative growth as industries demand unprecedented levels of dimensional stability. While traditional applications in astronomy continue to drive demand, emerging uses in semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace systems, and quantum computing are creating new growth opportunities.
📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:
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Expanding applications in EUV lithography for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing
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Growing investments in space telescopes and satellite imaging systems
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Advancements in manufacturing processes enabling larger, more complex components
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Increased adoption in metrology and precision measurement equipment
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Development of composite materials combining low expansion glass with other functional properties
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Low and Ultra-low Expansion Microcrystalline Glass Market – View in Detailed Research ReportThe companies listed above are not only supplying critical materials—they’re enabling the next generation of scientific discovery and technological advancement.
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