NaCl
NaCl is an inexpensive alkali halide single crystal transmitting 0.2–16 µm, supplied as IR-grade single crystal, cleaved plates and hot-forged polycrystalline blanks.
Reference datasheet — NaCl is not in the instant-quote catalog. Upload your part and an engineer will quote it in this grade or suggest the closest stocked equivalent.
Values for the SC-IR condition
NaCl tempers and conditions
NaCl is supplied in 2 conditions, soft to hard. SC-IR is the default FabDigit quotes; the values on this page are for it.
Compare all 2 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SC-IRDefault Czochralski/Kyropoulos grown single crystal, IR optical grade | Pick the Czochralski/Kyropoulos-grown single crystal for standard IR windows, prisms and liquid cells where highest transmission and lowest scatter matter; cleavage planes limit handling and machining. | 3 | 20 HV | 7 W/m·K | ||
Hot-forged / press-forged polycrystalline NaCl | Use the fine-grained hot-forged polycrystal for large-aperture CO2 laser windows needing higher strength and cleavage resistance; scatter is slightly higher and service temperature drops to 350 °C. | — |
Supply forms, finishes and certifications
Ways NaCl is supplied — form, process route, surface or paperwork — without a datasheet of their own. The property values above apply.
| Option | What it is | Type |
|---|---|---|
CLV | Cleaved disposable window blank | Surface finish |
What is NaCl?
NaCl is an inexpensive alkali halide single crystal transmitting 0.2–16 µm, supplied as IR-grade single crystal, cleaved plates and hot-forged polycrystalline blanks. It is used for disposable spectroscopy windows, sample cells and prisms where low material cost outweighs a short service life. It is strongly hygroscopic and fogs in normal room air, thermal conductivity is 6.5 W/m·K, service is limited to about 400 °C, and the crystal is soft with a high CTE. ZnSe is the durable, non-hygroscopic replacement where ambient humidity cannot be controlled. NaCl has a density of 2.17 g/cm³ (0.0782 lb/in³), lighter than 98% of glass grades. It melts at 801°C (1,474 °F). NaCl has a tensile strength of 3 MPa (0.435 ksi), weaker than 98% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 40 GPa (5.8 Msi).
What is NaCl used for?
- IR spectroscopy windows
- disposable IR sample cells
- IR prisms
Advantages
- Low embodied carbon — 1.2 kg CO₂/kg, better than 99% of glass grades
- Lightweight — 2.17 g/cm³ (0.0782 lb/in³), better than 98% of glass grades
- Easy to machine — 45/100, better than 85% of glass grades
Limitations
- Needs corrosion protection — 5/100, worse than 98% of glass grades
- Hard to polish — 50/100, worse than 88% of glass grades
- Low stiffness — 40 GPa (5.8 Msi), worse than 85% of glass grades
- Low fracture toughness — 0.3 MPa·√m (0.273 ksi·√in), worse than 85% of glass grades
NaCl properties
Typical room-temperature values for NaCl-SC-IR; bars are the position among glass grades.
Physical5
NaCl has a density of 2.17 g/cm³ (0.0782 lb/in³), lighter than 98% of glass grades. It melts at 801°C (1,474 °F).
Mechanical12
NaCl has a tensile strength of 3 MPa (0.435 ksi), weaker than 98% of glass grades. The elastic modulus is 40 GPa (5.8 Msi).
Thermal5
NaCl is rated for continuous service to 400°C (752 °F). It conducts heat at 6.5 W/m·K (3.76 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 74% of glass grades. Thermal expansion is 44 µm/m·K (24.4 µin/in·°F).
Electrical5
NaCl is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 15 kV/mm (381 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is not recommended (5/100), worse than 98% of glass grades.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of NaCl takes about 20 MJ of energy and emits 1.2 kg of CO₂ — less than 92% of glass grades. Typical recycled content is 20%.
Manufacturability2
NaCl's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 85% of glass grades).
Common Calculations4
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Certified mill or lot data ships with every FabDigit order on request.
Strength versus weight in the glass family
Yield strength against density for every glass grade FabDigit runs. NaCl is highlighted; hover a dot for its name, or open the interactive family chart.
Working with NaCl
Is NaCl easy to machine?
Single-point diamond turn or dry grind to shape, always in a low-humidity environment (<30 % RH). Use only anhydrous coolants and lubricants — mineral oil or dry cutting is usual, and isopropanol should be used with care.
Can NaCl be welded?
Not applicable. Bond optics with dry silicone or epoxy in a dry environment, and leave clearance in the mount for the high CTE.
Can NaCl be formed, bent or molded?
Large boules are grown from the melt by the Kyropoulos, Czochralski or Bridgman methods; blanks can also be hot forged at 400–600 °C into fine-grained polycrystalline material for higher strength.
NaCl chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| Nastoichiometric | 39.2 – 39.4 | 39.34 |
| total metallic impuritiesoptical grade; K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Br typically <50 ppm each | ≤ 0.01 | 0.01 |
| Clstoichiometric | balance |
What surface finishes work on NaCl?
Dry polish with an anhydrous polishing fluid or dry pad, then immediately apply a moisture-barrier/AR coating or store in a dry nitrogen cabinet. Fogged surfaces can be recovered by re-polishing dry.
How much does NaCl cost?
NaCl is a high-cost glass ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
NaCl — frequently asked
What is NaCl used for?
NaCl is typically used for IR spectroscopy windows, disposable IR sample cells and IR prisms. In short: cheapest IR window crystal; highly hygroscopic; dry storage; transmits 0.2–16 µm.
What is the tensile strength of NaCl?
NaCl has a typical tensile strength of 3 MPa (0.435 ksi) — weaker than 98% of glass grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is NaCl easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 85% of glass grades). Single-point diamond turn or dry grind to shape, always in a low-humidity environment (<30 % RH). Use only anhydrous coolants and lubricants — mineral oil or dry cutting is usual, and isopropanol should be used with care.
Can NaCl be welded?
Not applicable. Bond optics with dry silicone or epoxy in a dry environment, and leave clearance in the mount for the high CTE.
What surface finishes work on NaCl?
Dry polish with an anhydrous polishing fluid or dry pad, then immediately apply a moisture-barrier/AR coating or store in a dry nitrogen cabinet. Fogged surfaces can be recovered by re-polishing dry.
Can NaCl be formed, bent or molded?
Large boules are grown from the melt by the Kyropoulos, Czochralski or Bridgman methods; blanks can also be hot forged at 400–600 °C into fine-grained polycrystalline material for higher strength.
What is the maximum service temperature of NaCl?
NaCl is rated for continuous use to about 400°C (752 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
How much does NaCl cost?
NaCl is a high-cost glass ($$$$), pricier than about 78% of the materials FabDigit quotes. Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on the raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Sources
- Sodium Chloride (NaCl) optical material datasheet — Crystran Ltd (2023)
- NaCl IR window and prism data — Korth Kristalle GmbH (2022)
- CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 102nd ed. — CRC Press (2021)
- Refractive index of NaCl (Li 1976 dispersion data) — J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data / refractiveindex.info (1976)
- ASM Engineered Materials Handbook Vol.4: Ceramics and Glasses — ASM International (1991)
- NaCl/KBr (2025)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison; hardness values on non-Brinell scales are converted approximately for charting only. Manufacturability limits are FabDigit quote-engine defaults and may be relaxed by engineering review. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.