Quartz plates are widely used in 5G communication, sensing and detection, optical instruments, aerospace and other fields due to their piezoelectric resonance, optical transmission, high stability and other characteristics. Market research indicates a constant increase in demand for customization, driven by the segmentation of scenarios. To ensure the smooth progress of customization, it is vital that the customization parameters are completed and clarified, and that the expected cycle is reasonable.

1. Core parameters for customization

The customized parameters of quartz plates must be clarified in combination with the application scenarios, and they are divided into four categories.

(1) Performance-oriented parameters

If the plate is of the piezoelectric quartz type, the following details are required: the target resonant frequency, frequency accuracy, temperature characteristics and annual aging rate. If it is an optical quartz plate, it is necessary to clearly provide the light transmission wavelengths, such as light transmittance requirements in deep ultraviolet and infrared, refractive index uniformity, surface shape accuracy, surface finish, and coating requirements.

(2) Physical geometric parameters

It is imperative that the thickness, length/width/diameter dimensions, edge profile requirements (chamfer, ground edge or straight edge), parallelism and flatness are clearly provided. If electrodes are to be used, full details of the electrode materials, their thickness, shape and the method of lead-out are required.

(3) Material and cutting parameters

Piezoelectric quartz requires a specific cut type. It is imperative that optical quartz is of a clear grade (JGS1 for deep ultraviolet grade, JGS2 for ultraviolet-visible grade, and JGS3 for infrared grade) to avoid any performance issues caused by grade inconsistencies.

(4) Environmental adaptation parameters

It is essential that the working temperature range, anti-vibration grade and humidity tolerance requirements are clearly outlined. For use in harsh environments, special requirements such as surface passivation and corrosion resistance must be provided.

2. The composition and influencing factors of the customization cycle

The customization cycle of quartz plates is influenced by a number of factors, including the complexity of the parameters and the particularities of the material. The conventional cycles are as follows: For standard civilian-grade bare quartz plates (without coating and high-precision requirements), the cycle time is approximately 7 to 15 days. Special quartz plates with high-precision performance requirements (such as frequency accuracy ±0.01ppm, surface shape λ/10) have a cycle time of approximately 15 to 30 days.

The key factors influencing the cycle are as follows: Firstly, the accuracy of the parameters is crucial. Increased accuracy requirements invariably lead to higher costs in terms of processing and debugging time. Secondly, due to the particular nature of the materials, the material preparation cycle for special-shaped and high-purity materials will increase. The third is additional processes, such as coating and packaging, which will be invoiced separately. Fourthly, the order scale. Bulk orders require scheduling for production, and the cycle is longer than that of small-batch orders.