CNC Deburring Kovar

VT machining provides CNC Deburring Kovar for customers who need accurate, repeatable Kovar components. Because Kovar is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals, we adapt the process to suit — controlling the variables that matter for this alloy.

CNC Deburring Kovar at VT machining
CNC Deburring Kovar — produced in-house at VT machining

CNC Deburring Capability for Kovar

  • Edge-break control
  • Burr-free edges
  • Consistent radius
  • High-volume capable

Kovar Material Data

Kovar — typical properties, quoted for Kovar (ASTM F15)
Density8.36 g/cm³
Tensile strength517 MPa
Yield strength (0.2%)340 MPa
Hardness140–160 HV
Melting point1450 °C
Thermal conductivity17.3 W/m·K
Thermal expansion5.1 (30–200 °C) ×10⁻⁶/K
Electrical conductivity3.5%
Machinability (C36000 = 100%)35%
Grades we runKovar / ASTM F15, Alloy 42, Alloy 52

Published typical values for Kovar (ASTM F15). Other grades in the family differ — the certificate supplied with your order carries the actual heat-lot figures.

Machining Kovar — what actually causes trouble

Sealing surfaces must stay clean. Parts destined for glass-to-metal seals are degreased and handled without bare hands after final machining.

How CNC Deburring Kovar Works

Abrasive media or tooling refine the Kovar surface in controlled stages, removing the previous step's marks until the target roughness and edge condition are reached.

We start from your supplied geometry and tolerance scheme. The setup is designed to minimise re-clamping, which protects positional accuracy across features. A first article is verified against the drawing before the balance of the batch is released.

Achievable Tolerances for CNC Deburring Kovar

CNC Deburring Kovar — achievable tolerances
FeatureStandardPrecision
Surface roughnessRa 0.8 µmRa 0.05 µm
Edge break0.1–0.3 mm0.05 ±0.02 mm
Material removed0.02 mm0.005 mm
Bore roundness after honing0.005 mm0.002 mm
Cross-hatch angle45° ±10°45° ±5°
Cosmetic gradeuniform satinmirror, no visible lines
Masking of datum faceson requeststandard

Standard is what a normal quotation assumes. Precision is available on nominated features and is priced separately, because it needs extra setups, in-process gauging and CMM verification. Call out only the features that need it — blanket-tightening a drawing is the single most common reason a quote comes back expensive.

Working with Kovar

Kovar is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals. We translate those properties into a process plan: the right tooling, speeds, feeds and fixturing for the alloy.

Where the grade, temper or heat-treat condition matters to performance, we confirm it with you and can supply material certificates. Material is procured to recognised standards for consistent, repeatable results.

Secondary Operations & Finishing

Most Kovar parts need some finishing, which we manage in-house or through vetted partners. Options include deburring and edge-breaking, heat treatment, surface grinding, polishing, and plating or anodising for corrosion resistance and appearance. Give us the finished-part requirement and we will sequence every operation correctly.

Design Tips for CNC Deburring Kovar

Small design adjustments often cut cost and lead time. Telling us the target Ra, the cosmetic faces and any masking needs lets us finish Kovar efficiently without over-processing. If you send your model early, we will return practical DFM feedback before you commit to production.

CNC Deburring Quality & Inspection

Quality is built in, not inspected on. We monitor key features during the run and confirm them at final inspection, with CMM verification available for tight tolerances. We provide the inspection and traceability records your quality system requires.

CNC Deburring Tolerances & Surface Finish

Finishing brings Kovar to a defined roughness target — from a uniform satin to Ra values as low as 0.05 µm — with controlled, repeatable edge breaks.

The tightest tolerances are reserved for the features your drawing flags as critical. Share your tolerance scheme and we will confirm what is realistic before quoting.

Applications of CNC Deburring Kovar

Kovar parts made this way are found throughout aerospace, medical, automotive, electronics and industrial equipment. Prototype, bridge and production volumes are all welcome.

How to Order CNC Deburring Kovar

Starting your project takes one email. Send your CAD or 2D drawing, the Kovar grade and condition, the quantity and any finish or inspection requirements. We respond quickly with price, lead time and any DFM notes, in clear English.

Parts We Have Run in Kovar

Three representative CNC Deburring Kovar jobs, with the callouts that actually drove the process plan. Yours will differ — these are here so you can judge whether your part is in our range before you spend time on an RFQ.

Sealing face

Material
Kovar
Size
Ø60 mm face
Key callouts
Ra 0.2 µm, flatness 0.005 mm
Batch
1,000 pcs

Lapped after grinding; the seal spec is a roughness number, not a dimension.

Mirror-polished insert

Material
Kovar
Size
80 × 50 mm cavity
Key callouts
Ra 0.05 µm, SPI A2
Batch
60 pcs

Polished in five abrasive stages; skipping one leaves scratches the next cannot remove.

Passivated stainless fitting

Material
Kovar
Size
Ø18 × 40 mm
Key callouts
ASTM A967 citric passivation, no free iron
Batch
5,000 pcs

Passivated after all machining, then tested with a copper sulphate check.

Finishing Options for Kovar

Finishing options available with this material
FinishThickness / effectWhy it gets specified
Deburr / edge break0.05–0.3 mmAll parts unless the drawing says otherwise
Bead blastRa 1.6–3.2 µmUniform matt finish, hides tool marks
Laser markingPart number, lot code, data matrix
Free — no sign-up

No drawing yet? Build one in the browser.

Set the metal, dimensions and features, watch the 3D model update as you type, then switch to the 2D sheet to add dimensions and tolerances. Download it or send it straight to us with your RFQ.

Open the 3D + 2D Builder

What We Need to Quote CNC Deburring Kovar

  • GeometrySTEP or IGES for the 3D model, plus a PDF drawing if you have tolerance callouts. A dimensioned sketch is enough to start.
  • MaterialThe exact Kovar grade and condition — temper, heat-treat state or hardness. If you are not sure, tell us the function and we will suggest one.
  • QuantityPrototype count and the expected annual volume. Both change how the part is made and therefore what it costs.
  • TolerancesWhich features are critical. Everything else runs to our standard tolerance, which is what keeps the price sensible.
  • FinishSurface treatment, cosmetic requirements, and any faces that must be masked.
  • DocumentsWhether you need a material certificate, dimensional report, FAIR or PPAP with the shipment.

Missing something from the list is not a problem — send what you have. We will come back with the specific questions rather than a generic form.

Other Metals for CNC Deburring

Other Processes for Kovar

Send the drawing, the Kovar grade and the quantity. You get pricing, lead time and any DFM notes back — usually within one business day.

Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CNC Deburring Kovar require dedicated tooling?

Most Kovar finishing work uses standard cutting tools and CNC programs; dedicated fixtures are made only when geometry or volume requires them.

What is the typical lead time and minimum order for CNC Deburring Kovar?

CNC Deburring prototypes for Kovar can be produced quickly and scaled to series production. Send your drawing and quantity and we will advise lead time and any minimum order.

Why is Kovar a good choice for CNC Deburring?

Kovar is matched thermal expansion for glass/ceramic seals, which makes it well suited to CNC Deburring. We tune the process to the alloy so the finished Kovar finishing part meets your dimensional and functional requirements.

What surface finish is achievable on Kovar with CNC Deburring?

Our finishing processes refine Kovar surfaces to Ra values as low as 0.05 µm for cosmetic or sealing faces.