Small Glass Tubing Material Comparison: Soda-Lime vs. Borosilicate vs. Quartz

Small Glass Tubing Material Comparison: Soda-Lime vs. Borosilicate vs. Quartz

Small glass tubes are widely used in laboratory, industrial, and optical applications—but not all glass is created equal. The choice of material directly affects thermal resistance, chemical durability, and mechanical strength. Let’s compare the three most common types: soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, and quartz glass.

1. Soda-Lime Glass (Ordinary Glass)

This is the most common and economical type of glass. It’s made from silica, soda, and lime. While soda-lime glass offers good optical clarity, it has low thermal shock resistance and is not suitable for high-temperature environments. It’s often used for decorative tubes, display purposes, or low-cost containers.

2. Borosilicate Glass (High Boron Glass)

Borosilicate glass contains silica and boron trioxide, giving it excellent thermal and chemical resistance. It can withstand temperatures up to 450°C (842°F) and sudden temperature changes without cracking. It’s widely used in laboratories, medical equipment, and chemical processing. Brands like Pyrex are made from borosilicate.

3. Quartz Glass (Fused Silica)

Quartz glass offers the highest performance among the three. It has exceptional thermal stability, tolerating temperatures over 1,000°C (1,832°F). It’s also highly resistant to acids and UV radiation. However, quartz is more expensive and brittle than other types. It’s ideal for semiconductor, optical, and high-purity applications.

Conclusion

Choosing the right small glass tubing depends on your application’s temperature, chemical exposure, and precision requirements. While soda-lime suits basic needs, borosilicate offers a strong balance of performance and price. For extreme conditions, quartz remains the premium choice.