Introducing a breakthrough in sealing technology – Glass Ceramic Seal. Specially developed to make joining titanium and Kovar parts in electrical connectors easier and more reliable, this innovation uses a unique glass-ceramic material that works at lower temperatures. The result is consistent, leak-proof seals that help manufacturers save time, reduce costs, and deliver dependable performance in even the most demanding sectors, from aerospace to healthcare.

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Background

Traditional methods for sealing titanium and Kovar components require extremely high temperatures – often around 1000°C. This not only risks damaging sensitive materials but also slows down production and increases the likelihood of rejected parts. Consistently achieving leak-proof seals has been a persistent challenge, especially where safety and performance are critical.

This new solution was created to address these issues head-on. By enabling seals to be formed at 800°C, this technology makes the process faster, more cost-effective, and more reliable. It fills a crucial gap for manufacturers who need rugged, high-quality connectors – especially when working with titanium, which has historically been difficult to seal using conventional techniques.

The solution

Developed by materials scientists at AWE, this solution centres on a new glass-ceramic material, SRBAL-B. Designed specifically for electrical connectors, SRBAL-B forms strong, hermetic seals at lower temperatures. The material can be shaped into various forms and processed reliably at 800°C, streamlining manufacturing and ensuring consistent quality.

By moving away from high-heat, complex processes, manufacturers can now produce connectors that are not only robust but also more scalable and cost-efficient – solving the problems of unreliable seals and high production costs for titanium-based components.

These advantages directly address the shortcomings of older sealing methods, making it easier, faster, and more cost-effective to produce high-quality titanium connectors for challenging applications.

Key benefits

  • Lower Processing Temperature: Seals are formed at 800°C, reducing energy consumption, speeding up production, and cutting costs compared to traditional 1000°C methods.
  • Consistent Leak-Proof Performance: Achieves hermetic seals with helium leak rates below 1 × 10⁻⁹ mbar·L·s⁻¹, ensuring safety and reliability in critical environments.
  • Optimised for Titanium: The material’s thermal expansion is matched to Ti-6Al-4V and Kovar, minimising stress and enhancing long-term durability.
  • Flexible Manufacturing: Powdered glass can be shaped for custom connector designs and multi-pin configurations.
  • Higher Yields: Lower temperatures and improved bonding mean fewer faulty parts and greater reliability.

This technology is exclusively available for licensing from Ploughshare.

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Potential applications

Glass Ceramic Seal is ideal for any industry requiring robust, leak-proof electrical connectors – especially where conditions are harsh or safety is paramount.

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Civilian applications

  • Medical Implants: Ensures long-term reliability in devices implanted in the body, reducing the need for replacements or surgeries.
  • Clean Energy Systems: Supports performance and safety in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), advancing greener energy solutions.
  • Aerospace & Motorsport: Perfect for aircraft and high-performance vehicles, where vibration, heat, and pressure demand the highest standards.

Military applications

  • Detonators & Secure Electronics: Provides dependable sealing for sensitive equipment, reducing mission-critical risks.
  • Field-Deployable Systems: Durable and easy to manufacture, making it suitable for rapid deployment and maintenance in tough environments.
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Environmental applications

  • Oil and Gas Exploration: Withstands extreme drilling conditions, helping prevent leaks and reduce environmental risks.
  • Sustainable Manufacturing: Lower production temperatures mean reduced energy use and carbon emissions.

Speak to us about licensing

If you would like to discuss this technology or collaboration opportunities with our team, please get in touch below.

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