Glass Rods & Capillaries
ANTGLASS supplies and processes precision glass rods, solid pins, capillary tubes and small-bore glass components for optical, analytical, medical, laboratory and industrial systems. Products can be cut, ground, polished, tapered, grooved or otherwise finished to drawing-based length, diameter, bore, end-face and surface requirements.
What Are Glass Rods & Capillaries?
A glass rod is solid, while a capillary contains a small controlled bore. Rods can serve as spacers, optical guides, stirring elements, supports or dielectric pins. Capillaries transport, meter, contain or sample small volumes and can also support optical and sensor functions. Diameter consistency, bore continuity, concentricity, end quality and cleanliness are central to reliable use.
Available Types, Shapes and Configurations
- Solid borosilicate, quartz or fused silica rods
- Small-bore capillary tubing in cut lengths
- Ground or polished rods with controlled diameter
- Capillaries with polished, beveled, tapered or fire-finished ends
- Short pins, sleeves, spacers and miniature cylindrical parts
- Parts with local grooves, flats, side holes or custom end geometry
Recommended Glass Materials
ANTGLASS selects the material according to optical, thermal, chemical, mechanical, electrical and supply requirements.
Dimensions, Tolerances and Surface Requirements
The drawing should separate functional dimensions from general dimensions. Final tolerances and inspection methods are established from material, thickness, geometry, process sequence and the role of each surface.
| Specification Area | What to Define |
|---|---|
| Material | Grade, family or approved alternatives |
| Geometry | Overall profile, diameter, bore, wall, holes, slots, steps and radii |
| Dimensions | Critical sizes, datums, position and functional tolerance priorities |
| Surfaces | Optical, sealing, bonding, cosmetic and non-critical zones |
| Edges | Seamed, ground, chamfered, beveled, rounded or polished |
| Quality | Flatness, parallelism, concentricity, chips, scratches and cleanliness |
| Delivery | Quantity, first article, inspection records, packing and orientation |
Design Rules
- Define whether outside diameter, bore diameter, flow behavior or optical transmission is the primary function.
- Specify cut, ground, polished, beveled, tapered or rounded end conditions.
- Use a clear axial datum for length, groove and side-feature locations.
- Control bore cleanliness and obstruction criteria for fluidic or analytical use.
- Plan handling and packaging around small diameter, long aspect ratio and fragile end features.
Quality Risks to Control
- Blocked or contaminated bores can change flow and analytical performance.
- Off-center bores can produce uneven walls and weak sections.
- End chips can interfere with sealing, insertion or fluid connections.
- Long slender rods can bow or break during handling and shipping.
- Mixed diameters or orientation can create assembly and traceability errors.
How ANTGLASS Manufactures Glass Rods & Capillaries
ANTGLASS selects rod or capillary stock by material, outside diameter, bore and application. Components are cut with support appropriate to their diameter and wall. Ends can be ground, beveled, lapped, polished or thermally finished where suitable. Outside surfaces can be centerless or cylindrical ground for selected geometries, and grooves, flats, side holes and tapered features can be added. Final cleaning focuses on both exterior surfaces and small internal bores.
Inspection, Cleaning and Packaging
Inspection can cover outside diameter, bore diameter, wall, length, straightness, concentricity, end-face condition, groove position, chips, cracks and cleanliness. Optical inspection verifies bore continuity and obvious obstruction. Parts are counted, separated and packed in sleeves, trays or protected bundles according to diameter and fragility.
Applications of Glass Rods & Capillaries
- Microfluidic, dosing and sampling systems
- Analytical instruments and chromatography interfaces
- Medical and laboratory devices
- Optical guides, supports and sensor assemblies
- Electrical insulation and precision spacing
- Research equipment and prototype mechanisms
Prototype to Volume Production
ANTGLASS supports drawing review, prototypes, first-article inspection and repeat production. The approved material, datum structure, process route and inspection plan are retained so that later orders can be compared with the accepted sample.
Related Products
- Precision Glass Tubes & Cylindrical Components
- Custom-Shaped Precision Glass Parts
- Drilled & Slotted Glass Parts
Related Materials
Related Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Rods & Capillaries
What is the difference between a glass rod and a capillary?
A glass rod is solid. A capillary is a small-bore tube designed to contain, transfer or meter fluid or gas, or to provide a controlled hollow optical or mechanical path.
Which materials are available?
ANTGLASS supplies and processes borosilicate glass, fused quartz and fused silica rods and capillaries. Material selection follows temperature, chemical, optical, dimensional and cost requirements.
Can rod and capillary ends be polished or tapered?
Yes. Depending on the geometry, ends can be cut, ground, beveled, polished, rounded or tapered to support sealing, insertion, optical transmission or handling.
Can custom grooves, flats or side holes be added?
Yes. Local features can be machined when the diameter, wall, bore position and remaining material provide enough support for the selected process.
What information is needed to quote custom glass rods or capillaries?
Provide material, outside diameter, bore diameter for capillaries, length, end condition, straightness or concentricity needs, custom features, cleanliness, quantity and packaging requirements.
Request a Quote for Glass Rods & Capillaries
Send material, outside diameter, bore diameter where applicable, length, tolerances, straightness or concentricity, end style, grooves or side features, optical or fluid function, cleaning requirement, quantity and preferred packaging.