Custom Fabrication
of Precision Glass
And Quartz Parts

Here at S&S, we manufacture custom glass parts and quartz parts for dozens of different applications. We refer to ourselves as an “optical company”, but what exactly does that mean? Well, for us it means that we offer high quality glass parts to our customers who need them for any kind of optical use, from windows to lenses to microscope components. Our endless customization abilities allow us to complete projects for businesses in industries that range from aerospace to electronics to laboratory equipment and beyond. We take the title of “optical company” seriously, because we want to be able to meet the needs of any customer that comes to us with a project.

Our design and production process makes use of the state-of-the-art technology and the excellent customer service of our knowledgeable team. Glass prototyping from S&S is a great way for you to test out a product and see for yourself just how well your glass parts will function in their final application before order a large quantity. We like to provide our customers with prototypes so that they can suggest any necessary modifications before we start a large manufacturing run. This way everyone is on the exact same page.

We pride ourselves on the many machining tools and processes that we have access to in our facility. It’s our firm belief that one of the characteristics that makes S&S stand out from competing optical companies is our ability to customize your glass parts with as much detail as you want. Whether you need to have unusual shapes cut or other components integrated, we can find a solution that we can put into motion during the manufacturing stage. We can even take existing parts and modify them to meet new specifications! If you want to add a scratch resistance coating, just ask!

S&S Optical Company Inc. has been in business since 1950. Our long history of quality craftsmanship has made us a trusted leader among optical companies across the US. With an innovative and knowledge-based approach to every project, you can be confident that our work will meet your highest standards.

As you probably know, quartz is used in many different types of jewellery, and it also plays an important functional role in simple electronic devices like wristwatches. Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals to be found in the earth’s crust, and it occurs in several different varieties. Here at S&S Optical, we manufacture quartz parts of a variety of applications. But where does all of the quartz material come from? Well, there are a couple different ways to answer that question. Let’s dig a little deeper.

Quartz material that is intended for commercial use is usually extracted through a mining process. As with precious metal mining operations, the land is carefully studied and surveyed to determine where a greater than normal amount of quartz will be found. Quartz is usually mined by digging without the aid of explosives, since an explosion could destroy the quartz. After the quartz has been mined, it undergoes extensive cleaning to remove any impurities or flaws.

Even though it is a naturally occurring mineral that is abundant, quartz can also be made synthetically in a lab. This method is common because it yields such strong results and avoids the using of a mining operation, which can be both costly and disruptive to the local ecosystem. Quartz that is made in a lab is called cultured quartz, and it is started by taking a small piece of natural quartz on which more quartz crystals can be grown. The small piece of naturally occurring quartz that is used to start this process is called the seed crystal.  After the synthetic quartz crystals are ready, they can even be treated with heat or exposure to gamma-irradiation to give them a different color. The added color may be a good visual compliment if the quartz material is being used in an application where it will be very visible.

If you need quartz materials or parts for your commercial application, contact S&S Optical today. We can answer all of your questions and give you an accurate quote. You can trust our experienced team to provide you with quality service and products.

Glass has always been a very important material in the automotive industry. From windows to headlight lenses to gauge covers, cars have been built with various glass parts for decades now. With so many advances in plastic technology, you might assume that vehicles would be built using less and less glass, but the opposite is true. Although glass is no longer used for headlights or gauges, it’s still used for windows. In fact, many people don’t realize that their glass windshield represents a significant piece of structural support for the frame that will absorb much of the impact in the event of a crash. Glass parts on a vehicle can actually be a safety feature.

As automotive design continues to evolve and new trends emerge, one popular feature that we are beginning to see across many makes and models is a panoramic sunroof or glass roof that covers almost the entire roof of the car. This tinted roofing lets in the light and allows passengers to see the stars at night. These glass roofs usually have a function panel as well so that they can be opened up on warm days. Just a couple weeks ago, the supercar company McLaren released specifications and images of it’s latest model, the 570GT. The roof of the 570GT is made entirely of glass, but it isn’t just any glass. Engineers at McLaren have developed what they call and Electro-Chromic roof. This panoramic glass roof has special electronic integration that allows the driver to adjust the level of the tint based on the intensity of the sun. While the car stands out for many reasons, this is perhaps the most unique feature.

Obviously the average person isn’t going to go out and buy a McLaren, (the retail price is upwards of $200,000) but this innovative use of glass could signal a shift towards more glass in the construction of cars. As is often the case with supercars and concept cars, there may be a trickle down effect that winds up in the design of more common vehicles. It seems that glass is in higher demand among the automotive industry, and it’s likely that this trend will only continue.

Because glass parts are so essential to the automotive industry and many other industries, S&S Optical manufactures high quality custom glass parts for a wide variety of applications. We have over 60 years of experience, so contact us today for more information!