At Heraeus Covantics, we are proud to be a world leading manufacturer of quartz glass and other high-quality materials such as ceramics and composites. Our products and solutions are the foundation of a digitally connected world – from the telecommunications and semiconductor industries to medical applications and specialty optics. With over a century of tradition and a strong focus on innovation, we want to work with you to shape the future and take your business to a new level.
Outstanding materials expertise
Heraeus Covantics combines outstanding materials expertise with state-of-the-art production processes. Our materials scientists research to innovate, developing solutions that better meet your needs and set new industry benchmarks.
High and consistent quality
Our strict quality controls and innovative manufacturing processes guarantee material solutions with consistent parameters – so your processes run efficiently and reliably with consistently high-quality production.
Your reliable partner
In a dynamic market environment, we are at your side with a global network of experts, innovative technologies and customized products you can rely on.
Discover our Milestones of Innovation
For over a century, Heraeus Covantics has epitomized groundbreaking developments in the field of high-purity quartz glass. Our history, characterized by scientific curiosity, technological progress and pioneering innovations, set new standards in a wide range of industries – from optics to telecommunications and space travel. Join us on a journey through time to discover how Heraeus Covantics shaped the world of quartz glass.
1899: The birth of industrial quartz glass
Dr. Richard Küch develops an innovative process for melting high-purity quartz glass in an oxyhydrogen gas blowpipe. This makes bubble-free quartz glass available on an industrial scale for the first time – the cornerstone of a revolutionary class of materials.
1912: Establishment of Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH
The industrial production of quartz glass begins with the establishment of Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH. Initially used for laboratory equipment, the material soon finds applications in optics, temperature measurement and lighting technology.
1949: Quartz glass tubes from the electric drawing furnace
Heraeus produces quartz glass tubes in an electric drawing furnace for the first time. This process enables more precise manufacturing and opens up new possibilities for use, particularly for the later production of glass fibers.
1955: The era of synthetic quartz glass begins
Heraeus sets new standards in purity and UV transparency with the production of synthetic quartz glass. Optical components such as mirrors, lenses in the aerospace industry, and other components use the material.
1969: Heraeus on the Moon
During the Apollo 11 mission, astronauts installed a laser reflector made of Heraeus quartz glass on the Moon. It is still in operation today measuring the precise distance between the Earth and the Moon.
1981–1987: Expansion and new processes
Heraeus begins mass producing quartz glass tubes and develops an innovative large-scale production process for synthetic quartz glass. Production capacity increases with the opening of sites in Buford, Georgia, USA and Kleinostheim, Germany.
1993: Large-scale production in Bitterfeld
After German reunification, Heraeus builds a state-of-the-art facility for synthetic quartz glass in Bitterfeld. The material is widely used in telecommunications, optics and semiconductor applications.
2004–2009: Supporting space research
Heraeus quartz glass contributes to the confirmation of Einstein's theory of relativity and plays a key role in the European Space Agency's Gaia astrometry mission.
2022: Quartz glass in the laser fusion process
For the first time a verified laser fusion process uses Heraeus quartz glass as an active material – a milestone for the future of energy production.
2025: 113 years of Heraeus Quarzglas
More than a century of innovations with an enduring impact on industry and science – and the journey continues.
