The international technology group Schott has developed Nextrema glass-ceramic for high-temperature applications.

The material is suitable for use in saunas, outdoor heaters, industrial drying systems, and stable heating.

It is already featured as a component in infrared radiant heaters in the areas of health and wellness, outdoor heating, and industrial drying.

The glass-ceramic can be used as a cover for infrared radiant heaters in saunas. While conventional radiant heaters often emit a harsh bright light, covers made from translucent or tinted Nextrema glass-ceramic transform the glare of the heater into a pleasant glow, with little heat loss.

Schott’s glass-ceramic also offers benefits when used in heater applications that heat terraces, winter gardens, and other private and public outdoor spaces.

Thanks to its six different transmission types, this high-tech glass-ceramic opens up new aesthetic and technical design possibilities for manufacturers.

This high-performance product is known for very high transmittance of infrared radiation in the short- and medium-wave infrared ranges.

In addition, it is heat resistant up to 950 degrees Celsius and resists thermal shock up to 800 degrees Celsius. These features, in combination with its high mechanical strength, considerably reduce the risk of a material failure in the radiator during operation.

“The broad Nextrema material portfolio includes six different types of glass-ceramic and a thickness range of 2 to 8 mm,” said Andy Rinaldi, product manager for Schott Nextrema.

“Due to the broad range of sheet sizes and colors, SCHOTT can work with customers throughout the product development process to create tailored solutions that meet their specific application requirements.”

Manufacturers also have additional design options: They can use opaque Nextrema sheets to create dark radiators that reduce heating time compared to conventional models without glass-ceramic.