Molybdenum (UNS R03600 / R03610)
Molybdenum is a refractory metal that bridges the gap between high-performance steels and the extreme heat resistance of tungsten. With a melting point of 2,623°C, it is one of the most stable elements available for high-vacuum and high-temperature industrial processes. Beyond its heat resistance, Molybdenum is highly valued for its low coefficient of thermal expansion and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
At Aries Alloys, we supply Molybdenum to the aerospace, glass, and semiconductor industries. It is the go-to material for components that must operate in environments where standard alloys would simply lose their shape or structural integrity.
Key Performance Benefits
- High Melting Point: Remains solid and structurally sound at temperatures far exceeding the limits of nickel or iron-based alloys.
- Exceptional Thermal Conductivity: Efficiently moves heat, making it ideal for heat sinks and high-temperature heating elements.
- Low Thermal Expansion: Its dimensional stability at high temperatures makes it perfect for glass-to-metal seals and precision aerospace parts.
- Corrosion Resistance: Particularly resistant to molten glass and liquid metals (such as bismuth or lithium), making it indispensable in specialized manufacturing.
- Rigidity: Boasts a high modulus of elasticity, ensuring minimal deformation under heavy mechanical stress.
Technical Profile & Composition
The Refractory Specialist:
Molybdenum has a density of 10.2 g/cm^3, making it significantly lighter than tungsten while still offering elite heat performance. It is most commonly used in its pure form (99.95%+), but at Aries Alloys, we also provide specialized alloys like TZM (Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum), which offers even higher strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
Mechanical & Physical Data:
- Melting Point: 4753°F (2623°C)
- Density: 10.22 g/cm^3
- Thermal Conductivity: 138 W/m·K
- Vapor Pressure: Extremely low, which is critical for maintaining vacuum integrity in high-heat furnaces.
Primary Industrial Use Cases
Aries Alloys sources Molybdenum for high-precision, high-heat sectors:
- Glass Manufacturing: Electrodes for glass melting furnaces and stirrers for molten glass.
- Vacuum Furnaces: Heating elements, radiation shields, hearth supports, and charging carriers.
- Aerospace & Defense: Rocket engine nozzles, jet engine components, and heat-resistant structural parts.
- Electronics & Semiconductors: Sputtering targets for thin-film coating, power semiconductor heat sinks, and ion implantation parts.
- Medical Technology: Rotating X-ray anodes and radiation shielding for diagnostic equipment.
Product Availability at Aries Alloys
- Round Bars & Rods: Precision rods for machining furnace fasteners and glass-melting electrodes.
- Sheets & Plates: Durable flat products for radiation shields and furnace liners.
- Wire: Fine wire for lighting filaments, heating elements, and mandrels.
- TZM Alloy: High-strength variations for applications requiring superior creep resistance.
- Crucibles: Custom-shaped containers for high-purity melting and chemical reactions.