Wire heating element

molybdenumtungsten

Overview
Electrical current flows through the heating conductor and produces heat by resistance. These refractory-metal heating conductors are designed for high-temperature furnace applications and are manufactured from molybdenum, tungsten, tantalum, niobium and selected alloys. Configurations and material choices are tailored to achieve low surface loading, uniform temperature distribution and reliable long-term operation at elevated temperatures.

Key advantages

• High radiant heat output
• High temperature resistance
• Low heat capacity for fast thermal response
• Low coefficient of thermal expansion
• Low vapor pressure at elevated temperatures
• Excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance in appropriate atmospheres

Available product forms

• Sheets
• Rods
• Twisted wire
• Bundled wire
• Wire mesh heaters

Materials and ML alloy
Primary materials: molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb) and their alloys. Molybdenum-lanthanum (ML) is a modified molybdenum alloy produced by adding small quantities of La2O3 to stabilize the microstructure and modify recrystallization behavior, improving ductility and creep resistance.

• Higher recrystallization temperature
• Elongated grain structure for increased ductility
• Improved creep resistance

Applications and atmospheres
Suitable for use in a wide range of high-temperature processes: annealing, sintering, coating, MIM, HIP and single-crystal growth. Compatible with protective/process gases such as argon, helium, nitrogen and hydrogen. Refractory metals offer higher thermal conductivity and lower thermal expansion than steel, and retain strength at very high temperatures.

Services and support
Supply options include complete hot zones or spare parts. We offer installation, inspection, maintenance and furnace optimization services, as well as remote diagnostics and technical support to help reduce downtime.

Related products

• Hot zones
• HIP cylinders
• Shieldings for high-temperature furnaces
• Riveted racks
• Rotary tubes
• Annealing and sintering boats
• Furnace components
• Crucibles (formed or pressed/sintered)
• Screws, rivets, nuts

Technical specifications

• Materials: molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), tantalum (Ta), niobium (Nb) and alloys (including ML = molybdenum doped with La2O3)
• Forms: sheets, rods, twisted wire, bundled wire, wire mesh heaters
• High melting points and suitability for furnace applications
• Low thermal expansion coefficient and low heat capacity for dimensional stability
• High thermal conductivity (higher than steel) for efficient heat transfer
• Low vapor pressure at elevated temperatures to minimize material loss
• Compatible atmospheres: argon, helium, nitrogen, hydrogen