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Refractory Alloy Button Ingot

Updated: 2026-07-15

Overview

Refractory alloy button ingots are compact, disc-shaped metal products designed for high-performance industrial applications. These specialized materials are typically composed of tungsten, molybdenum, or their alloys with rhenium or tantalum, prized for maintaining structural integrity at temperatures exceeding 2,000°C. Manufactured through powder metallurgy or vacuum arc melting processes, these ingots serve as raw material for producing critical components in extreme environments. Their standardized button shape ensures consistent melting characteristics and convenient handling in laboratory and production settings.

Physical and Chemical Properties

These alloys exhibit exceptional thermal properties, including melting points above 3,000°C for pure tungsten formulations. Their low coefficient of thermal expansion (4-6 μm/m·K) prevents deformation under thermal cycling, while densities range from 10 g/cm³ (molybdenum-based) to 19.3 g/cm³ (pure tungsten). Chemically, they demonstrate remarkable inertness, resisting attack from molten metals and corrosive gases. Electrical resistivity varies from 5-15 μΩ·cm at room temperature, with thermal conductivity values between 100-200 W/m·K, making them suitable for both conductive and insulating applications.

Main Applications

In aerospace, these ingots are melted to create rocket nozzle liners and turbine blade coatings. The semiconductor industry uses them as evaporation sources for physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes, particularly for coating silicon wafers. Metallurgical applications include grain refinement additives in superalloy production and crucibles for molten metal handling. Emerging uses include X-ray targets and radiation shielding components, leveraging their high atomic numbers and density.

Safety and Storage

While stable in solid form, grinding or machining produces inhalable dust requiring NIOSH-approved respirators. Store in sealed containers with desiccants to prevent surface oxidation, particularly for powdered byproducts. Thermal handling requires ceramic-tipped tongs or vacuum manipulators, as the ingots retain heat exceptionally well. Emergency protocols should address potential metal fume exposure during high-temperature processing operations.

B2B Procurement Guide

Specify alloy composition (e.g., W-5Re, Mo-30W) and required certifications (ASTM B760, AMS 7725). Critical parameters include oxygen content (<500 ppm for electronic applications) and trace element analysis. Consider suppliers with vacuum arc remelting (VAR) capabilities for high-purity requirements. Minimum order quantities typically range 1-5 kg for specialty alloys, with lead times of 4-8 weeks for custom formulations. Request material test reports (MTRs) with each batch.

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