Tungsten has many excellent properties such as high melting point, high density, high recrystallization temperature, good high-temperature conductivity, thermal shock resistance, ablation resistance, etc. However, tungsten has poor room temperature plasticity and the plasticity-brittleness transition temperature is as high as 150~450°C. It is difficult to achieve cutting processing and cold deformation at room temperature, but rhenium has a high melting point, large elastic modulus, no brittle transition temperature, and excellent tensile strength, creep limit, durable strength and thermal shock resistance. Adding rhenium to tungsten, due to the "rhenium effect", the tungsten-rhenium alloy has a series of excellent properties, such as high melting point, high hardness, high strength, high plasticity, high resistivity, high thermoelectric potential value, and high recrystallization temperature , low vapor pressure, low electron work function and low plastic-brittle transition temperature, etc., it is one of the alloys with the best comprehensive properties among tungsten alloys at present. It is used in cutting-edge scientific and technological fields such as aerospace, nuclear industry, electronics industry, and medical treatment. It has broad application prospects.
AEM Metal has long been focusing on the research and development of tungsten-rhenium and molybdenum-rhenium alloy materials. In addition to the high-performance tungsten-rhenium alloy wires that meet the conventional applications in the above-mentioned industries, AEM Metal has also developed tungsten-rhenium that is more technically difficult and has more demanding application scenarios and working conditions. There are many series of alloy rods, plates, pipes, special shapes, etc. to meet the applications of higher-end aerospace, semiconductor, friction stir welding and other industries.
Products Name | Main Type | Main Spec.(mm) |
---|---|---|
WRe Thermocouple Wire | WRe3/25, WRe5/26 | Φ0.1, Φ0.2, Φ0.25, Φ0.3, Φ0.35, Φ0.5 |
WRe Alloy Wire | WRe3%, WRe5%, WRe25%, WRe26% | Φ0.1, Φ0.2, Φ0.25, Φ0.3, Φ0.35, Φ0.5 |
Sheathed WRe Thermocouple | WRe3/25, WRe5/26 | Used in a vacuum, hydrogen, and inert gases with a working temperature range of 0-2300℃ |
WRe Rod/Bar | WRe3%, WRe5%, WRe25%, WRe26% | Φ1-Φ35 |
WRe Alloy Sheet/Plate | WRe3%, WRe5%, WRe25%, WRe26% | 0.2min x (10-350) x 600 max |
WRe Alloy Target | WRe3%, WRe5%, WRe25%, WRe26% | Customized as per requirements |
WRe Alloy Tube |
WRe3%, WRe5%, WRe25%, WRe26% |
W | W-3Re | W-25Re | W-26Re | Re | ||
Melting Point (℃) | 3410 | 3360 | 3100 | 2950 | 3170 | |
Density (g/cm3) | 19.3 | 19.4 | 19.65 | 19.66 | 21.02 | |
Resistivity | 20 ℃ | 5.5 | 9.7 | 27.9 | 29.6 | 19.8 |
(uΩ.cm) | 1000 ℃ | 36.2 | 37.8 | 54.7 | 55.5 | 62.0 |
1500 ℃ | 52 | 53.5 | 68.5 | 70.6 | 82.0 | |
2000 ℃ | 66.0 | 69.0 | 82.0 | 85.0 | 150.0 | |
Microhardness (MPa) | Machined | 3423-3923 | 3923-4325 | 5394-7845 | 5394-7845 | 4903-7845 |
1000 ℃ annealed | 834 | 2844-3040 | 3579-3678 | 3678-3776 | 1412 | |
Tensile Strength (MPa) | Machined | 1950 | 3300 | 2400 | 2410 | 2256-2452 |
1400 ℃ annealed | 1650 | 1750 | 1950 | 1970 | ||
1600 ℃ annealed | 1200 | 1620 | 1810 | 1800 | ||
1800 ℃ annealed | 850 | 1420 | 1600 | 1620 | ||
Elongation (%) | Machined | 1-2 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 2-3 | 1-2 |
1400 ℃ annealed | 1-2 | 2-3 | 15-20 | 15-20 | 20-25 | |
1600 ℃ annealed | 1-2 | 5-10 | 18-22 | 18-22 | 18-20 | |
1800 ℃ annealed | 1-2 | 10-15 | 17-19 | 17-19 | 10-15 | |
Recrystallization Rate | 1100 | 1500 | 1800 | 1780 | 1500 |
Powder Preparation: The first step involves preparing tungsten and copper powders. The powders must meet specific purity and particle size requirements. High-quality raw materials contribute to the alloy's final properties.
Mixing Alloy: Tungsten and Rhenium powders are carefully blended in precise proportions to achieve the desired alloy composition. The blending process is crucial for uniform distribution of the powders.
Compaction: The blended powder mixture is subjected to compaction, where it is pressed into a green compact or preform. Compaction is typically achieved using hydraulic presses, which apply high pressure to form the desired shape.
Sintering: The green compacts undergo sintering, a process where they are heated to high temperatures in a controlled atmosphere, often in a vacuum or inert gas environment. During sintering, the tungsten and rhenium particles bond together, forming a dense, solid mass.
HIP: In some cases, the sintered WRe alloy may undergo hot isostatic pressing (HIP). This additional step involves subjecting the material to high temperature and pressure in a gas pressure vessel to further densify the structure and remove any remaining porosity.
Machining and Processing: The sintered and optionally HIP-treated WRe alloy is machined to achieve the final dimensions and surface finish required for the specific application. Precision machining techniques are employed to ensure tight tolerances and smooth surfaces.
Quality Assurance: Throughout the manufacturing process, rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure the alloy meets specified standards. This includes inspections of raw materials, monitoring of compaction and sintering parameters, and post-production testing to verify mechanical and metallurgical properties.
1. Aerospace high-temperature structural materials: heat shields, rocket nozzle peripheral parts, cone parts, engines or engine parts coatings.
2. The tungsten-rhenium alloy container and UO2 are heated to 2000°C without reaction and are used as crucible materials for refining uranium.
3. Tungsten-rhenium alloy is used in the heating elements and heat shields of high-temperature furnaces, crucibles for evaporating high-purity metals, and springs, screws, nuts, support rods and connecting rods in high-temperature fields.
4. High temperature thermal field components for MOCVD semiconductor equipment: The heating components in MOCVD equipment need to heat up and cool down rapidly, and the operating temperature can reach up to 2000°C. Compared with pure tungsten or potassium tungsten materials, the use of tungsten-rhenium alloy has a longer service life and less frequent replacement, and the equipment production efficiency has also been greatly improved. Tungsten-rhenium alloy wire can also be used as a bracket for the heater because of its good elongation.
5. WRe thermocouple wire: Low-rhenium alloy wire and high-rhenium alloy wire are matched to form a thermocouple for temperature measurement. It has a wide temperature measurement range (0 ~ 2500°C), high thermoelectric potential value, fast response speed, and good corrosion resistance. Therefore, tungsten-rhenium thermocouple wire is widely used in temperature measuring instruments. It is not only used in vacuum, reducing atmospheres and inert atmospheres, but also because its price is much lower than precious metals such as platinum and rhodium. When the temperature measuring sleeve has adequate anti-oxidation measures, in an oxidizing atmosphere, tungsten-rhenium thermocouples can also be used to replace expensive platinum-rhodium thermocouples for temperature measurement.
Tungsten Rhenium (WRe) alloy is a composite material consisting of tungsten (W) and rhenium (Re). It combines the unique properties of both elements to create a high-performance alloy with exceptional strength, ductility, and resistance to extreme temperatures.
WRe alloys exhibit high temperature resistance, excellent mechanical strength, low thermal expansion, and superior thermal conductivity. These properties make them suitable for applications in aerospace, electronics, scientific research, and other industries.
The manufacturing process typically involves blending tungsten and rhenium powders, compacting the mixture, sintering at high temperatures, and optionally subjecting the material to hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for further densification. Precision machining and quality control measures are then applied to produce the final product.
Tungsten and rhenium are stable and non-toxic metals, making WRe alloys environmentally friendly. However, the manufacturing process may involve energy-intensive procedures, and proper disposal of waste materials is essential to minimize environmental impact.
While WRe alloys are generally safe to handle, precautions should be taken when machining or processing the material to avoid exposure to airborne particles or dust. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used as necessary.
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WRe alloys are used in aerospace engineering for rocket nozzles, turbine blades, thrust vector control systems, and thermal protection systems. They are also utilized in electronics, medical devices, energy exploration, and scientific instrumentation.
WRe alloys offer a unique combination of high temperature resistance, mechanical strength, and thermal conductivity. They excel in applications where materials must withstand extreme conditions and maintain performance under stress.
Yes, WRe alloys can be customized by adjusting the composition, microstructure, and processing parameters to meet the requirements of specific applications. This customization ensures optimal performance and reliability in various industries.
The selection of the right WRe alloy depends on factors such as operating temperature, mechanical requirements, and environmental conditions. Consulting with material experts and conducting thorough testing can help determine the most suitable alloy for your specific needs.
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