Tugsten, tantalum, molybdenum, niobium (also known as columbium) and rhenium comprise the primary metals in the class of high temperature alloys known as refractory metals. Calcium and magnesium are each considered a refractory alloy, but to a lesser degree. Refractory metals resist wear and heat better than any other class of metals. For this reason they are used to produce most manufactured goods, especially goods with metal content or electronic components. The manufacture of tools, lubricants, lighting and nuclear reaction control rods is particularly dependant on high temperature alloys. Refractory alloys are also useful for their electrical, chemical and catalytic properties.

Refractory alloys' high heat resistance gives them a high melting point, which requires fabrication through powder metallurgy. Pure metal is reduced to powder form, compacted and heated with an electric current. Refractory metal producers continue to process these metals with cold working and annealing into bars, sheets, foil, wire and ingots.

1. Locate manufacturers of the refractory alloys you need.

2. Purchase from refractory metal suppliers who deal in refractory alloys to suit your industrial application.

3. Consider versatile tantalum capacitor for your product line.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate high temperature alloy manufacturers

Each refractory alloy has its special uses and is therefore important to your clients. Tungsten is used in the manufacture of light bulbs and tantalum is the primary component of electrolytic capacitors. Molybdenum is used to manufacture high strength steel. Niobium is used in stainless steel, welding, and in the nuclear, electronics and optical industries. Rhenium is used in the manufacture of commercial jet engines.

I recommend: Browse the online refractory metals guide at Ed Fagan, Inc., manufacturer and ISO 9001:2000 certified distributor of special metals. Ed Fagan stocks all five primary alloys and ships stock items within 24 hours. They certify their shipments before the products leave the warehouse and require no minimum order. Ed Fagan also provides a locator service for hard-to-find items or items not in stock. Find all refractory alloys at ATI Wah Chang, or have them custom fabricate an alloy to provide you with a specific combination of properties for your specific needs.

Find the refractory metal suppliers with products that suit your business

High temperature alloys are worked through the annealing process where the metal is subjected to a series of hot and cold treatment to refine and soften it for shaping.

I recommend: Purchase any size or shape of high temperature or specialty metal you need from A-1 Alloys. Prefabricated metals are available in grating, tubing, foil and wire mesh. High temperature alloys are in stock and available from Aviation Metals in plate, sheet, rod, bar, tubing, roll and extruded shapes.

Become a reseller of fabricated tantalum capacitors

Tantalum does not react with any other substance, which makes it perhaps the most corrosion-resistant substance around. It also contains the most capacitance per volume of all metals, making it possible to miniaturize circuitry and other electronic components. There is a high industrial demand for tantalum capacitors as they are used in all cell phones and computers.

I recommend: Marsh Electronics, Inc. stocks and distributes solid tantalum high temperature chip capacitors. Marsh's capacitors have a 150 degree Celsius maximum operating temperature with voltage derating of 50%, a 0.33 to 100 microfarads capacitance range and a 10 to 50 voltage range. Solid tantalum capacitors are available for immediate shipping world wide from NTE Electronics.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy from American sources of refractory metals whenever you can. Easily locate domestic production and distribution of molybdenum as the United States is one of the two largest producing countries of this alloy in the world.